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Any person under the age of 21 who wishes to operate a vessel designed to be propelled by a motor or sail (motorboat, PWC, sailboat, sailboard) without being under direct and audible supervision must complete an approved boater education course.
Direct and audible supervision is defined as a person on board the same vessel and in sufficiently close proximity of the operator's station to enable such person to quickly and safely assume control of such vessel if needed. (KSA 32-1125e) The supervising adult must be at least 18 years of age and either have completed a boater education course or be exempt because they are over the age of 21. No one under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel without direct and audible supervision regardless of boater education certification. There is no minimum age to operate a sailboat if the operator has successfully passed an approved boating education course.
You can meet Kansas' Boater Education requirement by taking and passing an approved boating education course (classroom, online, or internet assisted home study.)
This includes any vessel powered by a motor, including a trolling motor. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 20 must complete an approved boater education course in order to operate these vessels without being under direct and audible supervision (see definition above). No person under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel without being under direct and audible supervision even if they have completed an approved boater education course.
Anyone 20 years of age and under must complete an approved boater education course in order to operate a sailboat without being under direct and audible supervision (see definition above). There is no minimum age to operate a sailboat if the person has completed an approved boater education course.
Taking a formal boating education course is not required to operate a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard in the state of Kansas, although BOATERexam.com offers a great free online Paddle Sports Safety Course.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a certified instructor for the Kansas Boating Education Course (KBEC). As part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Boating Education Program, this course plays a vital role in promoting safe and responsible boating across the state.
Our mission is to reduce boating accidents and violations, encourage sound risk management practices on the water, and enhance the overall quality of boating experiences through the responsible use of Kansas’ aquatic resources. Your participation as a volunteer instructor directly supports these goals by expanding access to boating safety education throughout Kansas.
We appreciate your commitment to helping improve the safety and enjoyment of Kansas waterways. Please review the certification steps outlined below and ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed in the Position Description before submitting your application.
There are three options to obtain your Kansas Boater Safety Education Certification: Homestudy Packet, Online, and Classroom.
If you do not have access to the internet, you may request a Homestudy Packet by contacting Chelsea Hofmeier at Chelsea.hofmeier@ks.gov or 620-672-0770. If you are choosing this method of certification, please be aware that it takes about 1-2 weeks for your certification to be processed and issued. If you require certification sooner than 2 weeks from when you send in your completed homestudy packet, taking one of the online courses listed below might be a better option.
Online courses are offered because classes are not always available or students may not be able to attend specific dates and times. The online options is not meant to be easy or quick, the intent is to be convenient. Students may study at home at their own pace and complete the exam when they feel comfortable with the material. NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) standards require that all online courses are at least three hours in duration and each section must be completed. The pages are timed and bypassing material is not an option. The purpose of the course is to gain knowledge and become a safe boater while you earn you certification.
There are five approved online courses available to receive your Kansas Boater Education Certificate. Costs vary for each course, but the advantage is an immediate printable temporary card upon payment once you have passed the online exam.
| Course | Cost | Hard Card | Practice Quizzes | Course Features | Course Expiration | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat U.S. Foundation | No Fee | May purchase a hard card for $15 | Yes | Study material provided in online course manual. Certificate comes in a printable PDF format. | 6 Months | 1-800-245-2628 ext. 3208 |
| Boat-Ed | $44.95 | Included in Cost | Yes | Animated and narrated study guide, designed to work on any device. | 90 Days | 1-800-830-2268 |
| Boater Exam | $39.95 | Included in Cost | Yes | Fully animated and narrated study guide, with visuals for exam questions. Designed to work on any device. | 90 Days | 1-866-764-2628 |
| BOATsmart! | $39.95 | Included in Cost | No | Animated and narrated course. | No Expiration Date | 1-877-655-7778 |
| I Learn To Boat | $59.95 | Included in Cost | Yes | Interactive video course. | 90 Days | 1-800-830-2268 |
| Recademics | $39.99 | Digital/electronic card provided | Yes | Online only. Fun and engaging video taught by real instructors. 100% American-owned business. | 6 Months | support@recademics.comor 214-699-8768 |
| Recademics Military, Firefighter, and Police Discount | $19.99 | Digital/electronic card provided | Yes | 50% off for retired or active military, firefighters, and police officers. | 6 months | support@recademics.comor 214-699-8768 |
| Ace Boater | $39.95 | Included in cost | Yes | The course is narrated and offers engaging interactive learning exercises. Available on any device. Group discounts available for 2+ members. | No Expiration Date | 1-877-661-1938 |
Classroom courses are offered in various locations across the state throughout the year. Scheduled classes are listed below by region.
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Council Grove City Lake Park is owned and maintained by the City of Council Grove. Lake safety for all patrons is the highest priority for the Council Grove City Council. The Kansas Division of Wildlife Parks and Tourism and the City of Council Grove Police Force are responsible for boating rules/regulations /ordinances enforcement at the Council Grove City Lake. The City of Council Grove retains the authority to enact rules/regulations that can supersede KDWPT rules/regulations if more restrictive. This study guide is provided for lake patrons to enhance and subsequently demonstrate their knowledge of boating safety at Council Grove City Lake.
For more information regarding Council Grove City Lake, please visit Council Grove City Lake Association website.
Please read carefully!
The following review of rules/regulations/ordinances and the ensuing 15-question knowledge exam are intended to enhance city lake patron's knowledge of KDWPT regulations applicable to all Kansas boating lakes and ordinances that are specific and unique to the Council Grove City Lake. The 15-question exam is correctable to 100%. If you select an incorrect answer, simply read and understand the correct answer that is displayed, re-select the correct answer and continue with the exam.
The certificate of completion, which is required to obtain a Council Grove City Lake permit and decal, can be printed or saved electronically to a smart device. The certificate of completion shall be readily available for examination by law enforcement personnel.
Start Council Grove Boater Certification Course
Regardless of how you completed the Kansas Boating Safety Course (Online, Classroom, or Homestudy), please visit I Lost My Card to look up your record and order a replacement card.
Please call 620-672-0770 if you have any questions.
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