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Boating in New Mexico
When you think of New Mexico, you may think of an arid and deserted landscape. Boating or any related water activities may be far from what comes to mind. But don’t be fooled; New Mexico has impressive water bodies that offer several water activities, including fishing and boating. Elephant Butte Lake is the largest lake in the state of New Mexico, and it is the most popular spot to enjoy the water. This lake is an artificial reservoir created by the construction of a dam across the Rio Grande. It is about 40 miles long and consists of approximately 200 miles of shorelines.
If you are thinking of trying something new or enjoying a weekend outdoors, consider boating in one of the many lakes scattered around the state. One thing that is important with all water sports is safety. This is important to the extent that the state has set in place boating regulations. The state requires that all boat operators born on or after January 1st, 1989 carry proof o boater education. Safety should be the number one priority.
By taking the BoatTests101 Boat Safety course, you will learn the necessary skills to operate a boat safely, to avoid the mistakes that can lead to accidents and even fatalities. Also, and no less important, you will be reviewing topics relating to the environment and how to avoid contamination. In this day and age, this is something that we must always be concerned about.
Take our boating course today and be ready to go boating within a few hours!


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In its place, you need to obtain a boater safety card if you were born on or after January 1, 1989 and you intend to operate a motorboat. If you were born before that date, you are not legally required to get the card in order to operate a vessel on the waters in New Mexico.
Nobody under 13 years of age is allowed to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or PWC unless under direct spervision of an adult.
Persons under 13 years of age must have their New Mexico Boater's Education certificate on board at all times even with direct supervision.
In its place, you need to obtain a boater safety card if you were born on or after January 1, 1989 and you intend to operate a motorboat. If you were born before that date, you are not legally required to get the card in order to operate a vessel on the waters in New Mexico.
There are 60 questions in the final exam.
Certification
The right term is boater's education card.
After passing the exam you can right away print your boater's education certificate and start boating right away.
Your permanent card will be mailed to you in 2 to 3 weeks.
In its place, you need to obtain a boater safety card if you were born on or after January 1, 1989 and you intend to operate a motorboat. If you were born before that date, you are not legally required to get the card in order to operate a vessel on the waters in New Mexico.
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Please email us your issue or concern and we will review on a customer-by-customer basis.
Replacement Documents
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IT
Moving to New Mexico
A person that has moved to New Mexico may use a boater education card, certificate, or other document issued by a state or country in lieu of a division issued boater education card for up to 45 days after moving to New Mexico to operate a motorboat if the original certificate, card or document is onboard the motorboat during operation.
You are only allowed to use your boater's card from another state for 45 days.
You are only allowed to drive a boat with your other state boater's card for 45 days.
You can get more information at EMNRD State Parks Division.