Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Mandatory Boater Education and Operator Age Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2007, all persons born after January 1, 1989, must pass an approved boater education course or a proctored examination before they may operate a motorboat legally.

Operators are exempt if they:

• Possess a valid license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard or …
• Are renting the motorboat for 30 days or fewer and have received instructions on safe boat operation and a summary of boating law from the rental company.

All persons must be at least 13 years of age to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or PWC unless under the direct, onboard supervision of an adult. Those under 13 years of age must have their Boater Education Card on board even when operating under direct supervision.

The boater education card must be carried on board the vessel whenever it is operated by someone required to have a card. For renters, the instructions on safe boat operation provided the rental company serve as a temporary certificate/card for 30 days.

No person, including a parent or the owner of a vessel, may authorize or knowingly permit a child under the age of 13 to operate a motorboat without direct, onboard supervision of an adult.

New Mexico Boater Education Card

The course completion card (or temporary boater education certificate)
must be carried on board.