It's the Law: Before Going Out

Who May Operate a Motorboat or PWC

All persons must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or PWC legally unless under the direct, on-board 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 unattended.
• 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 their boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol (MSWP) along with a photo I.D. The card is obtained by successfully completing a boating safety course approved by the MSWP. The boating safety identification card requirement also applies to nonresidents. Nonresidents may obtain a 30-day non-renewable temporary permit for the purpose of renting a vessel, in lieu of the boating safety identification card requirement above, by passing an examination approved by the MSWP.