Call: 1-800-832-7191
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to become a Smart Boater, Congratulations!
Family and friends create priceless memories on the water, so let’s approach boating the smart way. Safety and preparation ensure those moments last a lifetime.
Our interactive online courses provide everything you need to enjoy boating with confidence. You’ll learn practical tips and proven techniques that make passing your exam simple and stress-free.
This course meets all state and national standards and carries full recognition from the United States Coast Guard. Begin today and become a smart, responsible boater ready for every adventure.
Here are YOUR FAQs
The State of Connecticut requires a boating course for all new boat owners and anyone who plans to operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp. The safe boating certificate is also needed for operating sailboats over 19 1/2 feet. Enjoy our entire FAQs section below.
Who needs a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate:
- Residents of Connecticut
- Property owners in Connecticut
- Anyone who operates 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
Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC provides this course to:
- One, dramatically increase safe practices while boating
- Two, put you in the best position to pass the final Boaters Exame
- Three, have multiple educated operators on board
- Finally, prepare operators for emergency situations
- Become a smart boater
- Connecticut DEEP urges families and friends to take this course
- More in our Boating FAQ section below
- 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
- Emergency Preparedness
- Emily’s Law and Much More
- More in our Boating FAQ Section below
At Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC, we offer a convenient way to earn your official boating license through a live, interactive online course—yes, you can learn from home!
The CT Boaters Guide digital download is always available
- 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
- Inland waterway maps
- Stay tuned for our exclusively authored CT Boaters Handbook. We are currently working on the copyrighting now in November of 2025.
A very frequently asked question: One can get the license at 10 years old but cannot solo on a PWC until 16 years old. Compared to a boat where operators can solo at 12 years old with no limitations.
10-15-year-olds can operate the jet ski but must have a certified adult, 18 years or older, onboard the PWC with them. The supervising operator must have their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation and again, must be on the jet ski with 10-15 year old.
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.
Other than the name, obviously, they are all combined into one class now. The SBC or safe boating certificate section focuses on safe boating. The PWC, personal watercraft, and the SWE, safe waterskiing towing, are considered endorsements. The CPWO, certificate of personal watercraft operation, section focuses on the safe operation of PWC’s. The SWE section focuses on safely towing an inflatable or someone on skis. Briefly, one needs to be 16 to tow a water-skier or inflatable rider.
The CPWO is the new title. The modern-day boaters class includes all three.
Yes, the State of Connecticut Charges $50 for the boating license. It is a one-time fee and you are then official for life. This is an additional fee and not included with the course fee. You'll pay the State of Connecticut Boat License fee separately once you pass the Boating Course. We upload your score into the State of Connecticut's Online Sportsman Portal right after class is complete.
You can pay for and download your Safe Boating Certificate about an hour after class is finished. It becomes an option after we have entered your information into the portal. The certificate, or what some call the boaters license will then be an available option for purchase. You'll sign in using your Conservation ID number.
You can call us at 1-800-832-7191 with any questions. You can fill out our Contact Us web-mail form or you can email us at info@connecticutboatingcertificates.com
We are here to help you and happy to do so!
