Mandatory Education

This table is a summary of state mandatory education laws.  The dates reflect the born on or after date of the boat operator which is covered by the requirement.  All information is believed current as of 01/01/2016.  Check directly with the state boating authority for most up-to-date information.
 
State Education Required: Born on or after date All Powerboat Operators (Many defined by Horsepower Limits) Personal Watercraft (PWC) Education Required Education Required: Certain Ages Only No Boating Education Required
Alabama   Operator License Required      
Alaska        
American Samoa      
 
Arizona        
Arkansas  1/1/86        
California  In effect 1/1/18        
Colorado      
 
Connecticut  

All Ages		    
Delaware  1/1/78        
District of Columbia  
     
Florida 1/1/88        
Georgia  1/1/98        
Guam        
Hawaii In effect 11/10/14  
All Ages		    
Idaho     Rentals Only    
Illinois  1/1/98        
Indiana   Motor vehicle license required  
 
Iowa      
 
Kansas      
 
Kentucky      
 
Louisiana  1/1/84        
Maine     
   
Maryland  7/1/72        
Massachusetts      
 
Michigan  7/1/96        
Minnesota      
 
Mississippi  6/30/80        
Missouri 1/1/84        
Montana      
 
Nebraska  12/31/85        
Nevada 1/1/83        
New Hampshire  
     
New Jersey  
     
New Mexico  1/1/89        
New York 5/1/96   All Ages    
North Carolina 1/1/88        
North Dakota      
 
N Mariana Islands        
Ohio  1/1/82        
Oklahoma      
 
Oregon  
     
Pennsylvania 1/1/82  

All Ages

    
Puerto Rico 7/1/72        
Rhode Island 1/1/86   All Ages    
South Carolina      
 
South Dakota        
Tennessee  1/1/89        
Texas  9/1/93        
Utah    
   
Vermont 1/1/74        
Virginia  
     
Virgin Islands    
   
Washington  
     
West Virginia  12/31/86        
Wisconsin  1/1/89        
Wyoming