Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel

Motorized boats (other than personal watercraft):

• May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age restrictions.
• May be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the operator is under the onboard and direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.

Sailboats:

• May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age restrictions.
• May be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the person is under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.

Personal watercraft (PWCs):

• May be operated by a person 18 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions.
• May be operated by a person 16 through 17 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation and has in his or her possession the certificate issued by the course provider.
• May be operated by a person 12 through 15 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation, has in his or her possession the certificate issued by the course provider, and is under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
• A person less than 18 years of age who does not meet the above requirements may not operate a PWC unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.

It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a vessel to allow someone who does not meet the age, supervision and/or education requirements to operate the vessel.

direct supervision: Within sight at a distance in which visual contact is maintained by the adult responsible for the young operator