"Can I even use the boat legally in the state I'm heading to?"
If you've ever boated out of state, you may already know that the answer depends on many factors including the state you're visiting, your age, your boating education, vessel type, engine size, whether you rent or own the boat, how long you're staying, and if you want to engage in towed water sports.
First things first — your boating education certification is not a license, which can be suspended or revoked. It allows you to operate certain watercraft in the waters of the state it was issued by. But many states practice "reciprocity," meaning a valid certification in one state is accepted in another state (typically with length of time restrictions).
But if you're certified to operate a boat in Florida, can you throttle up in California? Or Connecticut?
This is a challenge that the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) education directors, Pam Dillon and Mark Chanski, know well. "We often hear people say 'Well, why isn't it just one size fits all?'" says Dillon.
"It's because we have 56 different states and territories that see things differently, and that's their right."
NASBLA represents boating authorities of all states and territories and works to set and maintain boating education standards across the country. Fortunately, there are people like Dillon and Chanski who work to streamline requirements and help boaters access the information they need for boating outside their home state. "NASBLA's role is to review the content of the courses and make sure it covers the requirements that are in the American National Standard," Dillon says.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to ensure that you're boating on the right side of the law.
- Take a state and NASBLA-approved boating course. "If you're an adult boater visiting another state, and if you have a boater education card with the NASBLA-approved logo on it, you should be good to go," said Dillon. "I say 'should' because there may be some local restrictions, like with personal watercraft (PWC) you may need an additional endorsement."
- Check state requirements on NASBLA.org before you go. While many states will accept a NASBLA-approved card, it's important to check state requirements before departure. Some states require special towing endorsements for activities like water skiing, or have different education requirements for PWCs. Many states have requirements that vary based on vessel type or engine size. In addition, there may be restrictions for youth.
- Contact the local agency. NASBLA's Dashboard lists boat operator requirements by state, but there may be other considerations, like local interpretation of policies and requirements unique to a boater's individual situation. For instance, there may be a state-to-state agreement in place that affords you special privileges (e.g., a visitor to Connecticut from New Jersey with a New Jersey-issued boating certificate would not be able to operate a PWC, but a visitor from Rhode Island with a Rhode Island boating certificate would be able to operate one.)