- All motorboat operators born on or after January 1, 1989, must have completed a boating safety course approved by NASBLA* and New Mexico State Parks. An operator may also operate motorboat (PWC or "Jet Skis" and Sailboats included) if they have passed an approved, proctored equivalency test; or possesses a valid license from the U.S. Coast Guard or Canadian Government. Proof of boater education is required to be carried aboard during operation.
- No person under the age of 13 shall operate a motorboat unless under the onboard supervision of an adult (this person under the age of 13 is also required to have their boater education card).
- It can take up to 45 days to receive your education card. Plan your classes now.
- New Mexico State Parks has approved only the course options below:
How to Register for a Course
Operators may take their boater education course by registering for any one course from these eight course options:
- in the classroom, (three approved course options)
- by computer online, (five approved course options)
- by studying at home, (one approved course option)
or by taking a proctored proficiency exam.
Most will take 8 hours to complete with a half hour lunch break and are free.
Classes give students the chance to interact with an instructor who is an experienced boater and to network with other boaters.
If you pass the class closed book test with a minimum of 80%, you will be issued both a certificate of completion and a wallet card within 45 days. Many insurance companies will recognize the classroom courses only for boat insurance discount purposes.
The issued Boater Education Card is honored in just about every state in the country unless you move to another state that does not have an education reciprocity agreement with New Mexico. When you move it is your responsibility to check the law in your new state.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Course will charge a $15 materials fee for the study guide and provide an awesome CD-Rom Guide with additional information.
The military base courses may charge a small fee and their classes are limited to those with base privileges or active military.
Register below for one of the three approved New Mexico boating education classroom courses:
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Boat New Mexico
- Course Length: Eight Hours
- When: One full day usually Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays or two half days depending on schedule
- Where: Vary's throughout New Mexico (Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Clovis, Conchas and Ute Lakes, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Espanola, Farmington, Ft. Sumner, Grants, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Tucumcari) and also in Amarillo and El Paso Texas. Other locations may be requested if there is an identified need.
- Cost: None. Free instruction and materials.
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes. The sixty question exam requires an 80% score to pass (48 questions).
- Pay for the Education Card: No charge. Students will receive the official New Mexico Boater Education Card by mail within 45 days.
- Course Description
- . Full classes are closed and do not show up on the site unless cancellations take place.
- Customer Service: 505-476-3390 or 1-888-667-2757
E-mail - Stephen.Verchinski@state.nm.us
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- Course Length: Eight hours normally with the occasionally held thirteen lesson course which exceeds minimum state requirements.
- When: One full day, or two half days, or weekly for 6 to 7 weeks for the thirteen lesson course.
- Where: Mostly Albuquerque at the Foothills Church and in Santa Fe
- Cost: Instruction is free however there is a $15 materials charge payable by cash or check at the start of the class.
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes. Exam requires 80% to pass.
- Pay for the Education Card: No charge and handed out at end of class.
- Course Description
- . Full classes are closed and do not show back up on the site unless cancellations take place.
- Customer Service: 505-293-7543
E-mail - ronbeck@comcast.net
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Boat New Mexico
- Course Length: Eight Hour Course
- When: One full day or two half days
- Location: Currently only Kirtland/Sandia in Albuquerque (Requires base access privileges. Held at Outdoor Recreation Services)
- Cost: Free instruction and materials. Small fee for refreshments.
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes
- Pay for the Education Card: No
- Course Description
-
Full classes are closed and do not show back up on the site unless cancellations take place.
- Instructor: Rick Mares (505) 846-1275 E-Mail: rickmares@kirtland.af.mil
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Only the five online options below have been approved for the boater education card.
Using unique and engaging learning tools, online courses will usually take from 5 to 8 hours to complete.
You can read about each option before signing up. Some require you to take the course in one sitting.
If you pass the test with a minimum of 80% (Personal Watercraft Safety School requires an 85% passing grade), in most cases you will be issued a temporary certificate of completion/permit/card that is downloadable for immediate use but expires in 45 days. Others will send you the card in one to two weeks.
Note: a number of states will not recognize an online course certification should you travel or move from New Mexico but will only recognize a formal, classroom course.
A total of 6 states prohibit the use of Internet testing in their state and will not accept an Internet course as proof of mandatory education. These states are:
Colorado
Connecticut
New Jersey
New York
Utah
Puerto Rico (requires a 24- hour proctored course)
Register below for one of the five.
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Boat New Mexico
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes
- Study Material Needed: Available online, is printable, and is free.
- Time Limit: None, but course must be completed in a single, online session.
- Practice Test Available: Yes and you may take an unlimited number of practice
tests (60 questions) for free.
- Test Number of Questions: 60 (48 correct needed to pass)
- Cost for the boater education card: No
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Boater Exam New Mexico
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes
- Study Material Needed: Downloadable 50 pages and is free.
- Time Limit: None, and you review all your wrong answers.
- Practice Test Available: yes
- Test Number of Questions: 60 (48 correct needed to pass)
- Cost for the boater education card: No
- Exam Costs: $29.95. All exam retakes are free.
- Course provides for the reading limited with a speaking on-line reader option.
- Course Description
MON - FRI 9AM - 11PM EST SAT & SUN 10AM - 5PM EST
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Boat US Online New Mexico Boating Safety Course-General Boating Course Only
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes, the General Boating Course only
- Time Limit: Times out after 30 days but you must hit the "leave and return later"
- Practice Test Available: No, but section quizzes are available
- Test Number of Questions: 75 (60 correct to pass)
- Cost for the education card: Print one out free of charge or request a certificate and more durable card to be sent to you for a fee of $5.00.
- Contact: 1-800-245-BOAT or 1-703-461-2864 ext. 8351 or ext. 8356
Email: boatsafety@boatus.com teds@boatus.com
8-5 EST, M-F Only
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PWC Safety School.com
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes
- Study Material Needed: No.
- Time Limit: None, but once testing, it must be completed in one on-line session.
- Practice Test Available: Yes, practice quizzes offered after each section.
- Test Number of Questions: 60 (51 correct needed to pass)
- Pay online for the education card: No
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BoatCourse.com
- NASBLA/New Mexico Approved: Yes
- Study Material Needed: Downloadable about 50 pages and is free.
- Time Limit: None for the course itself.
- Practice Test Available: Yes
- Test Number of Questions: 60 (48 correct needed to pass)
- Cost for the boater education card: $14.95
- Exam Costs: Nothing. All exam retakes are built into the system with new questions
- Course Description
- Contacts:Jim Decker USCG Retired 1-877-677-2628
MON - FRI 8AM - 5PM EST SAT & SUN Sometimes
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- Time Limit: None
- Practice Test Available: Yes practice quizzes offered after each section.
- Manual is available by sending an e-mail with address to the contact below.
- An alternate to the manual can be read on line at Boat New Mexico. Study Material is available online, printable, and is free
- Test Number of Questions in Proctored Exam: 50 (40 right needed to pass)
- Pay for the education card: No
- Exam Costs: None.
- Course Description
- Taking the exam: Find a course here. Do not register but just note the time date and location and show up one hour before the end of class with your identification.
*NASBLA - National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
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Special Boat Education Courses
The New Mexico Sailing Club will be holding special classes on sailing this year in Northern New Mexico for children and youth groups. See the "Boating Waters" pages link under "Boating" found in the left column.
Summertime course in sailboat racing for youths in New Mexico High Schools is being conducted by the Rio Rancho Optimists. Call Mark Paz 505-867-3939
Contact our Division if your community would be interested in a youth program for hands-on boating called the "Spirit of America"
Boat Education Hint for the Month
Watersports will soon be on the mind of many going out on New Mexico waters. Buying the right equipment and knowing what to do are found by following the guidelines of the WSIA, the Water Sports Industry Association. Their guidebook provides you with rope specifications and guidelines, and driving instruction best practices for rider types, ages and abilities.
Some New Mexico special considerations are the proper use of a "Ski Flag", proper selection of an impact speed rated United States Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket, providing a 300 foot front, and side 150' minimum "safety corridor" for whoever is being towed, boat capacity must have seating on board for the person(s) being towed, the person being towed cannot be under the influence of any alcohol or drugs and must wear a life jacket approved for the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions Click Here
Get a Replacement
New Mexico Boater Education Identification Card
Full text of New Mexico Boater Education Laws including those required for New Mexico Boat Rentals
Other Specialized Boating Classes Not NM Approved or Certified
Sailing Course
(Keelboat)
Captain's Licensing - AKA 6-passenger license.
Canoeing Rafting and Kayaking
Personal Watercraft Rental Training
Cold Water Shock, Hypothermia and Cold Water Survival
Basic Water Rescue
Advanced Boat Operator Certifications
Sept 15, 2009 Canada now requires proof of boater education operators course.
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