CT Boating Requirements

*Are You Renting a Boat with MWR Rental & Sales at Echo Bay Marina?

If you are renting a boat with MWR Rental & Sales, you DO NOT need a boating license. HOWEVER, if you join our paid rental membership (bronze, silver, or gold plan), you need to have a boating license. If you plan on participating in any water sport activities (tubing, skiing or kneeboarding), you need to have a boating license with the CT Safe Water Skiiing Endorsement. Please see "How to get a Boating License" below OR if you have an out of state boating license, please see "Already have an Out-of-State Boating License?" section below. 

**New Renting Rule Starting 2021 Season:
If you do not have proof of a boating license, you will be charged an additional $30.00 per rental as a liability fee.

Do I Need a Boating License?

No, you do not need a boat license to rent.  But, if you plan on doing any watersports (tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, etc) you would need a boat license.  If you have an out of state boat license, you would also need to complete the CT Safe Watersports Endorsement,. 



 

How to get a Boating License:

Option 1: CT Boating Class (8 Hour in-person or zoom class)
 

Click this link to view the CT Boating Classes
You will have to register for one of the in-person or online classes. These classes are 8 hours long or are split into two 4 hour classes. They are held through an interactive videoconferencing platform which allows for conversations between the teacher and the student. As part of the instruction, you will be given an exam that is graded at the end of the class. Please note that each student must have their own device (i.e. laptop, tablet or smartphone) with audio and video capabilities.

Successful completion of the class qualifies a person to purchase for $50 their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) on the Online Sportsmen Licensing System. The CPWO allows an individual to operate any recreational vessel  up to 65ft. including a personal watercraft. Please check age restrictions for operating vessels with engines greater than 10 horsepower and personal watercraft.


Option 2: New York Boating Class (6-8 Hour go at your own pace online class. We recommend this one!)

Click this link to take the New York State Boating Class
You will have to Enroll yourself to take the class at your own pace. You will need to study and pass the Boating Saftey Course.
The certificate that you print out at the end of your exam is a temporary certificate and is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue. To get your permanent Boater Education Card or New York state adventure license click here. If you do not do this last step, your temporary certificate will not be valid for future years to come and would need to take the course again every 90 days.
***IMPORTANT: If you plan on operating a waverunner or operating a vessel while participating in any watersport activities (Tubing, Skiing, Surfing ect. - anyone who is going to be riding on the wake of the vessel) You will ALSO need to get the CT Safe Water Skiing Endorsement. Please see "Already have an Out-of-State Boating License?" Section Below.