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

Persons born after January 1, 1988, may not operate a motorboat powered by a motor in excess of 10 horsepower unless he or she has successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). These persons must be in possession of evidence of completion of the approved course whenever operating such a vessel.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 years to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

It is also unlawful for a person who owns or has charge of a personal watercraft to knowingly permit a person under the age of 13 years to operate the PWC. It is illegal for a rental company to rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 13 years of age.