Boating Safety Education

Tennessee State Residents 

Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, is required to pass a Boating Safety Exam. Upon completion of the exam, students will receive a TWRA-issued Boating Safety Certification of Completion wallet card.  Boaters must have this card on their person while operating any vessel in Tennessee.  

The Boating Safety Certification of Completion is not required if there is an adult (18 years old or older, born before January 1, 1989) on board to take immediate control of the vessel.    

Out-of-State Residents

If you were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept any National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety certificate.

Order a Boater Certification Card or a Duplicate License

To replace a Boater Certification Card, you may go to a TWRA license agent or GoOutDoorsTennessee and purchase a Boater Certification Card Replacement. 

FAQ

1. I can’t find my boating certification on my account; where is it located?

While a physical card is highly recommended, you can also find it on the TWRA on the Go app. It will be listed underneath your TWRA ID number on your account page. The boating safety exam permit attached to your account does not count as proof of completion; your account must have the certification date attached. If your boater safety is not attached to your TWRA account, you are required to have a NASBLA approved physical card or certificate on you while boating.

2. Who needs a Tennessee boating education certification?

If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, and operating a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower, then you need the certification.

If you are a non-Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, visiting Tennessee, and operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, you will need a boating education certificate approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

If you were born on or before January 1, 1989, you are not required to have an education, but you may still complete the online course and receive the Tennessee Boater Education Certificate.

Completing this course allows you to boat on other States' waters that require education.  Even if you do not need the certification, you may save on your boat insurance by getting one.

3. How do I replace my lost or stolen boating safety card?

If your Boating Safety Card is lost or stolen, you need to log on to the GoOutdoorsTennessee website. In the licensing section, update your current information. 

Once all is updated, you need to purchase a Boater Certification Card (located in the Specialty section), and a new card will be mailed to you.  You can also purchase the Card from any place that sells hunting/fishing licenses.

4. Where do I find the instructor-led locations of classes and exams?

Instructor-led classes can be found on the  GoOutdoorsTennessee Event Calendar.   

5. How long will it take to receive my wallet card?

When you pass the exam, you will receive your wallet card in the mail within a few weeks.