2018 CT Boater Education & Safety Class Schedule

Connecticut boaters are reminded that a Safe-Boating Certificate is required to legally operate any boat with a motor or a sailboat 19 1/2 feet in length or longer in state waters. This applies to residents and non-residents who wish to operate a boat in CT waters. Residents of Connecticut, persons owning real property in Connecticut, or persons with vessels registered in Connecticut must have one of the following:

• an approved Safe Boating Certificate (SBC)
• a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO)
• a valid vessel operator license* issued by the United States Coast Guard

• On inland bodies of water with a 10 horsepower limit and between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, a certificate is not required to operate a boat with an electric motor (rated at 106 lbs. of thrust or less). However, the vessel must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• * If you have a valid vessel operator license issued by the United States Coast Guard you are not required to have a Safe Boating Certificate to operate a vessel other than a personal watercraft (i.e. trademarked brand names Jet Ski, Wave runner, Sea-Doo). You must have the current license on board the recreational vessel you are operating.

Connecticut Combination Safe Boating/Personal Watercraft, Personal Watercraft, Canoe & Kayak Safety Class Schedules

Combination Safe Boating/Personal Watercraft Classes – These classes are at least 8 hours long and range between two and four sessions. They qualify a person for the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.

Personal Watercraft (jet ski, sea-doo, wave runner) Classes – Personal Watercraft Classes are 2 1/2 hours long. They are intended for individuals who would like to upgrade their Safe Boating Certificate to the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation or to be eligible for a temporary personal watercraft certificate for first-time registered owners of a personal watercraft.

Canoe and Kayak Safety Classes – Canoe and Kayak Safety classes are voluntary.  They are about 2 hours long and are designed for beginning paddlers whether or not they have taken our other courses.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux) and United States Power Squadrons (USPS) Courses

Approved Safe Boating Course Agents

 Coastal Boater Endorsement Program

The DEEP Boating Division urges all paddlers to periodically review paddle safety topics – A free Paddle Sports Safety Course is available online.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux) and United States Power Squadrons (USPS) Courses:

The DEEP Boating Division strongly recommends the longer USPS or USCGAux courses, particularly for coastal boaters. (Their shorter courses are also accredited by the Connecticut DEEP.)

NOTE:  Not all USPS and CG Auxiliary courses include the Connecticut supplemental information that is required to receive a Connecticut boating certificate.  Please inquire with the Flotilla,Squadron or Boating Division before taking the class.

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux):

• Recommended course is “Boating Skills and Seamanship” or “BS&S”
• To view their basic and advance courses visit www.D1South.org/pages/boating_safety.php
  or visit www.cgaux.org and select “Take a Safe Boating Safety Class”

United States Power Squadrons (USPS)

• Recommended course is “America’s Boating Course”
• To view USPS basic and advance courses visit https://beyondboating.org/education-matters/online-boating-education/americas-boating-course/

Approved Safe Boating Course Agents

Approved Safe Boating Course Agents are organizations that are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the State of Connecticut to teach boating education that will lead to certification.  View list of Approved Safe Boating Course Agents