US Captain's Training
FeaturedOnline USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
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Boating requirements · Colorado
Boating license requirements in Colorado
In Colorado, operators of a motorboat or personal watercraft generally must be at least 18. As of June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 may not operate a motorboat or…
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Do you need a boating license in Colorado?
In Colorado, operators of a motorboat or personal watercraft generally must be at least 18. As of June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 may not operate a motorboat or PWC unless they are 14 to 17 years old and have completed a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)–approved boating safety course and carry the certificate.
A person at least 14 but under 18 years old may operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, only if they have completed a CPW-approved boating safety course and possess the boating safety certificate issued by the course provider. As of June 1, 2024, operation by anyone under 18 is otherwise prohibited.
What boating courses are accepted in Colorado?
Colorado accepts boating safety courses approved by CPW and NASBLA. CPW has approved online providers including Boat-Ed, BoaterExam, BoatUS, BoatTests101, Recademics, and AceBoater, as well as in-person classes for those 14 and older.
Who regulates boating in Colorado?
Recreational boating in Colorado is overseen by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the authoritative source for current requirements. BoatingClasses.com is an independent directory — not a government or certifying body. Boating laws change, so always confirm current requirements with the official agency before operating a vessel.
Where can Colorado boaters take a course?
Providers serving Colorado — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Colorado before you enroll.
Mariners Learning System
FeaturedOnline USCG captain's license courses (OUPV and Master) completed entirely online, including an at-home proctored exam.
OnlineFrom $695
Boat-Ed
FeaturedThe state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
OnlineFrom $29.95NASBLA-approved
The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
A free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
OnlineFrom $0NASBLA-approved
A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
OnlineFrom $39.95NASBLA-approved
A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
HybridFrom $600
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Colorado boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Colorado?
- Colorado does not issue a boating license, but operators must generally be 18 or older. Those 14 to 17 may operate only after completing a CPW-approved boating safety course and carrying the certificate.
- Can a teenager operate a boat in Colorado?
- Yes, with education. A person 14 to 17 may operate a motorboat or PWC if they have completed a CPW-approved boating safety course and possess the certificate. Since June 1, 2024, operation by anyone under 18 is otherwise prohibited.
- Which boating courses does Colorado accept?
- Colorado accepts CPW- and NASBLA-approved courses. Approved online providers include Boat-Ed, BoaterExam, BoatUS, BoatTests101, Recademics, and AceBoater, plus in-person classes for ages 14 and up.
- Does the Colorado youth boating rule include jet skis?
- Yes. A personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski is a motorboat under Colorado law, so the same age and education requirements apply to operating a PWC.
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