Mariners Learning System
FeaturedOnline USCG captain's license courses (OUPV and Master) completed entirely online, including an at-home proctored exam.
OnlineFrom $695USCG-approved
Every class type · Every state
Find, compare, and book your boating class.
From the state safety card to a USCG captain's license — compare accredited courses and local schools, then enroll with confidence.
What kind of boating class do you need?
Eight course types, from the entry-level safety certification most states require to professional captain's licensing.
Boater Safety Certification
A boater safety course teaches the rules, navigation, and…
Captain's License
A USCG captain's license lets you carry paying passengers. The…
Sailing Lessons
Sailing lessons range from a first-time keelboat introduction…
Powerboat Handling & Docking
Powerboat handling courses build confidence with close-quarters…
PWC / Jet Ski Courses
Personal watercraft courses cover the safety rules and handling…
Paddlesports
Paddlesports instruction covers kayaking, canoeing, and…
Youth & Summer Camps
Youth and summer programs introduce kids to boating safety,…
Commercial / Professional
Professional and commercial training covers towing…
Featured providers
4.5
BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
OnlineFrom $0NASBLA-approved
Latest guides
View all guides10 Must-Have Items for New Boaters
The essential gear for a new boater starts with the safety equipment the U.S. Coast Guard requires — a wearable life jacket for every person aboard, a throwable flotation device, a sound-signaling device, and visual distress signals — then adds a VHF radio, navigation lights, an anchor, and dry storage that make every trip safer and easier.
3 min read
Best Online Boating Safety Courses Compared
For most boaters the best online safety course is simply whichever NASBLA-approved course your state contracts — usually Boat-Ed. But if you want the lowest flat price, the widest availability, or a free option, the right pick changes. Here is an honest comparison.
3 min read
OUPV vs Master Captain's License — Which Do You Need?
If you want to take up to six paying passengers on an uninspected boat — fishing charters, dive trips, small tours — you need an OUPV (“Six-Pack”) license. If you'll carry more than six passengers or run an inspected vessel, you need a Master license. Both are issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
2 min read
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