Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Operator Age and Education Requirements
Although there is no statewide law specifying a minimum age to
operate a vessel, all operators must be competent and are held
responsible for knowing the navigation rules. In addition, there
are local age regulations, for example in Benewah, Bonner, and
Kootenai counties. Be sure to contact the counties and cities where
you plan to boat about their local ordinances.
Idaho law requires boater education under these conditions.
- Personal watercraft rental businesses must provide education
to each person who will ride and operate the PWC. The operator
of the PWC must carry a verification wallet card. The Idaho Department
of Parks and Recreation provides the education materials to rental
businesses.
- In addition to penalties, boat operators are required to pass a boating
course if they are convicted of operating under the influence
of drugs or alcohol.
- Boat operators who are repeat offenders of any boating law or rule
also are required to pass a boating course.
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