Louisiana requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF). The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1988; older boaters do not require the card.

There are some restrictions on the age of boat operators. If you are under 13 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card 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

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

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Louisiana DWF, 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. Four classroom options offered by the Louisiana DWF, U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons and the New Orleans Power Squadron.
   • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary charges a fee of $15 for materials.
   • Contact Jim Kuemmel to pre-register and request study material for classes offered by the New Orleans Power Squadron.
   • The Louisiana DWF offers classes divided by regions. Most range from six to eight hours in duration.
   • To pass the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. One approved online option offered by Boat Louisiana.
5. This course may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
6. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a proctored exam. Offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons, once you contact them for the study material, a USPS representative will schedule a test date and time for you.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact Capt. Robbie Duthu at (225) 765-2984 or Capt. Ronald Morris at (225) 765-2982 with proof of course completion, name, address and date of birth. 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 Louisiana, 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 Boater Education Handbook.
• See how to register your boat in Louisiana.
• Check the contact information of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries by topic.