Age and Education Requirements

In Tennessee, anyone over 10 years old is permitted to take Tennessee's mandatory boating safety education course.

If you are under 12 years of age you may not operate a vessel powered by an engine with a horsepower greater than 8.5 unless an able adult is on board ready to take immediate control, if necessary.

All boat operators born after January 1, 1989 must successfully complete the boating safety education course approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Any non-resident boater who was born after January 1, 1989 must show proof of successful completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boater education course.

Exceptions:

The Boating Education Requirement is Waived for:

• Anyone born before January 1, 1989

We strongly advise all boaters of all ages to take boating safety courses throughout their years of boating.

The Course

You can find many boaters’ education classes online. It's important that the course you choose meets the minimum standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

These standards include but are not limited to:

• Getting to Know Your Boat: Understanding Boat Capacities and Registration Requirements
• Boat Safety Equipment: Personal Flotation Devices, Lighting, Distress Signals, Fire Extinguishers, etc.
• Trip Planning and Preparation: Preventative Maintenance, Checking Hazards, Filing a Float Plan
• The Marine Environment: Pollution Laws and Ways to Protect our Waterways
• Safe Boat Operation: Operator Responsibilities, Navigation Rules and Aids,
• Emergency Preparedness: Rendering Assistance, Handling Emergencies, Legal Responsibilities
• Other Water Activities: Water Skiing, Fishing, Hunting etc.
• Boating Laws

Six to 13 lessons / units comprise most of the online boating courses. At the end of each lesson, a quiz is given. You must pass the quiz with a minimum score of 70% before going to the next unit.

You can also take the course in a classroom setting. You must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher to receive the required boater's safety certificate.

Once you’ve successfully completed the Boating Safety Education Exam you must get your Certificate. To find out how click Vessel Operator's Certificate Vessel Operator's Certificate.

Continuing Education

As a boat operator you have a responsibility to keep up-to-date with new boating laws and safety information. In addition to knowing the changes in Tennessee, you must also be aware of the rules in the states where you plan on boating.A data base of all courses approved by NASBLA can be found here.