There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 14 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult; over 17 years of age, while operating a boat propelled by a motor of 10 HP or more. While operating a personal watercraft, you must have a person above the age of 21 along with you to supervise and help in an emergency.

The laws also require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for operators 21 and above and is 0.02% for those under 21 years of age. If arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of similar convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

Boat operators possessing a valid boating education certificate from another state that is issued by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) are exempt from the above requirements.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card or boater education course certificate, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). You can also obtain the card from another state if it is issued by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), to sail your boat in Arkansas.

In an approved course conducted by the Arkansas Boating Education Course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience. You must carry the card or certificate when you are sailing your boat in Arkansas.

There are three approved ways you can complete the course and obtain an Arkansas Boating Education Card or Certificate:

1. The classroom option administered by the AGFC can be taken for a full day on Saturday or can be completed over three or four days.
2. You can take the AGFC approved Boat Arkansas course online from your home.
3. You can take the exam online after you have studied the Boat Arkansas course material and taken a practice test.
4. There is a fee of $15 for the test.
   • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
5. The Boater Education Card is sent by mail.
6. You can also complete the AGFC approved Boat Arkansas course through a home-study video or DVD course.
7. You can take the exam online after you have studied the Boat Arkansas course material and taken a practice test.
8. There is a fee of $15 for the test.
   • To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
9. The Boater Education Card is sent by mail.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, you can download the Documents Boating Education Card Replacement Form and fill it with the required information (including date of birth and name as mentioned on the original card) and mail it along with a check or money order for $5 to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at:

Education & Outreach Division
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205    

You may also get the replacement card in person from the office in Little Rock.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Arkansas, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
• See how to register your boat in Arkansas.
• Check the contact information of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.