Boating is a Fun and Exciting Pastime
The Boating Lake Mead team strives to help educate boaters to make boating a fun, memorable past time. There are many different types of courses for all different types of learning. We encourage all boaters, regardless of age or law, to obtain your boating safety certificate, practice boating safety on your boat as the captain, passenger or guests! Boating safety saves lives!
Below you will find links to a few testing options to obtain your boating safety certificate.
Testing Options:
FREE AND EASIEST TIME COMMITMENT
The quickest online course is probably BOAT ED. It costs $39.95. Once you pass, you can show your email or screen shot to the rental desk or upload it on our reservations app. You will get a card in the mail.
As a commitment to boating safety – BoatingLakeMead requires a Boater’s Safety Certificate or License to rent a boat from us. You can make a reservation before you obtain this license but the person renting and all the drivers will be required to have and upload one to our reservation app. Your certificate / license must be NASBLA or Coast Guard approved. Click for instructions to download our reservation app.
- Interactive Nevada Boating License Course
- Official Boater Safety Course
- Nevada Boating License Course
- Boater Exam® – Nevada Boating License
- Official State Approved Nevada Boater Safety Course
- Nevada Boat Course
- US Foundation’s – Nevada Online Boating Safety Course
Keys for staying safe on the water and keeping all your passengers and guests safe
- Life Jackets Are Essential – Click to Learn More
- Get Educated, Reduce Risks
- Be Prepared
- Exercise Good Judgement
Boat Safety and Equipment Requirements for Lake Mead
Before you head out on the lake, make sure you have the legally required equipment. Life jackets / PFDs for everyone on board (Type I, II, III), throw cushion (Type IV) with 30′ of line attached, fire extinguisher (Type B-1), back flame protection system on inboard and stern drive boats, audible distress signal (air horn, whistle, or bell). Other required items include: ventilation system / blower, muffler on your engine, navigation lights for night cruising.
10 Tips to Prepare Your Boat for the Lake!
Below is a quick checklist provided by the Nevada Department of Wildlife to help ensure that you are ready for a safe and fun summer of boating.
- Check Life Jackets
Life Jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on your boat. Ensure that they are still serviceable, with no rips, tears or other defects. Also make sure the kids’ jackets still fit.
- Check Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers have a habit of discharging over the winter. Make sure you still have a fire extinguisher in your boat and that it is still charged.
- Registration Check
All boat registrations expire on December 31 of each year. Make sure you get a current decal on your boat before heading out.
- Charge Batteries
This is an important on often-overlooked mechanical issue. No power, no boating. Charge batteries and make sure they hold that charge.
- Electronics and Lights
Electronics can fail over the winter even without use. You should also make sure you navigation lights still work and examine exposed wiring for cracks and wear. Make sure that bilge pump still works.
- Test Engine and Components
Go ahead and fire up the boat before you leave the driveway with he correct equipment. Don’t forget your “outboard ears”, device that cools the engine out of the water. For Yamaha jet boats and inboard surf and wake boats, be sure to have the proper equipment to run your engine/s dry. Starting the boat before you leave can save you real agony, time and hassle at the boat ramp.
- The Hull
Just walk around the hull to make sure it’s not cracked or damaged. A lot can happen in a year. Also make sure you have the plug for your boat and it is in good condition. Note – that it is illegal to transport your vessel with the plug in. Before launching when in the prep lane, always make sure your boat plug is in and secure.
- Tune up the Trailer
The trailer wheel bearings need to be greased before you leave the driveway. If you have a winch and other equipment, make sure it works.
- Ski and Tow Check
Tubes, skis and other equipment must also be maintained. Rubber seals and inflatable devices can crack and leak. Make sure they are all ready to go, and don’t forget to bring your orange ski flag if you are going to tow someone.
- Gas up and Go
It’s always a good idea to replace the gas from last year. Make sure your fuel lines are connected properly and have no cracks or damage. Please review our fuel safety page for safety fueling procedures.
