Mandatory Boating Safety Education Q&A

This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace official laws and administrative rules regarding mandatory boater education.  Please view Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) for official legal authority.

If you will read only one paragraph of this sizable document, read this:  If you plan to operate a recreational boat powered by an engine over 10HP, a NASBLA and Hawaii basic boating safety course is all you need.  Scroll down to see what courses are available.  If you want to operate a thrill craft (aka a personal watercraft. jetski, wet bike, etc.) you must first complete a basic boating safety course AND a thrill craft certification course.  If you want to tow-in surf, both you and your tow-in surfing partner must complete those first two steps AND complete a tow-in surfing certification course.  Visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/thrill-craft/ for information about the craft, basic information about operation as well as certification requirements and methods.

 

ABOUT THE BASIC BOATING SAFETY COURSE REQUIREMENT

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).DOBOR maintains an electronic database of certified boat operators for the State of Hawaii.  Inclusion in this database is optional but is strongly recommended.  Once you have completed your boating safety education course, you may enter your name & information, as well as upload your credentials in the Hawaii Registry of Vessel Operators.

All vessel operators in Hawaii ocean waters are required to carry proof of boating safety education certification on board while operating the vessel.  Law enforcement officers may ask to see your proof of certification at any time and may also ask for a photo ID.  Failure to provide valid certification may result in a fine and/or termination of your voyage.  Although you may be in the electronic Registry, Hawaii Administrative Rules require hardcopy certification to be on the boater’s person whenever operating a vessel.

All information submitted to the Registry is never published and will only be accessed by authorized DLNR employees and law enforcement personnel.

 

 

This page was last updated on 7/19/24.