Boating Safety - DNREC

Boating Safety - DNREC
Divisions
Office of the Secretary
Div. of Climate, Coastal and Energy
Div. of Air Quality
Div. of Water
Div. of Waste and Hazardous Substances
Div. of Fish and Wildlife
Div. of Parks and Recreation
Div. of Watershed Stewardship
About DNREC
DNREC Divisions
Boards and Councils
Vision and Mission
Delaware Coastal Cleanup
Environmental Justice at DNREC
Civil Rights and DNREC
Work for DNREC!
Internships with DNREC
Natural Resources Police
Topics of Interest
Open Data
Online Apps
E-Mail Lists
Coastal Zone Act
Admin. Law
Regulatory Development
Regulations
Environmental Permitting
DNREC Permit Fees
Secretary’s Orders
Public Notices
Public Meetings
Public Hearings
Environmental Appeals Board
Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board
FOIA Requests
DNREC News
Newsroom
Meetings and Events
Outdoor Delaware
Brand and Logo
Social Media
Digital Newsletter
Be the First to Know
DNREC Menu
Listen
Fish and Wildlife
I’m an Angler
Recreational Fishing
Buy a Fishing Licensing
Delaware Fishing Report
Delaware Fishing Guide
Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts
Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Family Fishing Programs
Freshwater Fishing Ponds
Sport Fishing Tournament
Freshwater Trout Fishing
Gamefish and Freshwater Fishing Restrictions
Largemouth Bass Tournaments
Boating or Fishing Event Application
Fish Consumption Advisories
I’m a Hunter
Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide
Hunting in Delaware
Delaware’s White-Tailed Deer
Trapping and Furbearers
Wild Turkey Hunting
Buy a Hunting License
Conservation Access Pass
Wildlife Area Maps and Regulations
Hunter Education
Hunter Education Training Centers and Ranges
Delaware Hunters Against Hunger
Operation Game Theft
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
I’m a Boater
Boating Safety
Boating Registration
Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Boating or Fishing Event Application
Conserving Wildlife
Conservation Programs
Wildlife Action Plan
Plants and Plant Communities
Wild Turkeys
Bats in Delaware
Beach-Nesting Birds
Delaware Shorebirds
Peregrine Falcons
Delaware Hawk Watch
American Barn Owls
American Kestrels
Osprey
When Wildlife Cause Problems
Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife
Private Lands Assistance
Managing Fisheries
The Fisheries Section
Recreational Fishing
Licensing and Regulations
Research and Monitoring
Commercial Fishing
Artificial Reef Program
Shellfish Aquaculture
Invasive Aquatic Species
Aquatic Plants and Herbicides
Resources for Delaware Pond Owners
A Guide for Shoreline Residents
Fish Consumption Advisories
Mosquitos and Ticks
Mosquito Control
Mosquito Spraying
Tick Program
Wetland Management and Restoration
Law Enforcement
Natural Resources Police Fish and Wildlife Unit
Natural Resources Police Recruitment
Operation Game Theft
Delaware Natural Resources Police 411
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Boating or Fishing Event Application
Education & Outreach
Education and Outreach Programs
For Grades K Through 12
DuPont Nature Center
Aquatic Resource Education Center
Training Centers and Ranges
The DNREC Office of Boating Safety and Education’s mission is to develop individual awareness, skills, commitment to safe responsible behavior, and constructive actions in safe boating. The goal for students is to be aware of state laws regarding safety violations and how to prevent them from happening while still enjoying Delaware’s waterways.
Complete a Float Plan
Boating Accident Report Form
Persons born on or after January 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat, including personal watercraft, on Delaware waters.
The Office of Boating Safety and Education is dedicated to teaching boating safety to residents and visitors — both
children
and adults. It has forged partnerships with organizations such as the
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
, the
United States Power Squadrons
, the
Delaware Safety Council
and several others to help educate the public to keep Delaware’s waterways safe and clean.
To learn more about boater education in Delaware, contact Capt. Joshua Hudson, at
joshua.hudson@delaware.gov
or 302-739-9915.
Boating Safety Handbook
The
Handbook of Delaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities
, developed for the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police, provides an introduction to Delaware laws governing boating and provides general information about safe vessel operation.
Basic Boating Safety Course
Course Schedule
April 25, 2026, in Lewes
June 6, 2026, in Dagsboro
See
Full Schedule
Related Links
Boating For Kids
Boating Safety in State Code
State Law on Boating Under the Influence
Boating Regulations
US Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics
The Basic Boating Safety Course covers a range of important topics. These include the rules of the waterways, distinguishing navigational aids and water depths, and speed limits for appropriate waterways. It covers understanding weather systems to have a safe boating experience and basic skills, including engine mechanics.
The course includes state laws and regulations, as well as required equipment, and what to do if an officer stops your vessel. The Basic Boating Safety Course has a section on the dangers of boating under the influence.
The course teaches users how to keep their vessels comfortable and safe in all types of waves, seas, weather and conditions, and how and when to use a marine VHF radio if needed.
Most importantly the course emphasizes common sense and general courtesy to all boaters and personal water craft riders.
This Basic Boating Safety Course meets the requirement for mandatory boating education.
Online Courses
There are several online versions of the Delaware boating safety course that are approved by the state of Delaware. Boaters can use these courses to gain their Delaware Boating Licenses.
Interactive boater education reimagined, led by a virtual classroom instructor from
Boat-Ed+
. Also available en español.
Immersive, real-world boater education both
in English
and
en español
from Boat-Ed.
The Delaware boaters safety course from
Boater-Exam.com
The BoatUS Foundation’s
Online Course
Lost Your Boating Safety Card?
Use the
DNREC Boater Safety Card website
to access your online profile, classes you have taken, and your boater safety cards on the go.
Paddle Sport Safety
This free, online course
, sanctioned by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, provides guidance for safety while padding canoes, kayaks paddleboards and other non-motorized craft. It will earn you a Paddlesports Safety Certificate. But please note: it is not a Delaware Boating Safety Course.
You Have Questions?
Why take a safe boating course?
It is required by Delaware state Law. All persons born on or after January 1, 1978 must take the Safe Boating Course to operate a motorized watercraft.
The Safe Boating Course provides you with the knowledge and background to participate in a wonderful recreational activity.
It helps to build confidence for beginning boaters, and review knowledge in more advanced boaters. More advanced boaters can then move on to take additional courses.
The knowledge learned helps to avoid the possibility of receiving tickets, violations or having to go to court.
The course teaches parents and minors, the obligations and responsibilities of operating both vessels and Personal Water Crafts on Delaware Waters.
Boating is an enjoyable activity that bears responsibility.
Completing the Safe Boating course enables you to receive a discount on your insurance policy.
Where can I take a boating safety class?
Boating Safety Classes are offered throughout the State. Please check our
Boating Safety Course Schedule
for a list of classes. Several online courses also meet the requirement.
What must I have to use a public boat ramp?
If your boat is currently registered in Delaware you do not need to purchase a boat ramp certificate to use a boat ramp maintained by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. If your boat is registered out of state you must purchase a boat ramp certificate.
Purchase a boat ramp certificate
online
or in person from one of these
Delaware boat registration agents
. Or print, complete and mail-in a
boat ramp certificate application
Who must wear a life jacket?
Everyone on your boat
should
wear a life jacket, but it is
mandatory
that all children 12 and under wear a life jacket. All vessels must have a life jacket for each person on board. Everyone on a personal watercraft (jet ski) must wear a life jacket (both driver and passengers) at all times. Anyone being towed behind a vessel is required to wear a life jacket.
What are the laws regarding alcohol use on Delaware waters?
Operating a vessel under the influence, or OUI, is a serious offense in Delaware. It is illegal and dangerous to operate a vessel on state waters while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a combination of the two. Boaters are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol,
within four hours after the time in which the vessel was operated.
What is the minimum age for operating a jet ski?
Personal watercraft operators in Delaware must be at least 14 years old. They must have proof of successful completion of an approved Boating Safety Course. Personal watercraft operators who are 14 and 15 years old are required to have an adult on board. Those who are 16 years of age, who hold a boating safety education certificate, can operate without adult supervision.
If I want to register my boat, where do I do it?
There are a few ways to
register your boat
in the state of Delaware.
Fill out and return a
boat registration application
Register in person at one of these
Delaware boat registration agents
Renew your existing boat registration, change your address, or get duplicate registration cards and decals
online
I have already completed my Boating Safety course and would like to continue my education. Where can I receive additional training?
There are several organizations that offer additional training classes. They include the
Wilmington Power Squadron
, and the
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Related Topics:
boating
education
outdoors and recreation
safety
Office of the Secretary
Division of Air Quality
Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances
Division of Water
Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Division of Parks and Recreation
Division of Watershed Stewardship
DNREC Newsroom
Public Meetings
Public Notices
DNREC Regulations
Environmental Justice
Non-Discrimination Notice
DNREC Open Data
FOIA Requests
DNREC Divisions
About DNREC
Work for DNREC!
Delaware's Government
Delaware's Governor
State Agencies
Elected Officials
General Assembly
Delaware Courts
State Employees
Cities & Towns
Delaware State Code
State Regulations
Business First Steps
Phone Directory
Locations Directory
Public Meetings
Voting & Elections
Transparency
Health Insurance
Tax Center
Personal Income Tax
Weather & Travel
Corporations
Franchise Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Withholding Tax
Delaware Topics
Mobile Apps
E-mail / Text Alerts
Social Media
Make Text Size Smaler
Reset Text Size
Make Text Size Bigger
Built by the
Government Information Center
©MMXXVI
Delaware.gov