Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel

Arizona law states that it is illegal for a person under the age of 12 to operate a vessel with a motor greater than 8 horsepower (which includes personal watercraft) unless:

• An emergency exists or …
• The child’s parent or legal guardian is on board or …
• Another person at least 18 years of age is on board.

Arizona's Top 10 Boating Violations

1. Not enough life jackets (personal flotation devices) for everyone on board the vessel.
2. Fire extinguisher—lack of, non-marine type, and/or out of service.
3. Riding on bow, transom, or gunwales of a vessel operating above a wakeless speed.
4. Operating under the influence (OUI).
5. Excessive wake or speed.
6. No Type IV throwable PFD on board.
7. Child twelve years of age or younger not wearing a life jacket (PFD) while underway.
8. Reckless operation of a personal watercraft (PWC).
9. Lights—specifically no or incorrect navigation lights.
10. Water-skiing without an observer.

The violation statistics are based on data from citations issued by
Department law enforcement officers.