Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

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Education & Classes

Boating Education

Mandatory Boating Education Began January 1, 2001. This law affects operators of sailboats and motor-powered craft.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat, must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat on Arkansas water. The law also affects operators of sailboats.

The Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. This is necessary to reduce loss of life, personal injury and property damage while increasing boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. The basic six hour boating course includes:

  • Arkansas Boating Law
  • Boat Classification
  • Registration and Trailering
  • Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets, etc.)
  • Rules of the Road
  • Maintenance
  • Boating Accidents

How to take Boating Education Classes

There are now three ways to complete the Arkansas Boating Education course. 

Instructor Led Class
The traditional method is an instructor led class. These classes may be a couple of hours each night for three to four nights or a full day Saturday class. The examination will be given at the end of the class. The program is administered through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and taught through a corps of trained volunteer and professional instructors on a statewide basis.

Boat Arkansas
Boat Arkansas offers two self-study options. Take the Internet based course, or order the official Boat Arkansas video or DVD home-study course on boat and PWC (personal watercraft) safety. Taking this course will allow you to get your Arkansas boating education certificate online.

Vessel Safety Check

A Vessel Safety Check is a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and the federal regulations.  The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.  Visit the Vessel Safety Check Website and request a FREE vessel check.