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Boating requirements · Mississippi
Boating license requirements in Mississippi
Mississippi requires boater education for younger operators. Anyone born on or after June 30, 1980 must complete a boating education course to operate a boat…
Last verified: June 15, 2026Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP)
Mississippi requires boater education for younger operators. Anyone born on or after June 30, 1980 must complete a boating education course to operate a boat on Mississippi public waterways, and all operators must carry proof of completion while operating a boat or personal watercraft.
Mississippi boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Anyone born after June 30, 1980 must complete an MDWFP-approved boating education course to operate a vessel, including a PWC, on Mississippi public waterways. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | A person under 12 must be accompanied on board by someone at least 21 to operate. |
| Typical course cost | free MDWFP in-person course; online provider options vary |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) |
| Card validity | Lifetime — does not expire. |
Do you need a boating license in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires boater education for younger operators. Anyone born on or after June 30, 1980 must complete a boating education course to operate a boat on Mississippi public waterways, and all operators must carry proof of completion while operating a boat or personal watercraft.
Born after June 30, 1980 = required; born on or before = exempt.
What boating courses are accepted in Mississippi?
Mississippi accepts boater education courses offered free by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), taught by officers and volunteers, as well as an approved online course (Mississippi Boating Basics).
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Mississippi?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Mississippi are set by state statute and enforced by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP). For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Mississippi?
Recreational boating in Mississippi is overseen by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), 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 Mississippi boaters take a course?
Providers serving Mississippi — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Mississippi before you enroll.
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BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
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The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
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Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
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A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
HybridFrom $600
A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
OnlineFrom $39.95NASBLA-approved
The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
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Next steps for Mississippi boaters
Mississippi boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Mississippi?
- Mississippi does not issue a boating license, but anyone born on or after June 30, 1980 must complete a boating education course to operate a boat on public waterways and carry proof while operating.
- Who must take boater education in Mississippi?
- Anyone born on or after June 30, 1980 must be certified. To take the course you must be at least 10 years old, attend all classroom hours, and pass a written exam.
- Can young children operate a boat in Mississippi?
- A person under 12 must be accompanied by someone 21 or older while on board in order to operate the boat.
- Do I need to carry proof of boater education in Mississippi?
- Yes. All operators of a boat or PWC on Mississippi public waterways must have proof of completing an approved boater education course in their possession.
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