10 Must-Have Items for New Boaters
New boater essentials start with what federal law requires on most boats — life jackets, a throwable, a sound signal, a fire extinguisher — then useful extras.
3 min read
Guides & articles
Boating guides & how-tos
Practical, regularly updated guides to boating licenses, captain’s credentials, and the best courses — written to help you find the right class and get certified without the guesswork.
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What will you find in our boating guides?
Our guides answer the questions boaters actually search for — how to get a license in your state, whether you need an OUPV or Master captain’s license, and which online safety courses are worth your money. Each one is researched against official sources like state agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard, and NASBLA, and carries a visible “Last updated” date.
Best Online Boating Safety Courses Compared
For most boaters the best online safety course is whichever NASBLA-approved course your state accepts — and Boat-Ed, with a course for nearly every state, is usually on that list. But if you want the lowest flat price, the widest availability, or a free option, the right pick changes. Here is an honest comparison.
3 min read
OUPV vs Master Captain's License — Which Do You Need?
If you want to take up to six paying passengers on an uninspected boat — fishing charters, dive trips, small tours — you need an OUPV (“Six-Pack”) license. If you'll carry more than six passengers or run an inspected vessel, you need a Master license. Both are issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
2 min read
How to Get a Boating License in Florida
Florida doesn't issue a traditional boating license. Instead, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must pass an approved boater safety course and carry a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more.
2 min read
Boating education FAQ
- Do I need a license to operate a boat?
- It depends on your state and the vessel. Most states require a boater education card for operators born after a certain year, while a paid, for-hire captain needs a USCG license. Our state guides and explainers break down exactly who needs what.
- Are online boating courses legitimate?
- Yes — NASBLA-approved online courses satisfy the boater-education requirement in most states and issue the official card. Our course comparisons cover which providers are approved, what they cost, and how they differ so you can pick with confidence.
- How often are these guides updated?
- We refresh key guides at least quarterly and re-verify state rules and course details against official sources. Every article shows a visible “Last updated” date so you always know how current the information is.
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