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Delaware BOAT LAWS

 -Effective Jan. 1, 1994, successful completion of a boating safety course is mandatory for persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978, to operate a boat. (NOTE: Personal watercraft are boats, too.) Classes are offered statewide.

These Delaware boating safety education requirements apply to any registered or documented boat or personal watercraft (PWC) operated on Delaware waters.

All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course (link to Boat-Ed)  approved by the DNREC. The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or equivalent.  Those required to have completed a boating course must carry on board their state–issued or NASBLA–approved certificate of boating safety education.

There are age restrictions on Personal Water Craft (PWC) operation:

• No one under the age of 14 years may operate a PWC under any conditions.

• Those 14 and 15 years of age who hold a boating safety certification card, may operate a PWC only if under the direct supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian.

• Those 16 years of age and older who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC without age restrictions.

• State of Delaware Boat Registration Application

• Renew your existing registration or change address online

• Buy a non-resident boat ramp certificate

• Register your boat in person

It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or boating education requirements to operate the vessel.   

 If you live in another state and operate your vessel on Delaware waters for more than sixty days in a calendar year, you will need the boating certificate.