Boater License?

Hey Everyone!

So I moved from MN this past spring to Rolla and just finished moving all the registrations on my toys over to MO. One thing that the DMV mentioned to me was that in order to operate a boat in MO I needed to obtain a Boater License.

#1 What the hell is a Boater License?

#2 As a previous resident from the land of 10K lakes is there a way to get a waiver for this thing?

#3 If the answer to #2 is a no then what so I need to do to obtain a Boater License?

My boat registration is switched and all the stickers are applied! I want to get on the lakes in the area to start my search for spots this winter. A quick response is much appreciated!

Thanks Everyone!

There is a boater safety course that people born after a certain date have to take to operate a boat. Not sure what the cut off date is. I can see if we have a book at work that says. I'm sure their will be info about it on the MO water patrol website.

Missouri requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is the Missouri State Water Patrol. The card is mandatory for all boat operators (non-residents as well) born after January 1, 1984 to operate on Missouri waters.
There is no restriction on the age of boat operators. If you are under 14 years of age, you must have your Boater Education Card and a valid photo I.D. onboard, and operate the boat under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult, at least 16 years or older.

Thanks! So I fall into the category of age that needs to have it. How do I get it? Is it something that I can do online or is it an in person class you have to attend?

its online. try google man.

have fun! when I took it it was like a dozen questions and done. My little brother took it a few years ago. Takes hours and hours now. But after some of the drivers I've seen on the lake, maybe more people SHOULD have to take it :twocents

[QUOTE But after some of the drivers I've seen on the lake, maybe more people SHOULD have to take it :twocents[/QUOTE]

That's the truth!

I just did it a couple months ago. Missouri Water Patrol has a link on their website. It did take several hours, but you work at your own pace, and when you log out, you can log back in where you left off. Most of the time is just waiting to move to the next screen as they have timers on it. I thought the biggest part of it had to do with lights, life jackets, and not drinking and boating. There's no cost to take the exam at the end, but they want $40 to get the card/certificate.