North Dakota requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The card is mandatory for all boat operators above 12 years.

Boaters below the age of 12 are not allowed to operate a watercraft unless accompanied by a person who is 18 years or older. Those between 12 and 15 years are required to complete the Boat North Dakota course to be able to operate a boat with a 10 Horsepower motor. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 are required to take the Kids in Boats course to learn safe boating practices and the dangers of hypothermia.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. If the legal limit of alcohol content, drug or a combination of the two is found to be greater than 0.10 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.
• Operators renting a motorboat for 30 days or lesser. The boat rental company must instruct such operators on how to operate the boat safely and give them a summary of the boating law.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the state of North Dakota, 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. Classroom options offered by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
   • The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
   • The courses taught by the State are usually free.
   • To pass the 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. Approved online options are offered by Boat North Dakota and Boater Exam North Dakota.
5. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
6. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 10 days.
7. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a proctored exam. The Boat North Dakota course is free of charge and can be ordered by mail from Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or by contacting 701-328-6312.
8. More information about Kids in Boats can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offices in Bismarck (701-255-0015), Jamestown (701-252-7666), Valley City (701-845-2970), Fargo (701-232-1984), and Riverdale (701-654-7411) or from North Dakota Safety Council, Inc. (701-223-6372 or 1-800-932-8890).

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, complete the online request form with your email address and telephone number. The duplicate card will be mailed to you in 7-10 days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in North Dakota, 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 New Mexico.
• Check the contact information of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.