About Boat On Course

There are no white lines, street signs, or stop lights! Boating can be more challenging than driving a car, but there still are rules of the road.

What are the risks? You can avoid dangerous collisions by learning the rules of the road and some practical safety tips.

  • 4,439
    reported accidents in 2021
  • 658
    reported deaths in 2021
  • 75%
    of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction

Boat On Course takes a practical approach to boating by relating it to something you’re already familiar with – the “rules of the road” when driving a car. Of course, there are no painted lanes or traffic signals to follow on the water. And, what about sharing the waterway with kayakers and paddleboarders? Boat On Course is here to get you started and excited about learning more in boating safety courses. Remember, most states require that boaters complete an official certified boater education course. The Boater Education Card is proof that you have successfully completed your state’s official and approved boating safety course.

In these video segments, you will have fun learning about basic navigation rules awareness from our boating safety experts on these topics:

This program was produced by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), through a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The NSBC is the foremost coalition to advance and promote a safer recreational boating experience through education, outreach and training.