About the guide

Clear rules.
A better day out.

Boating by State is an independent reference for the questions that come before a day on the water.

Official sources come first

State guides are built around information published by boating agencies and other official authorities. Each guide links to its sources so you can read the full requirements, exceptions, and instructions in context.

Verification has a date

State guides are published with verified or partial data. Partial guides carry a “Limited data” label and a notice listing missing official information. “Last verified” records the date of that source review. It does not mean the requirements cannot change afterward. Follow the official links before taking a course, registering a boat, or operating on the water.

What each guide covers

Guides cover boater education, operating ages, registration fees, personal watercraft, towing, life jackets, and boating-under-the-influence limits when that information is available. Partial guides show “Not published” for unavailable fields.

Independent by design

This site is not a government agency, a course provider, or a licensing office. It does not issue boater education cards or process registrations. The official agency linked in each guide is the place to confirm requirements and complete those steps.