Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Mandatory Boater Education and Operator Age Requirements
All persons born on or 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 they are under the direct, on board 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 by 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, on board supervision of an adult.
Boater Education Card
|
