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Mandatory Boater Education
Frequently Asked Questions


Who must be Certified?

  • Beginning January 1, 2005, every person born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes shall possess, on the vessel, a boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol (along with a valid photo I.D).
  • Beginning January 1, 2006, every NON-RESIDENT boat operator born after January 1, 1984, shall possess a boating safety certification card from their home state, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, or the Missouri State Water Patrol.
  • Any person convicted of Boating While Intoxicated, Reckless and Negligent Operation, Failing to Stop on Signal of Water Patrol or Leaving the Scene of a Vessel Accident, shall enroll in and successfully complete, at his or her own expense, a boating safety education course; file with the court proof of successful completion of such course and submit a certified copy to the water patrol; and not operate a vessel until such filing.
Note: Remember, a Personal Water Craft is a Vessel.

Where can I get Certified?

You have several options. Take the online course, order the home study course or take one of our Classroom Courses all listed on our homepage at: www.mswp.dps.mo.gov or call 1-800-830-2268 for ordering the home study course. You may also get a certification from any other NASBLA approved course, however, if you are a Missouri resident, you are required to obtain a card from the Missouri State Water Patrol.

If I took the Course already but have lost my card, how can I get a replacement?

If you took the course prior to January 1st, 1999, there is not a record of the completion and you will have to retake the course. If you took the course after January 1st, 1999, there should be a record of it and you can simply call 573-751-3333 to verify you are in the system. You will be told at that time how to get a replacement.

How do I get a Certification Card?

After completion of a NASBLA approved course, send in the slip provided below along with a personal check, cashier’s check or money order for $15.00 for an original card or $10.00 for a replacement card to:

Missouri State Water Patrol
PO Box 1116
Jefferson City, MO 65102

If my child is under 14, can he or she take the course?

Yes, they are required by law to have a certification card if they operate a vessel on the lakes of the state. However, no person under fourteen years of age shall operate any motorboat or vessel upon the waters of this state unless such person is under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian or other person sixteen years of age or older.

If I took a course in another state and now live in Missouri, what should I do?

  • If you fall into the required age range and are a resident of Missouri now, you will need to obtain a Missouri card. Simply mail a copy of your certificate along with the attached slip below and $15.00.
  • If you are a resident of Missouri now but do not fall into the age range, you are not required to have the Missouri card. If you want one anyway, simply mail a copy of your certificate along with the slip provided below and $15.00.

 

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Boater Certification Card Request Form
Please Type or Print Clearly


Last Name________________________ First Name_________________ M.I._______

Street address____________________________________

City_________________________________ State______________ Zip Code________

DOB_______________ Check Number______________________

 

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