Classroom Boating Courses
Any boating course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) meets the requirement for Ohio's mandatory boater education law. NASBLA approves courses for a three-year period. If you have any question about the approval of a course, the NASBLA website (www.nasbla.org) lists all of the courses it approves.
Many states have reciprocal agreements concerning boater education: The State of Ohio certificate is accepted in most every other state as proof of boater education.
Courses are offered by various organization, including ODNR, US Power Squadrons, US Coast Guard Auxiliaries, and local Parks & Rec departments. Classes can range from 8 hours in one day to 2 hours once a week for 13 weeks. Course fees vary but preregistration is required in most all cases.
To receive a State of Ohio Certificate of Proof (a wallet-size plastic card you can carry with you while you boat), your instructor must send the ODNR Division of Watercraft your personal information and test score. Only passing scores receive cards. Once you have your card, if you need a replacement, you should contact the Division of Watercraft directly.
The following five classroom boating courses are NASBLA approved and are the most popular classroom courses in Ohio.
- America's Boating Course - Taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries and U.S. Power Squadrons
- Boating Safely - Taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries
- Boating Skills and Seamanship Course - Taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries
- Boat Smart - Taught by U.S. Power Squadrons
- Squadron Boating Course - Taught by U.S. Power Squadrons
- Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) - Taught by ODNR staff, volunteers, grant recipients, and independent instructors.
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