Who May Operate a Vessel

All persons must be at least 14 years of age to legally operate a motorboat or PWC unless under the direct, onboard supervision of a parent, guardian or other person 16 years of age or older.

• No person may knowingly permit a child under the minimum age to operate a motorboat or PWC.
• Parents and guardians are legally responsible for the underage operator and their actions.

New Boater Education Law

Beginning January 1, 2005, all persons born after January 1, 1984, who operate any vessel on the lakes of the state of Missouri must have on board his or her boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol. The card is obtained by successfully completing a boating safety course approved by the Missouri State Water Patrol. Beginning January 1, 2006, the boating safety identification card requirement also applies to nonresidents.

Beginning January 1, 2006, nonresidents of Missouri may obtain a temporary boater education permit for the purpose of renting a vessel, in lieu of the boating safety identification card requirement above. The temporary permit is obtained by successfully completing an examination approved by the Missouri State Water Patrol and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.