← Ohio boating laws›Boater Education Card

Ohio Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Ohio requires boaters born on or after Jan 1, 1982 to complete an approved boating course or proficiency exam to operate a boat powered by more than 10 hp.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

Boating rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: ohiodnr.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Ohio

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IndianaConditional
In Indiana, an operator of a motorboat over 10 hp must have a valid driver's license, or be at least 15 and have passed a Boater Education Course with a BMV-issued ID card (IC 14-15-11).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: faqs.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
KentuckyConditional
In Kentucky, those 12-17 may operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp only if they passed an approved boating safety course and carry the certificate, or are accompanied by a person 18 or older.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganConditional
Michigan requires boaters born on or after July 1, 1996 to have a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat, and it must be on board.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1982 operating a boat over 25 hp, and for all PWC operators regardless of age.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia requires anyone born on or after Dec 31, 1986 to obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a motorboat or PWC.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Ohio boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.