how do you get captain lic. for boating?

Answer 1

on a Federal level, you only need a license for boating if you are taking passengers for hire...that you get from the US Coast Guard; Sea School runs an excellent study course........introductory lowest level license is the Master of Uninspected Boats, limited to 6 passengers, and known thusly as the "six pack"....you have to have 1 years experience first, pass drug test etc etc......go look at Sea Schools web site for more info....
now, many states are asking for some sort of license/qualification......most do not, which explains why there are so many incompetents out there....buy a boat, leap in, drive away, get into trouble........so whether or not your state requires something, if you are inexperienced,the local US Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary.......civilian volunteers.....run EXCELLENT safe boating boat handling courses and they would know your state's regs........you REALLY should take one of their courses, and any good search engine will get you their home page and you can go from there