Ohio Boat Course Information
This article provides course information for Ohio boaters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
Those born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete an Ohio and NASBLA-approved boater safety course to operate a motorboat greater than 10 horsepower.
Available courses
Ohio courses are available through the following options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
BoatSmart!
Boat-Ed+
Course information
| Course Information | Boaterexam | Boat-Ed | Ilearntoboat | BoatSmart! | Boat-Ed+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $49.95 | $54.95 | $74.95 | $49.95 | $79.95 |
| Language(s) | EN | EN | EN | EN | EN |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Chapters | 6 Units + Practice Exam | Interactive | 6 Modules | 4 Cruises / 24 Lessons |
| Format/Time | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online Only & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive, 3 hours | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Interactive, 3-hour minimum |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | No expiration | 90 days |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 70% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 10 questions, 24 minutes, 80% to pass or retake module. Final exam: 50 questions, 2 hours, 80% to pass. | Final exam: 60 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | Gender, eye color, and hair color | Gender | Gender | Gender | N/A |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. | Print temporary certificate. Physical card arrives in 3-5 weeks. |
| Replacement Card | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com | ilostmycard.com |
Registration requirements
Students taking the Ohio course may be required to provide additional information during registration. This may include:
Gender
Eye color
Hair color
Registration requirements may vary by course option.
Course expiration and extensions
Most Ohio courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
Boaterexam
Boat-Ed
Ilearntoboat
Boat-Ed+
BoatSmart! does not expire and does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Boaterexam: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Boat-Ed: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 70% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts. The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntoboat: The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
BoatSmart!: Quizzes include 10 questions and have a 24-minute time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must retake the module. The final exam includes 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit. Students must score 80% or higher to pass.
Boat-Ed+: The final exam includes 60 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
After completing the course
After completing an Ohio course, students can print their temporary certificate.
The physical card typically arrives in 3-5 weeks.
Age and operator requirements
For motorized vessels with a motor greater than 10 horsepower, excluding personal watercraft:
Individuals 12 years old or older may operate unsupervised.
Individuals under 12 years old may operate only if a supervising person is aboard.
For motorized vessels with less than 10 horsepower, or vessels without a motor, excluding personal watercraft:
Individuals 12 years old or older may operate.
Individuals under 12 years old may operate only if they are under the direct visual and audible supervision of a supervising person. The supervising person is not required to be on board.
Under Ohio law, a supervising person is an adult who is 18 years old or older and provides direct visual and audible supervision. A supervising person must meet the mandatory education requirements.
Personal watercraft age requirements
Individuals who are 16 years old or older may operate a personal watercraft unsupervised.
Individuals 12 to 15 years old may operate a personal watercraft only if a supervising person is aboard.
Individuals under 12 years old may not operate a personal watercraft.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled through ilostmycard.com.
If the customer is not found on ilostmycard.com and did not take the course with us, they will need to contact the state.
Replacement card website: