It's the Law: Before Going Out

Who May Operate a Vessel
KSA 32-1125/KSA 32-1139/KAR 115-30-10

• The minimum age for operating a vessel in Kansas is 12. No one under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Kansas public waters unless accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or person over the age of 17.
• Any person born on or after January 1, 1989, and less than 21 years of age, must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft, or sailboat on Kansas public waters unless accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person over the age of 17. The supervising person must:
  • Possess a certificate of completion of an approved boater safety education course or ...
  • Be born before January 1, 1989.
• It is illegal for the owner or person in possession of a vessel to allow a person who does not meet the age and boater safety education requirements to operate the vessel.