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How to Apply For a Boating License in Delaware

Updated on Fri, 6/3/2011

Delaware requires a Boater Safety Education certificate for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the certificate is the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The certificate is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1978; older boaters do not require the card.

There is a restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 14 years of age, you cannot operate a personal vessel. If you are between the ages of 14 and 16 years, you must have your Boater Safety Education certificate onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult.

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

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

  • Boat operators possessing a valid boaters' license issued by the U.S Coast Guard or the Canadian Government.
  • Boat operates holding a valid Delaware River and Bay Pilot's License

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Safety Education Certificate, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, or pass an approved equivalency test. 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 card:
  1. Gallery/classesfor2008bs.pdf Classroom options offered by the State of Delaware, US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Delaware Technical & Community College.
  2. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete.
  3. Contact Sergeant Greg Rhodes or Jessica Rondeck at (302) 739-9915 to ask for the class schedule and pre-register. There is a $10 fee for individual testing and $25 for families for the State courses.
  4. To attend two-night classes organized monthly by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Nancy Otto at (302) 697-6188 to check the class schedule and pre-register. There is a $35 fee for adults and $20 for youth under 17, who must be accompanied by an adult.
  5. Charter Captain Courses are held by the Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown. These are 12-week courses held one night a week, and start on the first Tuesday of every February and September. Contact Captain Ken Daniel or Captain Bill Tyndall at (410) 228-0674 or (410) 943-8133 to pre-register.
  6. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you.
  7. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
  8. Three approved online options offered by Boat Ed, Boater Exam and Boat Course.
  9. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
  10. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
  11. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
Note: Delaware's Division of Fish and Wildlife also holds boat education courses for preschoolers and all age levels from Grades K to 12.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact Sergeant Greg Rhodes at (302) 739-9915 or toll free at 1 (800) 464-4357 or contact him by email at Gregory.Rhodes@state.de.us. Replacement is free. 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware.
  • Check the contact information of Delaware's Division of Fish and Wildlife.