Colorado requires a Boater Safety Certificate for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Colorado State Parks. The certificate is mandatory for all boat operators 14 years and older.

You cannot operate a boat in Colorado if you are under 14 years of age. If you are 14 or 15 years of age, you must have passed your safety education course and have your Boater Safety Certificate onboard.

The boating laws of the state 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% and 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 such convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard are exempt from the above requirements.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Safety Certificate, you must complete a boater safety course approved by the Colorado State Parks.

In an approved 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.

There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the certificate:

1. Self-study by ordering a safety manual and passing a proctored exam. You can order the manual from Colorado State Parks by calling (303) 791-1954 or sending an email to boating.safety@state.co.us.
   • You will need to include name, address, contact phone number and if you need for than one manual.
   • Once you have studied the manual, attend a review session organized by Colorado's State Parks. For scheduling a session, call (303) 791-1954 or email boating.safety@state.co.us. Include name, address, date of birth and which session you would like to attend. The schedule of classes offered can be downloaded here.
   • You need to score 70 percent on the test to pass.
   • Bring along a 1-by-1 inch photograph for the operator card.
   • The boat operator card will be issued the card after you pass the test.
   • There is a $15 fee for the certification.
2. Two approved online options offered by BoatEd, Boater Exam
3. These courses allow you to go through the material online at your own pace.
4. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
5. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.

Note: For youth under the age of 16, only the state-proctored exam is valid for obtaining a boat safety certificate.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact Boating Program Coordinator Kris Wahlers at (303) 791-1954 or email boating.safety@state.co.us. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Colorado, 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 Colorado.
• Check the contact information of Colorado State Parks.