It's the Law: Before Going Out

Boat Rentals
(66-12-9 NMSA 1978, BAR 10; 18 NMAC 17.4.13)

No owner, agent, or employee may allow any vessel belonging to the boat rental facility to leave unless all of the equipment required by the Boat Act rules and regulations is on board.

Rental facilities must record and keep the following information on file for six months:

• Name and address of the person who is borrowing or hiring the vessel
• The vessel's identification number
• The time and date of departure and expected return

Someone from the rental facility must check the identification of anyone wanting to rent a vessel. No one born on or after January 1, 1989, is allowed to rent a boat unless they have a boater education certificate.

Someone from the rental facility must explain how to operate the vessel safely and complete a safety checklist. The operator must initial and/or sign the checklist and carry it on board the vessel.