Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement Program

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement Program

Boating on Connecticut’s waterways and Long Island Sound may seem easier with the modern electronics of today. But what if they fail? You will need to quickly depend on the time-tested methods of the past. These methods of navigation form the basis that modern electronics rely upon to make navigation so easy today. Should your electronics fail, having a basic understanding of navigation and plotting methods could save your life and those of others. Boaters desiring to travel in coastal waters should seek advanced courses in navigation. Boaters should be confident in their vessel and their handling skills. To further promote safety in coastal waters, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is sponsoring the Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement Program. This program seeks to recognize and reward those boaters who have chosen to further their boating education. Boaters who complete a course in basic navigation, in addition to the basic boating course will receive the Coastal Boater Endorsement on their Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. There is no fee for the endorsement. It is simply our way of recognizing and thanking those who have taken the extra time to learn more about boating safety in our waters. Your efforts may be rewarded further by a decrease in insurance rates. The classes below will qualify you for the endorsement:

Connecticut Boating Certificate
The Training Depot (Taught for Current Boating Education)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (Only approved courses taught in Connecticut are accepted)
America's Boating Club (Only approved courses taught in Connecticut are accepted)

Content last updated February 2, 2022.