Tennessee requires a Boater Education Certificate for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The certificate is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1989; older boaters do not require the card.

There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 12 years of age, you may not operate a powered boat unless under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. If you are over 12, you must have your Boater Education Card onboard.

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% 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 similar 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

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Certificate you must complete a boater education course approved by the TWRA, or pass an approved equivalency test. Those born after January 1, 1989 are not allowed to take online exams and have to take a TWRA monitored exam. They must purchase a Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit for $10 from any license agent and take the exam at the specified locations.

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. The classroom options offered by TWRA, the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S Power Squadrons and Music City Power Squadron.
2. The course duration is a minimum of eight hours.
3. To pass the course, you must get 80% of the answers right on the exam administered at the end of the course.
4. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
5. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
6. Approved online options offered by Boat Tennessee and Boater Exam Tennessee.
7. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
8. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
9. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 45 days.

   3. The option of studying at home using Boat Tennessee course for the exam.

RENEWAL

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

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, you may purchase a Type 605 license from a license agent for $5. The replacement license will be mailed to you within 15 days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Tennessee, 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 and the Tennessee Boating Guide.
• See how to register your boat in Tennessee.
• Check the contact information of TWRA.