Course approval and standards

1.Approval status

Our courses are not yet approved. We are seeking approval of both courses from the national body that approves boating safety courses and from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Florida accepts a course only once both have approved it (FWC Rule 68D-36.104).

Until approval is granted, a BoaterReady certificate does not qualify you for the Florida card or a temporary certificate. When approval is granted, this section will say so and give the date it took effect.

2.The standards the courses are built to

• The American National Standards for Basic Boating Knowledge, in their 2022 editions: the core standard and the standard for powerboats.
• The Florida-specific content the FWC requires of every approved course, under FWC Rule 68D-36.104 and the FWC course requirement checklist.

The lifetime course covers each required topic in the order of the national review checklist. The temporary certificate course follows the FWC's checklist for the temporary certificate.

3.Where the courses are accepted

The courses are written for Florida. Once approved, they are intended for Florida only. Other states have their own requirements, and a Florida course may not be accepted in another state.

4.Who issues your card

The FWC issues the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card and the temporary certificate. We do not. When you pass, we issue a course completion certificate and report your completion to the FWC, which then issues your card or temporary certificate.

The card does not expire. A temporary certificate is valid only for the period Florida law sets.

Carry your card or temporary certificate, with photographic identification, whenever you operate a vessel that requires it.

5.The final exam

Each final exam meets the length, content and passing score set by FWC Rule 68D-36.104, including questions specific to Florida. Course materials are not available during the exam. Retakes are included in the price.

6.What it costs

The price you pay us covers the course, the exam, retakes and your course completion certificate. A card processing fee, where one applies, is shown at checkout before you pay. Any fee the FWC charges to issue a card or temporary certificate is paid to the FWC.

7.Checking requirements yourself

The FWC is the authority on Florida's boating education requirements, including who must carry a card and who is exempt. For questions about your own situation, see the FWC's boating education information at myfwc.com or contact the FWC. For questions about our courses, email support@boaterready.com.