It's the Law: Before Going Out

Who May Operate a Vessel

The following operator age and boater education requirements apply to vessels on Oklahoma public waters.

A child under 12 years of age may not operate a vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a sail-powered vessel 16 feet or more in length.

A child 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a sail-powered vessel 16 feet or more in length only if all of the following conditions are met.

• He or she has successfully completed an approved boating safety education course or passed a proctored equivalency examination and has received a Boating Safety Education Certificate and ...
• He or she is supervised by a competent person who is at least 18 years of age.
  • If the vessel is other than a personal watercraft: The supervising person must be on board and in position to take immediate control of the vessel.
  • If the vessel is a personal watercraft: The person must supervise visually within 500 yards of the PWC.

All vessel operators must carry on board one of the following:

• An original Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof the operator meets the education requirements or ...
• A photo ID that shows the operator is 16 years or older.

These operators are exempt from the Oklahoma boater education requirement:

• Non-residents who have successfully completed another state’s boating safety education course or equivalency examination that is approved by the Department of Public Safety
• Children who are operating a personal watercraft in a “no wake” zone while under the supervision of an adult