Boating – Motorized Vessels

Motorized Vessels

Term	Definition (HAR / DLNR)
Power-driven vessel	“Power-driven vessel” means any vessel propelled by machinery. (HAR §13-240-2)
Motorboat	“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion. The term shall not include a vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States or any federal agency successor thereto. (HAR §13-240-2)

Hawai‘i Mandatory Boater Education — Online

Effective November 10, 2014, all individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaii’s State waters must have taken a NASBLA and State approved boating safety course and show proof of certification upon demand by law enforcement. The text of this Mandatory Boater Education Rule is contained in Hawaii Administrative Rule Section 13-244-15.5 (available here).

Hawai‘i residents may choose any online internet-based course to earn a Boating Certificate of Completion. Courses below are listed alphabetically and presented neutrally (no preferred provider). For boating education, online courses are the only option, there are no in-person courses available at the moment. All providers teach the same content, you can select either course by clicking the course name below:

Approved Online Boating Course Providers

Provider	Cost	Customer Support	Notes
ACEBOATER.com	Fees apply	877-661-1938	Paper certificate + plastic card.
Boat-ed.com	Fees apply	800-830-2268	Paper certificate + plastic card.
BOATERexam.com	Fees apply	866-764-2628	Paper certificate + plastic card.
BoatTests101.com	Fees apply	888-885-8830	—
BoatUS.org	Free	800-245-2628	Print certificate (or $10 to mail).
Recademics.com Military, Police, & Fire 50%	Fees apply	214-494-0779	Print certificate

How to enroll: Visit the provider’s website, create a login, select the Hawai‘i course.

Course Technical Support / replacement cards: Contact your course provider directly, DOBOR does not have access to your course or record of your course completion.

*A home-printed paper certificate is just as valid as a plastic card. Carry either one while operating a vessel. You do not need to purchase a plastic card, if you’d like a free card, apply to the Certified Boater Registry.

Reciprocity – Non-Hawaiʻi Certification

Do you have a credential from another State? Click below to learn more.

What is Reciprocity? Can I use reciprocity to satisfy the certification requirement?

Certified Boater Registry (optional)

Enroll in DOBOR’s optional Hawaiʻi Certified Boater Registry after your approved course to upload and securely store your credentials—useful if originals are lost—and get a free boating safety card mailed to you. Registry listing does not replace the hardcopy requirement. All submitted information is confidential and accessible only to authorized DLNR staff and law enforcement. All vessel operators on Hawai‘i ocean waters must carry a hardcopy proof of boating safety education while operating—officers may request it with photo ID, and failure to present valid certification may result in a fine or voyage termination. This is for Boating Credentials only, we do not have a Registry for Thrill Craft or Tow-in Surfing credentials.