Boater Education Course

An aerial image of a snake-like channel and a variety of channel markers
When a boat's propeller hits seagrass, it fragments the seagrass bed. Navigating channels in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary requires skill and experience. Photo: USCG

Boaters beware: Florida Keys waters are tricky! Learn how to protect yourself, your vessel, and the unique Florida Keys marine environment.

This free, voluntary Boater Education Course teaches you about the natural and historical resources within the sanctuary, offers strategies for responsible boating and stewardship, and highlights relevant sanctuary rules and regulations. The 30-to-45 minute course complements existing safe boating courses. A certificate of completion is provided.

English version

Spanish version

Directions:

  • Click the appropriate link above.
  • You may need to log in or create an IU Guest account first.
  • Select "Enroll Now"
  • Once you register for an account on the ProValens website, the Florida Keys Boater Education Course will appear in the "My Courses" link near the top of the page.

Please note that this course is free of charge. The registration process ensures that you will receive proper credit for your progress and course completion. Your information will not be shared with other companies.

For technical assistance, reach out to iuexpand@iu.edu.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Boater Education Course was developed in partnership with Indiana University's Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands with funding through a Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program Special Studies grant administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additional partnership support was provided by the National Parks Conservation Association.

If you're interested in additional boating courses, FWC has a list of Florida boating safety courses, and the United States Coast Guard has a list of available public education classes.