Interactive Wisconsin Boating License Course
The fastest Wisconsin boaters safety course—no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
You need boating education in Wisconsin if you were born on or after January 1, 1989, are at least 12 years old, and will be operating a motorized vessel on Wisconsin waters.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temp Card Immediately
You're able to print your temporary boating license as soon as you've passed the online exam.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Boating!
Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Why Take This Course?
| Feature |
|
Other Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin-Approved boater education | ||
| No minimum time requirements | ||
| Complete the course in under 3 hours | ||
| Real-life situations | ||
| Role-playing simulations | ||
| Final exam |
The Boating Safety Education Certificate
The Boating Safety Education Certificate (often referred to as "Wisconsin Boating License" or "Wisconsin Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Vessel operators who are required to have a Boating Safety Education Certificate must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.
The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in Wisconsin
This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Official course provider approved by:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street, PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
The Only Gamified Interactive Course
Wisconsin-Approved Boater Safety Education
Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
No Minimum Time Requirements
Students complete our interactive courses faster than our traditional courses. Why? There are no timers—ever!
Complete the Course in Under 3 Hours
Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!
Real-Life Situations
Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.
Role-Playing Simulations
We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.
Wisconsin Boating Laws and Regulations
Wisconsin law requires boater education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, who is over 12 years old and will be operating a motorboat or PWC.
Wisconsin Age and Operator Restrictions
To operate a motorized vessel in Wisconsin, a person must:
- Be at least 12 years of age and complete a boating safety course approved by the Wisconsin DNR or…
- Be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated person at least 18 years of age who either holds a valid boating safety certificate or was born before January 1, 1989.
To operate a PWC in Wisconsin, a person must be at least 12 years of age and complete a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin DNR.
Note: Persons born before January 1, 1989, are exempt from the education requirement for motorized vessels and PWC. However, the Wisconsin DNR strongly advises all participants to take a boating safety course.
Wisconsin Boater Education Requirement Enforcements
Wisconsin law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Protect your on-water adventures
Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.
Get a Quote
A Wavve of Savings
Get your first year FREE!
Complete your course and get the first year of Wavve Boating for FREE.
Learn More
Boating Safety Resources
For additional information and resources related to best boating safety practices, read through our latest blog posts.
Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski?
Boating season brings people of all ages dashing to the waterfront...
What You Need To Know About Boating Accidents
The U.S. Coast Guard has released its annual report on boating accidents...
Essential Boating Safety Equipment
According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there were 613 deadly boating...
Wisconsin Boating License FAQs
Price and Payment
- How much does the Wisconsin Boat Course cost?
-
The Wisconsin Boat Course fee is $59.95.
Taking the Course
- Do you need Wisconsin Boating education?
-
You need boating education in Wisconsin if you are at least 12 years old, were born on or after Jan 1, 1989, and will be operating a motorboat or PWC.
-
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Wisconsin?
- What is the minimum age to take this online course?
-
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a resident to take the Wisconsin Boat Course?
-
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
- Is the Wisconsin Boat Course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?
-
The Wisconsin Boat Course is approved and accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Is my Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
-
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.
Quizzes and/or Exams
- Do I have to take an online exam?
-
The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
- What is the proof of online Wisconsin Boat Course completion?
-
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 90 days after course completion.
- What is the permanent Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate?
-
The Boating Safety Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boating Safety Education Certificate will be available to print from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website after the first day of the next month.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
- How do I replace my Boating Safety Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
-
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boating Safety Education Certificate, go to https://gowild.wi.gov/.
Customer Service
Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
