Tennessee boating safety course
Tennessee law requires anyone born after January 1, 1989 to hold a TWRA-approved boating safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft on public waters. The course is free, runs online, and takes most riders about three hours.
Rental Boat Safety (TWRA approved)
The fastest option for renters is the 14-minute Rental Boat Safety video and quiz. It satisfies the TWRA requirement for boats rented from a licensed livery in Tennessee.
Open RentalBoatSafety.com →How it works
- 01Watch the video
Watch the full 14-minute Rental Boat Safety video on rentalboatsafety.com.
- 02Pass the quiz
Answer the short quiz at the end. You can retake it if needed.
- 03Save the certificate
Save or screenshot the certificate. Bring it to the ramp on your phone.
- 04Show it at check-in
We verify the certificate before launch. Riders born before Jan 1, 1989 are exempt by Tennessee law.
Who needs the certificate
Per the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 must carry proof of completing a TWRA-approved boating safety course while operating any motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Riders born before that date are exempt but still receive the on-water orientation at the ramp.
The minimum age to operate a PWC alone in Tennessee is 16. Riders ages 12 to 15 may operate with a licensed adult on board.