
Boating Education
Boating Education
Learn the Ropes. Take a Course.
Education for all ages is highly recommended. Know before you go.
Utah Boating Regulations & Course Certifications
Don’t wave your right to the best boating experience of your life. Navigate to your correct course. It's a matter of age. Find the answers below to the age-old certifications needed.
- Required - Youth Ages 12-17
Utah requires a mandatory youth certification course for operating Personal Watercraft (PWC) - Adults 18+
Adult Education Courses are highly recommended - Required - Everyone (Utah Resident/Nonresident)
The Annual Utah Mussel Aware Boater Course is required for all boaters, both motorized and non-motorized, whether you are a Utah resident or nonresident
This course requires successful completion for all ages 12-17 in the state of Utah.
Personal watercraft (PWC) includes Jet Skis, Wave Runners, Sea-Doos, etc.
The Utah Youth PWC Education Course Details:
- Students must be at least 12 years old, but under 18 years of age, to complete the course.
- We strongly suggest students thoroughly study the material before taking the test.
- If you fail, you can retake the test at a later date. For paid courses, payment is required only when the test is completed and successfully passed.
- Upon completion, you can print out your safety certificate that will be valid immediately. If you want a PVC card version of the safety certificate, you must purchase that in addition to taking the course from the vendor.
- This certificate should be available when operating a PWC.
Please choose one of the following links to take the Utah Youth PWC Education Course:
Become a Confident, Responsible Boater
Boating is an adventure, but navigating the waters safely takes knowledge and skill. Our approved adult education courses help you build confidence, improve safety awareness, and even save money on boat insurance!
Why Take a Boating Education Course?
- Most Utah boaters skip it! Surveys show that over 80% of Utah’s registered boat owners haven’t taken a boating safety course.
- Knowledge = Confidence. Completing a course improves your skills and helps you boat safely.
- Save on Insurance. Many insurance providers offer discounts to boaters who complete an approved course.
Approved Adult Boating Courses
These online adult boating education and safety courses below are recognized by the Utah Boating Program and approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
- BoatUS Foundation Course - FREE | 4-8 hrs
- Boat Ed Course Utah - $44.95 | 3-4 hrs
- Boater Exam Utah - $39.95 | 3-4 hrs
These courses meet reciprocity requirements for states with mandatory boater education laws.
Looking for More?
Want hands-on learning? Explore our classroom and instructor-led courses for an in-depth boating education experience.
- US Coast Guard Auxiliary
- US Power Squadrons 1-888-367-8777
All boaters - whether you are a Utah resident or nonresident - must take the annual Utah mussel-aware boater course. This includes all kinds of watercraft, including motorized boats and human-powered kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.
Yearly Motorized Vessel Requirements
- Register your vessel with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - you will need your bow number to enroll in the Utah AIS program
- Complete the annual DWR mussel-aware boater education course, and keep proof of completion in your launch vehicle.
- Enroll your vessel in the Utah AIS program. An annual fee of $20 for Utah residents or $25 for non-residents is applied.
- A current-year AIS decal will be mailed to you. Affix it to your boat following the instructions in the mailer.
Yearly Non-Motorized Vessel Requirements
- Complete the annual DWR mussel-aware boater education course.
- Print out your proof of course completion to keep in your launch vehicle, or download it to your DWR Hunting and Fishing app.
- Do I need to register my boat in Utah?
Yes, all motorboats and sailboats must be properly registered with current registration decals to operate legally on Utah waters. Canoes, kayaks, and other vessels not propelled by a motor or sail are exempt. -
- What if I am coming to boat from out of state?
If you are visiting Utah for less than 60 days in a calendar year and your boat is registered in your home state, you do not need to register it in Utah.
- What if I am coming to boat from out of state?
- How do I register or renew my boat registration in Utah?
Boat registrations are processed by the Utah State Tax Commission or Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to complete the correct application form, pay the fee, and provide any required tax certificates. Boat registrations have to be renewed annually.
- Where do my decals go on my boat?
Decals must be displayed on each side of the boat and numbers/letters must be a solid color and block design. They have to be at least 3 inches in height and have a contrasting background color with the hull. Numbers must be read left to right on the front half of the boat.
Refer to the Utah Boating Laws and Rules
- Are there aquatic invasive species (AIS) I need to worry about?
Yes, AIS such as quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil pose a significant threat to Utah's waters. All boaters regardless of age or residency are required to complete an annual mussel-aware boater education course. Motorized boat owners must also pay an annual AIS vessel enrollment fee. Please visit stdofthesea.utah.gov to learn more and complete the course.
- What should I do after boating to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?
- All boaters should remove all drain plugs when leaving any water body and when transporting watercraft.
- Self-certification process is recommended for all watercraft and required for boats exiting a mussel-infested body of water (if they are not having a professional decontamination performed)
- Clean all plants, fish, mussels, and mud from the vessel. Remove and rinse out your sea strainer
- Drain all water from ballasts, bilge, livewells, and motors.
- Observe the recommended dry times
- Spring: 18 days (March - May)
- Summer: 7 days (June - August)
- Fall: 18 days (September - November)
- Winter: 30 days (December-February)
- Or freeze your properly winterized equipment for 72 consecutive hours (3 days)
- All complex boats (vessels containing inboard motors, inboard/outboard motors, ballast tanks, bilges, live wells, generators, AC units and any other raw water systems) are subject to a 30-day dry time regardless of season.
- You must stop at every open AIS station you encounter while transporting your vehicle.
- Where can I get my boat inspected or decontaminated?
Utah operates inspection stations and decontamination dip tanks across the state including at some launch ramps and along highways. You can find locations by visiting stdofthesea.utah.gov or by contacting a regional DWR aquatic invasive species biologist.
- What are the life jacket requirements?
You must have a properly sized and US Coast Guard approved life jacket for everyone onboard a vessel.
- Who is required to take a boating safety course in Utah?
All individuals between 12 and 17 years of age are required to complete a boating safety course accepted by the Division of Outdoor Recreation to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)- Is the boating course required for non-residents
Yes, this course applies to anyone ages 12-17 operating a PWC regardless of residency.
- Is the boating course required for non-residents
- What is considered a Personal Watercraft (PWC)?
Any type of motorized watercraft designed for 1-4 passengers. Examples include Jet Skis, Wave Runners, and Sea-Doos.
- Does my boating education certificate expire?
The Utah Boater Education Certificate for PWC operation does not expire and is good for life. However, the mussel-aware boater education certification must be renewed annually.
- Are there any supervision requirements for young boat operators?
Yes, operators aged 12-15 must be under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old while operating a PWC, in addition to completing the boating education course. Operators under 16 may operate other motorized boats only if under the direct supervision of someone 18 or older.
CONTACT US
General Questions
(801) 538-5500
boating@utah.gov
Address
1594 W North Temple
Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84116