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$34.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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$39.95

Lifetime Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Live In-Course Chat Support
  • Phone Support
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
  • Unlimited Test Retries
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OTHER PROVIDER 2

$29.95

90 Day Course Access

  • State Approved
  • Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
  • Phone Support
  • Unlimited Test Retries

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90 Day Course Access

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BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8098 ratings and reviews.
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Buy More, Save More

Purchase more than one boating course, test and card and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official Kentucky Boater Education Certificate.

Buy For One

1 Boater

Per Boater

Total Savings

Crew Pack Discount

“There’s nothing better than leaving the work week in our wake.”

– Jesse L, Lexington, KY

BOATsmart! courseware on a tablet.

Watch, Listen & Learn

From anywhere, on any device at any time.

Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.

BOATsmart! multiple choice practice test

Pass the official test

Take the Kentucky Boater Education Card Test online

Take the official Kentucky Boating Safety test online. Consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, the final test is open book. BOATsmart! includes free unlimited retries so you’re guaranteed to pass.

Kentucky Boater Education Card

Get Your Official Kentucky Boater Education Card

Print your Temporary Card immediately

Print your Temporary Card immediately after passing the final test. BOATsmart! will mail your permanent card within 4 weeks. 

Boating In Kentucky

LOST OR DAMAGED BOATER CERTIFICATE?

Official Kentucky Boater Education Certificate Replacements

Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your Kentucky Boater Education Certificate or want back-up copies for the tackle box, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.

 

Kentucky Boater Education Card

ONE CARD

$12.95

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

Lost Kentucky Boater Education Certificate 3 Pack Bundle

3 CARD BUNDLE

$7.51 EACH

Free Shipping + Temp Card Included

YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT

The BOATsmart! course on a laptop The BOATsmart! course on a laptop

FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST

Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the Kentucky boating safety practice test now.

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Kentucky Boater Education Card

KENTUCKY BOATER EDUCATION CARD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Kentucky Boater Education Card

The Kentucky boater education card is proof that a boater has successfully passed the Kentucky Boating Safety Test. All boat operators who are 12-17 years of age are required to get certified to legally operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 10 hp.

Is the Kentucky Boater Education Card the same as a Boating License?

The Kentucky Boater Education Card is proof of successful completion of the Kentucky state-approved boater education course. The card is commonly referred to as a “boating license” However, unlike a license the Boater Education Card does not expire, and does not need to be renewed.

Who needs a Kentucky Boater Education Card?

Boat operators who are 12-17 years of age are required to complete a state-approved boater education course and get certified. Operators who are 18 years of age or older do not require certification however, it is recommended. 

Who is exempt from having to obtain a Kentucky Boater Education Card?

  • Boat operators who are over 18 years of age
  • Non-residents who have successfully completed a boater education course in their state of residence

What is the penalty for not having a card?

Boat operators within the state of Kentucky who are operating without a required Boater Education Card may receive a fine.

How do I get a Kentucky Boater Education Card?

You can obtain your official Boater Education Card from BOATsmart! in three steps:

  1. Take the BOATsmart! Kentucky Boating Safety Course online. 
  2. Pass the Kentucky Boating Safety Test online.
  3. Print a Temporary Card immediately.

How do I prepare for the Kentucky Boater Safety Test?

Boaters can prepare for the official Kentucky Boating Safety Test with the BOATsmart! Course which includes animated, narrated and illustrated lessons designed for all ages. The 3-hour Kentucky Boating Safety Course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and is recognized by the US Coast Guard. The BOATsmart! Kentucky Boating Safety Course includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Kentucky Boater Education Card.

Will my Kentucky Boater Education Card ever expire?

No. Your Kentucky Boater Education Card is good for life. However, it’s important to keep up-to-date with the most recent boating safety regulations. Be sure to take advantage of BOATsmart!’s free refresher lessons to be sure you’re aware of the rules that apply in your state.

How do I replace my Kentucky Boater Education Card?

You can easily purchase a replacement Kentucky Boater Education Cards from BOATsmart!. Call us at 1-877-655-7778 to order, or login to your BOATsmart! Account to order online.

Do I need a Driver’s License to operate a boat in Kentucky?

No. The state of Kentucky does not require boaters to have a driver’s license in order to operate a boat. However, they do require operators who are 12-17 years of age to get certified with a Boater Education Card, if they wish to operate a boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or more. 

Do I need a Boater Education Card for all types of boats?

The Kentucky boater education card is required to legally operate a recreational boat powered by a motor of more than 10 hp.  

How long does the Kentucky Boater Education Card take?

The state of Kentucky requires that you spend a minimum of 3 hours studying the online course. The purchase of your BOATsmart! Kentucky Boating Safety Course includes unlimited lifetime access.

Is my Kentucky Boater Education Card valid in other states?

Yes. The Kentucky Boater Education Card is accepted in 40 states, which extend reciprocity. This means the BOATsmart! Course meets the National Standards established by NASBLA. This law applies to operators of motorized boats, but not in all states to operators of personal watercraft (PWCs). Always check the boating laws in the state you plan to visit prior to operating a boat or PWC there.

Who is BOATsmart!?

BOATsmart!® is North America’s Boating Educator, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard. We’ve been delivering award-winning online boating courses since 2003 and have certified more than 650,000 boaters. BOATsmart! is accredited and approved by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, to deliver the official Kentucky Boater Education Course and Boating Safety Test.

 

state of Kentucky department of fish and wildlife logo

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

#1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY, 40601
https://app.fw.ky.gov/

Trusted from coast-to-coast, Kentucky approved

The official BOATsmart! Kentucky Boating Safety Course is approved by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the US Coast Guard.

BOATsmart! has provided online boating safety education across North America since 2013. Our courses are designed and developed by real boaters, subject matter experts and instructional design educators. We’ve certified more than 650,000 boaters online and are proud to be the choice of boaters from coast-to-coast.

NASBLA logo.
US Coast Guard logo.