Do You Need a License to Drive a Pontoon Boat?

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Do you need a license to drive a pontoon boat?

Getting out onto the beach is as tempting in the middle of summer as it is in the dead of winter, and many dream of being out on the water no matter the season. But before you get that pontoon boat out onto the ocean or lake, what do you need to make sure you and your passengers are safe and legal?

Do you need a license to drive a pontoon boat?

All states require some sort of registration. You should have a state-registered Boater’s Safety Certification or the equivalent in the state you are driving your pontoon boat. This temporary or permanent certification is typically carried along with a photo ID. Some states do require an actual boating license.

While the certifications may vary from state to state, it is important to have basic knowledge about the pontoon boat and other requirements you may need before you get out onto the water. Read on to find out more.

What is a pontoon boat?

A pontoon boat is a flat boat that uses floats, or pontoons, to stay buoyant. Because these tubes are so buoyant, it gives boat designers the opportunity to create large-scale pleasure boats with full bars and lounge areas, along with increased horsepower to the boat itself. Boat drafts are also typically very shallow, meaning they can come closer to shore than most boats.

Necessary Equipment

Your license or certification can be considered necessary equipment before you head out on the water, but there are several other items you need before you hop onto that pontoon boat to sail the waves.

Have your capacity plate clearly visible. In some places, if this is not visible, you are breaking the law—and it could be a safety hazard if you or your passengers do not know the legal capacity of your boat.
Have accessibility to your personal flotation devices. Along with your capacity, you should know the number of personal flotation devices you have on your pontoon boat. Also consider sizing, as a child cannot wear an adult’s devices safely. Also included in this are throwable personal flotation devices if someone ends up in the water and cannot swim.
Have some sort of warning device. A cellphone is not always going to work when you’re out on the water, so make sure you have some sort of audible device that you can get the attention of other boaters, whether you need help or otherwise. A marine air horn is suggested.
Have a marine-rated fire extinguisher. While this seems like something you shouldn’t need when surrounded by water, it’s key when you get into your boat to have something tested for boats and disaster situations on the water.
Have some sort of first aid kit. While this may seem like common sense, a first aid kit is typically required on your vessel in case of emergencies.

Be sure to check all your equipment so they follow state regulations.

License Guidelines

While the rules and regulations vary from state to state, every state requires you to have at least some sort of license or certification before you take your pontoon boat out into the water.

While all states require registration, it varies from state to state on what that registration means. You must either always have your permanent or temporary Boater’s Safety Certification or your boating license with you, along with your photo identification.

If you’re going on vacation to one of the most popular beaches in the United States, what will you need to do to drive your pontoon boat?

The requirements do vary from state to state; for example, in Florida, if you are born after 1988, you must complete a boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. While Florida does not have a boating license, this education card is required to operate any “motorboat with 10 horsepower or more.”

North Carolina is similar, requiring all operators born after 1988 to complete a course as well. According to their Wildlife Resources Commission, to operate a vessel, boaters need to either take the course and receive the certificate or have a state-approved, nonrenewable temporary certificate and a rental or lease agreement marking them as the authorized operator of the vessel.

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways requires a boater education card—as of 2021, all persons 40 years of age and younger are required to have gone through an education program and received the card.

According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, starting in 2014, all people operating any type of motorized vessel must take a boating safety course and show proof of certification. Although not required, after completing the course and receiving certification, they encourage boaters to register in the Hawaii Registry of Vessel Operators, allowing certified boaters to never have to worry about losing or replacing their credentials.

In some states, if you have an education identification card or license equivalent, you can drive your boat in a different state. States also can grant temporary certificates to give visitors the ability to rent a boat.

If you are renting a pontoon boat, most locations require you to be over 21.

Pontoon vs. Bowrider: Which one is better for you? Find out here.

Other Rules to Follow

Not only are licenses and certifications required, but there are other rules that boaters must follow on the water. Many states also have a minimum operator age, along with towing restrictions and requirements for personal flotation devices. If you do not follow the rules of the water, much like driving a car, you can be pulled over and fined.

Although each state is different, almost all of them require at least a registration for your boat, your license and certificate, and safety gear for you and your passengers.

Regardless of whether you’re vacationing at Miami Beach or trekking to your local lakes, having an understanding of what licenses or certifications you might need is both important to ensuring you have a fun day on the water and keeping you and your passengers safe. Find out what your state’s requirements are by visiting their department of natural resources website, wildlife commission, or dedication boating division for additional information.