New Hampshire Boating Regulations and Laws

A vessel powered by 25 horsepower or less does not require the operator to have a Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A “ski craft” (motorized vessel less than 13 feet long that is capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour and has the capacity to carry no more than an operator and one other person) may be operated only by persons who are 16 years old or older and who have a valid Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A vessel powered by more than 25 horsepower (other than a “ski craft”) may be operated by:

• A person under 16 years of age only if he or she is accompanied by a person 18 years old or older who has a valid Safe Boater Education Certificate. The accompanying person is responsible for any injury or damage caused during operation of the vessel.
• A person 16 years of age or older only if he or she has obtained a Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A Safe Boater Education Certificate may be obtained by persons 16 years of age or older only and must be carried on board.

• New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:
  • A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire.
• If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and you do not have any of the above certificates, please visit our website www.boatingeducation.nh.gov, or call us at 1-888-254-2125.

Remember—Those required to have a Safe Boater Education Certificate must carry the certificate on board whenever they are operating a vessel powered by more than 25 horsepower.