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 · Tennessee
Boating license requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee requires boater education for younger operators. A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower…
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Do you need a boating license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires boater education for younger operators. A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the wallet-sized Boating Safety Education Certificate.
A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 operating a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must show the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of passing the TWRA Boating Safety exam, and must carry it while operating. The certificate is not required if an adult 18 or older, born before January 1, 1989, is on board to take immediate control.
Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a boat over 8.5 horsepower must carry a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate.
What boating courses are accepted in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires passing the TWRA Boating Safety exam; approved study courses (online and in person) help you prepare. Non-residents may use a NASBLA-approved certificate from their home state.
Who regulates boating in Tennessee?
Recreational boating in Tennessee is overseen by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), 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 Tennessee boaters take a course?
Providers serving Tennessee — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Tennessee 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
Explore boating courses in Tennessee by type
Tennessee boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Tennessee?
- Tennessee does not issue a boating license, but residents born after January 1, 1989 must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the Boating Safety Education Certificate to operate a vessel over 8.5 horsepower.
- Who must be certified to boat in Tennessee?
- Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must carry the TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate while operating.
- Is there an exception to Tennessee’s requirement?
- Yes. The certificate is not required if an adult 18 or older, born before January 1, 1989, is on board and able to take immediate control of the vessel.
- Do non-residents need a certificate in Tennessee?
- Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a boat over 8.5 horsepower must carry a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate.
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