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

All persons born after December 31, 1986: These boaters must complete a boating safety education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on West Virginia waters. Persons are exempt from this requirement if:

• They are nonresidents visiting West Virginia for 60 days or less, are at least 15 years of age, and have been issued an approved boating safety education certificate by their state of residence or …
• They are visiting West Virginia for 90 days or less from another country or …
• They have purchased the motorboat or PWC within the last 45 days and have not been charged with any boating violations.

Those 12 through 14 years of age: In addition to the boating safety education requirement, these boaters may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) only if:

• A person 18 years of age or older is also on board the vessel or …
• The vessel’s motor is 10 horsepower or less.

Any person who is required to complete a boating safety education course must carry the course completion certificate on board the vessel.

No person, including a parent or the owner of a vessel, may authorize or knowingly permit another person who does not meet the requirements above to operate a motorized vessel.

Boater Education Certificate

The course completion certificate (boater education certificate)
must be carried on board the vessel.