Completing a boater education course is required to legally operate a boat in Mississippi. Here you can find out more about how you can complete a boater education course.
Effective July 1, 1997, any person born after June 30, 1980, must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat. Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 21 or older on board the boat in order to operate the boat.
In-Person Courses
For persons who wish to learn more about Mississippi Boating Basics and the legal and safe practices for boat operators, an instructor-taught course is available for groups. The state course taught by MDWFP officers and volunteers (six hours of in-class study) is accepted nationwide.
Online Courses
The Mississippi Boating Basics online course (see list below) is available for persons who are unable to attend an instructor-taught course. Most insurance companies honor these courses by offering reductions in insurance premiums on completion.
Only the following online boating courses are approved and accepted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks:
- Boat-Ed (Paid)
- Boater Exam (Paid)
- Boat US (Free)
The operator of a boat or PWC who chooses to take an online course must have, in their possession, proof of successful completion of one of these courses to operate a boat or PWC in the public waters of Mississippi. Other states may not accept these courses. These courses are provided by independent vendors; problems/questions from these courses should be directed to those vendors and not the MDWFP.
Duplicate Boater Education Card
If you have lost your boater education card, you can purchase a duplicate card and download a temporary card online. Duplicate boater education cards are only available to those who took the course through MDWFP. The fee for a duplicate card is $3.00.
Titling for Boats and Motors
Effective July 1, 1998, Mississippi will offer the option for titling boats and motors. This is not a mandatory requirement; however, a more complete record will be obtained for boat owners. A $10.00 fee will be charged for original applications, duplicates, or transfers.
Contact Your Local Hunter/Boater Education Coordinator
For information on becoming a Boater or Hunter Education Instructor, or for Safety Talks, Community Event Presentations, or Hunter/Boater Ed. in Schools, please contact the Education Coordinator for your area.
For more information related to Boating and Boating Safety Classes, please call the Education Desk at (601) 432-2180 or (601) 432-2181.