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How to Get Your Captain's License for Sailing

Boating is a popular sport where waterways are plentiful. People who participate in any type of boating, including sailing, are required to obtain a boating license. Commonly referred to as a captain's license, procedures for obtaining the document vary by state. Every state requires a pretest, however, called the boating safety course. Every state charges a fee for a boating license and every state requires a boater exam. Both the safety course and the exam must be passed and documented before the license will be issued.

Instructions

- 1
  Complete a boating safety course in your state. Each state provides different tests, so the course must be done for the state in which you live. There are online courses as well as courses offered through either the department of motor vehicles or department of natural resources in your state.
- 2
  Prepare identification documents. Some states require up to six identification documents, so check your state's requirements before registering for the license test.
- 3
  Study for the boater exam through online websites or using your state's resources. If your state does not publish a study guide, ask which guides are recommended for the test.
- 4
  Pay the fee and take the exam. Some states, such as Wisconsin, offer the test online and allow a specific time for test completion. Other states, such as New Jersey, require a boater to visit the local department of motor vehicles to complete the test. The time between receiving the license and passing the test varies by state.

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