06/04/2026
🚨FREE Online Boating Safety course approved & accepted by NC Wildlife Resources Commission!
Any person born on or after January 1, 1988, must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.
North Carolina has the following restrictions for the operators of personal watercraft:
• No person under 14 years of age may operate a PWC.
• A person at least 14 years of age but younger than 16 years of age may operate a PWC in public waters if they are accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who is in compliance with the state’s boating education requirements, or the person possesses ID with proof of age and boating safety certification or card indicating the satisfactory completion of a NASBLA boating safety education course.
• A person 16 years of age or older must comply with the mandatory boater education requirements for all vessels of 10 HP or greater before operating a PWC.
• The owner of a PWC must not knowingly allow a child under the age of 16 operate their craft except as provided above.
The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
