For more information on the boating laws in the state of Connecticut visit: www.dep.state.ct.us
Safe Boating Certificate (SBC): Any resident of the state of Connecticut or person owning real property or a boat required to be registered or numbered in the state must obtain a Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) before operating any vessel required to be registered or numbered. Owner/operators of documented vessels or out-of-state registered vessels (not personal watercraft) may use Connecticut waters for no more than 60 days in a calendar year without obtaining a SBC or CPWO.
To obtain a SBC an individual must successfully complete an approved boating course, pass a written examination that is proctored, submit an application to the DEP accompanied by a fee of $25.00 OR successfully pass an equivalency exam ($25.00 fee) administered by the DEP. Any holder of a SBC or CPWO must have that certificate in their possession whenever operating a vessel. The SBC will allow the boater to operate any recreational vessel except a personal watercraft (PWC).
| The BoatU.S. Online Course and other internet courses do not meet the Connecticut Education Requirements. The Boating Safety Education Certificate issued at the completion of this course is NOT recognized by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection or Connecticut on-water law enforcement officers. You must take an approved classroom-based course and possess an official Connecticut SBC or CPWO in order to operate! If you have any questions call DEP Marine Headquarters at (860) 434-8638. |
A SBC may be issued to any applicant regardless of age. Any boater less than 16 years old who possesses a SBC or CPWO may operate a boat up to 10 HP alone. To operate a boat over 10 HP, the child operator must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years of age) who also has held a SBC or CPWO for at least two years. This applies only to boats.
The minimum age to operate a PWC alone is 16, as of 1 January 2004. This is for all CPWO issued after 31 December 2003.
The SBC or CPWO is valid for the life of the person to whom it is issued. Anyone holding a current Master, Mate or Pilot license issued by the US Coast Guard may operate a recreational vessel (not a personal watercraft) without a SBC.
Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO): A Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation will allow an individual to operate any recreational vessel including personal watercraft (jetski-style vessel). To obtain a CPWO an applicant must meet all requirements for a SBC and complete an approved course in personal watercraft (PWC) instruction, then make application with a $25.00 fee.
| No person (under any circumstances) shall operate a PWC without having in his or her possession a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO)! |
Limited Durational Certificate: Any individual that qualifies for a SBC or CPWO may bring a completed application, $25 fee, and supporting documents to any DEP processing office and receive a Limited Durational Certificate. This certificate may be used instantly until your official certificate arrives in the mail.
Duplicate Certificates: Should your SBC or CPWO become lost, stolen or destroyed you may obtain a duplicate for a fee of $10. Forms are available through the DEP.
Boating Courses: The Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection Boating Division must approve all boating courses that lead to certification in Connecticut. To obtain this approval, your course must be taught by a qualified instructor for a period of no less than 8 hours.
No home-study, internet, or mail order courses are approved in Connecticut!
Some courses are approved as combination boating and PWC courses and lead to a CPWO.
If you have any questions call DEP Marine Headquarters at (860) 434-8638. In an effort to assure quality boating education throughout the state, we randomly select student’s names to complete a survey.
Should you encounter a course or instructor that you feel were inappropriate or did not deliver a quality education please contact the DEP at the above phone number or mail your comments to DEP Marine HQ, PO Box 280, Old Lyme, CT 06371 ATTN: Education Dept.
We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.
