Renting a Boat - Do I need a boat license?

[MaryKLady]

Anyone know if I need a boat license to rent a boat at Disney? I know, it sounds silly even when I'm typing it but I figured I'd ask any way.

I used to have one but NJ makes you take a whole course now to get a boat license...not worth it to me because Disney would be the only time I would ever use it.

 

[brentalex]

You do not need a license to rent the sea raycers. don't know about the larger boats, but I would doubt if you needed one

 

[Mickey Fan in PA]

I did have to show my Vehicle Drivers License to rent both the sea raycer and the large boat.

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

I did have to show my Vehicle Drivers License to rent both the sea raycer and the large boat.

Same here. I have rented the Sea Raycer, a pontoon, and a canoe. I had to show ID for all three, but not a boater's license.

 

[Petraman]

Same here. I have rented the Sea Raycer, a pontoon, and a canoe. I had to show ID for all three, but not a boater's license.

Pretty sure their is no boat license requirement in Florida. They have you show your driver's license to verify ID.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) No rental boats at WDW require a boating license.
2) You just need a driver's license for ID to rent.

 

[SusanDK]

It's a shame they don't require some sort of boating/sailing knowledge to allow people to rent boats, even if it is just a half-hour briefing on water safety and etiquette before they let people loose.

We rented one of the hobie cats once, and the behavior of the other boaters and lack of etiquette was appalling. No one knew the rights of way, nor did those in motorized boats practice proper etiquette, common courtesy or even common sense when in the proximity of sailing boats.

Susan

 

[P.I. Squirrel]

It's a shame they don't require some sort of boating/sailing knowledge to allow people to rent boats, even if it is just a half-hour briefing on water safety and etiquette before they let people loose.

We rented one of the hobie cats once, and the behavior of the other boaters and lack of etiquette was appalling. No one knew the rights of way, nor did those in motorized boats practice proper etiquette, common courtesy or even common sense when in the proximity of sailing boats.

Susan

I've also seen many boats cutting in front of the ferries.

Usually there is a CM in a whaleboat enforcing the rules in Bay Lake. But, you're right. There is no pre-screening prior to launch.

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

No Boat License required, just show your Drivers license and you should be good to go.

 

[MaryKLady]

Great, thanks!

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

We have only ever shown our room key at the Poly, the CM even commented on how well DH drives a boat.