This program is mandatory for any person twelve years of age or older but less than eighteen years of age to operate any vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower. Students must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boater education course. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources offers the Boat Iowa Course, which is available as an instructed or home study course. The Boat Iowa Course is designed to promote safe and responsible boating practices and to instill a sense of responsibility by making the students aware of their actions and potential consequences of these actions. The course is designed to be at least 6 hours long. Students must score a minimum of 80% on the exam to pass.

The Code of Iowa specifically states that an owner or operator of a vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower shall not permit any person under twelve years of age to operate the vessel unless accompanied in or on the same vessel by a responsible person of at least eighteen years of age who is experienced in motorboat operation. A person who is twelve years or older but less than eighteen years of age shall not operate any vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower unless the person has successfully completed a department-approved watercraft safety course and obtained a watercraft safety certificate or is accompanied in or on the same vessel by a responsible person of at least eighteen years of age who is experienced in motorboat operation. A person required to have a watercraft safety certificate shall carry and shall exhibit or make available the certificate upon request of an officer of the department. A violation of this subsection is a simple misdemeanor as provided in section 462A.13. The cost of a department certificate, or any duplicate, shall not exceed five dollars.

To take the Boat Iowa Course at home, students should order a Boater Education packet from the Des Moines Office. After completion of the test, the student must send in the answer sheet along with a $5.00 check or money order to receive their certificate. This certificate must be in the operator's possession when operating a vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower between the ages of twelve and seventeen. The Boat Iowa Course is available for home study by calling 515/281-5918.

An online Boat Iowa Course is available for an additional fee if you choose to take it. You can find this course at www.boat-ed.com/ia/. This option allows you to take an interactive boating course at your own leisure from home.

An additional NASBLA approved course is also available on-line at www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/.

Iowa will recognize any National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved certificate of completion from other states. This is based on the core standards that are agreed upon for reciprocity.