Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to spend your summer doing what you love most, then you’ll need to first learn how to do it safely! At Connecticut Boating Certificates, we offer boaters a convenient way to obtain their official boating license online without going through the hassle of long courses and exams. During our interactive online classes, we’ll prepare you and give you all the information you need to enjoy the water with confidence and pass your written test, including tips and techniques to help you succeed on your first try. This course meets the state of Connecticut boating license requirements. Are you ready for an adventure? Get started by following these steps and become a boater extraordinaire.

WHO needs this course?

Enjoy our entire section on Boating FAQ’s. The State of Connecticut requires a boating course for all new boat owners and anyone who plans to operate a motorized vessel. Additionally, it is also needed for someone operating a sailboat over 19 1/2 feet.

Is a resident of Connecticut
Is an owner of property in Connecticut
Plans to operate a vessel on Connecticut Waters for more than 60 days a year
Visit our Public Course Schedule Page for available classes
More in our Boating FAQ section below

WHAT will I learn?

Some of the topics include:

The Boat: Dimensions, Terms, & Design
Boating Equipment Requirements
Trip Planning and Preparation
Safe Boat Operation
Navigational Rules of the Water
Personal Watercraft, Jet Ski Operation
Safe Waterskiing Practices (See the Boating FAQs for Age Requirements)
Emergency Preparedness
Emily’s Law and Much More
More in our Boating FAQ Section Below

WHY take this course?

Connecticut Boating Certificates provides this course to:

One, dramatically increase safe practices while boating
Two, put you in the best position to pass the final Boaters Exam Connecticut DEEP urges Families & Friends to take this course
Three, have multiple educated operators on board
Finally, prepare operators and their families/friends for emergency situations
More in our Boating FAQ section below

WHAT else do I get?

The CT Boaters Guide digital download

All the supplemental materials referenced in your class
Thousands of pages of information such as books, articles, memos, and pictures
Some of the slides you saw in class
Digital charts of Long Island Sound and much, much more!
You’ll also find the current year’s Connecticut Boaters Guide helpful. If you’d like, you can read it to prepare for your class.
More in our Boating FAQ section below

You can get this license at 10 years old. You can solo at 10 or 11 years old if the boat has a motor of less than 10 horsepower. You can operate the boat at 10 or 11 years old with a motor greater than 9.9 horsepower. A supervisor must be on the boat when the motor is greater than ten horsepower. The supervising operator must be 18 and have had their certificate for two years. An individual with a license who is 12 years old may solo on a boat.

A very frequently asked question: One can get the license at 10 years old. Operators can solo on a boat at 12 years old with no limitations.

A person must be 12 to be an observer on both a boat and a jet ski (sometimes called a “spotter”).

You must be 16 to tow any skier or inflatable on either a boat or jet ski. You must be 16 to solo on a jet ski. 10-15-year-olds can operate the jet ski but must be supervised by someone 18 years or older. They must have their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. Most importantly, they must be on the jet ski with them.