Boating is a popular leisure activity in Southern Nevada, with places like Lake Las Vegas and Lake Mead offering a fantastic escape from the desert heat. With so many new people moving to Las Vegas in the last decade, some are wondering what the legal requirements are to enjoy some aquatic fun. In this blog, the Las Vegas boat accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys explain Nevada boating license requirements.
What Are Nevada’s Boating License Requirements?
People born after January 1, 1983 must obtain a “Boater Education Card” in order to operate a motorized boat of personal watercraft (PWC) in Nevada. These licenses are issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and require the completion of a boater education course. These courses can be completed in person, online, or through a home manual.
Online Nevada Boater Education Card courses range in price from $0 to $54.95. Classes are available in English and Spanish. The current online courses approved by NDOW include:
- Ilearntoboat ($54.95)
- Boat-ed.com ($44.95)
- Boat-ed.com – Spanish ($44.95)
- AceBoater.com ($39.95)
- BOATERexam.com ($39.95)
- BOATsmart! ($39.95)
- BoatTests101.com ($34.99)
- Safe2Boat.com (27.95)
- BoatUS (Free)
There is no minimum age to obtain a Nevada Boater Education Card. However, individuals must be at least 14-years old to operate a personal watercraft without adult supervision. Furthermore, anyone operating a vessel that is towing a person on water skis, a wakeboard, or any other device must be at least 16-years old or accompanied by an adult who is 18 or older.
Do I Need a License for Non-Motorized Boats in Nevada?
You do not need a license to use non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, and sailboats that do not have an engine. However, the Las Vegas boat accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys highly recommend completing a Boater Education Card course, since you’ll be sharing the water with people operating motorized water vehicles. Understanding water laws and safety, such as right-of-way rules, goes a long way towards preventing boat accident injuries.
Why Is a Nevada Boating License Important?
A Nevada Boater Education Card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a testament to your commitment to safe boating practices. Here’s why the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys recommend obtaining a Nevada Boater Education Card and a boating license:
- Understanding of Water Laws: A boating education course equips you with essential knowledge of Nevada’s boating laws, regulations, and safety standards. This understanding can help you avoid costly fines and legal issues.
- Learning Basic Boating Skills: While there’s no substitute for real-world experience, the Nevada Boater Education Card course covers basic boating skills, such as navigation, handling emergencies, and understanding weather conditions. These skills are essential for operating a boat safely and responsibly.
- Defensive Boating Skills: These courses teach basic defensive boating techniques and stress adhering to safety guidelines, helping you significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the water. This not only protects you, but also safeguards the lives of others.
- Environmental Responsibility: A Nevada Boater Education Card course emphasizes environmental awareness and responsible boating practices. This includes learning about marine ecosystems, preventing pollution, and minimizing your impact on the natural environment.
- Instilling Confidence: Having a boating license boosts your confidence and competence as a boater. This confidence can contribute to a more enjoyable and safer boating experience.
Obtaining a Nevada Boater Education Card and license is a worthwhile investment in your boating safety and enjoyment. By understanding boating laws, mastering essential skills, and practicing responsible boating habits, you can contribute to a safer and more sustainable boating community. Should you get into an accident on the water and believe that you sustained injuries caused by another party, then contact ER Injury Attorneys for immediate assistance.
Contact a Las Vegas Boat Accident Lawyer
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you have a better understanding of Nevada boating license requirements and why a Nevada Boater Education Card is useful. Hopefully, you and your family enjoy Nevada’s waters safely. Unfortunately, accidents can happen at any time and through no fault of your own. Should you find yourself in such an accident, please know that our team is available 24/7 to assist you.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Our renowned personal injury attorneys have successfully served injury victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, and Laughlin. Reach out to us today to get the legal representation and customer service you deserve.