BOATING COURSES

Online Boating Class.

Links to sources of other classes (non-LDWF classes):

Coast Guard 
U.S. Power Squadrons 
New Orleans Power Squadron 

Boating Safety Classes
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries offers a boating class that lasts between 6 and 8 hours that is usually completed in a day. The course includes information on choosing a boat, classification, hulls, motors, legal requirements and equipment requirements, many navigation rules, navigation charts, trailering, sailboats, and related subjects that include canoeing, personal watercraft and more. Completion of the course will result in the student being issued a vessel operators certification card.

Boating Classes with LDWF are offered year-round but are most popular in the spring and summer. These classes are offered free of charge to the public.  LDWF classes are offered in the following areas:

State Boating Courses:

• Shreveport - Minden
• Monroe - Ruston
• Alexandria - Natchitoches
• Ferriday - Vidalia
• Lake Charles - Jennings
• Opelousas - Lafayette - New Iberia
• Baton Rouge - Hammond - Slidell
• New Orleans - Metairie - Destrehan
• Thibodaux - Houma - Golden Meadow

Other Sources of Boating Classes:
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
The U.S. Power Squadron
The Baton Rouge Power Squadron
The Lake Charles Power Squadron  
Online Boating Course

Registration for classes - It is not required that students pre-register for all classes listed. You only need to register for classes that request pre-registration as part of their notice.

Mandatory Boating Education - All persons born after January 1, 1988, must complete a boating education course and carry proof of completion to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower. The person may operate the boat if accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who if required has completed the course.

• Effective July 1, 2010 all person born after January 1, 1984 will be required to complete a boating education course.

Personal Watercraft Age - It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

LDWF State Boating Class dates and location are as follows:

REGION 1: Shreveport - Minden
REGION 2: Monroe - Ruston
REGION 3: Alexandria - Pineville - Natchitoches
REGION 4: Ferriday - Vidalia - Jena
REGION 5: Lake Charles - Jennings
REGION 6: Opelousas - Lafayette - New Iberia
REGION 7: Baton Rouge - Hammond Slidell
REGION 8: New Orleans Area
REGION 9: Thibodaux - Houma - Golden Meadow