NASBLA developed its minimum content for boating education courses more than a decade ago. These standards have served as a guide for state, non-profit and commercial providers to follow in developing boating education materials. In July 1998, NASBLA contracted with a research team anchored at The Pennsylvania State University to evaluate the existing guidelines and develop a new minimum "standard of care" for boating education. This new set of standards is intended to prescribe the minimum body of knowledge necessary to effect safe, legal, and enjoyable boating. In addition, the proposed standard of care is predicated on reducing risks in recreational boating based on empirical accident and boating violation statistics. 

Individuals and organizations interested in receiving NASBLA approval for their boating safety courses should go to the Application Documents page.

NASBLA National Boating Education Standards Documents

Current National Boating Education Standards (Effective January 1, 2010) 

Current Education Standards checklist

Recent Amendments to the National Boating Education Standards

Amending the Standards

2009 Amendments (effective January 1, 2010)

2007 Amendments (effective January 1, 2008)

2005 Amendments (effective January 1, 2006)

2004 Amendments (effective January 1, 2005)

2003 Amendments

2002 Amendments

Navigation Standards 5.3

Testing Standards 9.2.3