Interactive Iowa Boating License Course
The fastest Iowa boaters safety course—no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
You need boating education in Iowa if you are 12 to 17 years old and will be operating a motorized vessel over 10 hp or a PWC.
This course is approved by the state of Iowa and, once successfully completed, will result in your Iowa Boating License.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.
Step 2
est. 2–3 hrs
Study & Pass the Online Course
Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary Card Immediately
You're able to print your temporary boating license as soon as you've passed the online exam.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Go Boating!
Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
Why Take This Course?
| Feature |
|
Other Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa-Approved boater education | ||
| No minimum time requirements | ||
| Complete the course in under 3 hours | ||
| Real-life situations | ||
| Role-playing simulations | ||
| Final exam |
The Boater Education Certificate
The Boater Education Certificate (often referred to as "Iowa Boating License" or "Iowa Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.
Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Certificate must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.
The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in Iowa
This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Official course provider approved by:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
The Only Gamified Interactive Course
Iowa-Approved Boater Safety Education
Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
No Minimum Time Requirements
Students complete our interactive courses faster than our traditional courses. Why? There are no timers—ever!
Complete the Course in Under 3 Hours
Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!
Real-Life Situations
Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.
Role-Playing Simulations
We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.
Iowa Boating Laws and Regulations
Iowa law requires boater education for anyone 12 to 17 years old who operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp in Iowa.
Iowa Age and Operator Restrictions
A person under 12 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft (PWC), only if he or she is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
A person 12 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if he or she:
- Has successfully completed a boater education course approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or...
- Is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
Iowa Boater Education Requirement Enforcements
Iowa law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
- Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
- Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Get Started
Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.
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Learn More
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Iowa Boating License FAQs
Price and Payment
- How much does the Iowa ilearntoboat Course cost?
-
The Iowa ilearntoboat Course fee is $59.95.
Taking the Course
- Do you need Iowa Boating education?
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You need boating education in Iowa if you are at least 12 years old and plan to operate a motorized boat.
-
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Iowa?
- What is the minimum age to take this online course?
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You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a resident to take the Iowa ilearntoboat Course?
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You do not have to be a resident of Iowa to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
- Is the Iowa ilearntoboat Course approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources?
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The Iowa ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
- Is my Iowa Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
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For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.
Quizzes and/or Exams
- Do I have to take an online exam?
-
The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
- What is the proof of online Iowa ilearntoboat Course completion?
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Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.
- What is the permanent Iowa Boater Education Certificate?
-
The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 3-5 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
- How do I replace my Boater Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
-
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.
Customer Service
Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
