US Captain's Training
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Boating requirements · New Hampshire
Boating license requirements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires boater education for most operators. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire…
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Do you need a boating license in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires boater education for most operators. Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate. The certificate is valid for the holder’s lifetime.
A person 16 or older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must hold a safe boater education certificate. The certificate is issued to a person 16 or older who passes a NASBLA-approved safe boater education course; a classroom course provides a minimum of 8 hours of instruction.
Once issued, the certificate of safe boater education is valid for the lifetime of the person and may not be revoked without cause and a hearing.
What boating courses are accepted in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire accepts NASBLA-approved safe boater education courses approved by the commissioner, including classroom courses of at least 8 hours and approved online options. The program is administered by the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol.
Who regulates boating in New Hampshire?
Recreational boating in New Hampshire is overseen by New Hampshire State Police, Marine Patrol, 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 New Hampshire boaters take a course?
Providers serving New Hampshire — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in New Hampshire before you enroll.
Mariners Learning System
FeaturedOnline USCG captain's license courses (OUPV and Master) completed entirely online, including an at-home proctored exam.
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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.
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A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
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A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
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New Hampshire boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire does not issue a boating license, but everyone 16 or older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower must have a safe boater education certificate.
- Who must have a boating education certificate in New Hampshire?
- Any person 16 or older operating a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must hold the certificate, earned by passing a NASBLA-approved course.
- Does the New Hampshire boating certificate expire?
- No. The certificate of safe boater education is valid for the lifetime of the person and may not be revoked without cause and a hearing.
- How many hours is the New Hampshire boating course?
- A classroom safe boater education course provides a minimum of 8 hours of instruction and must be NASBLA-approved; approved online options are also available.
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