Operator Age and Education Requirements
The law establishes special requirements for younger boaters.
- A person under 12 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft (PWC), only if he or she is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
- A person 12 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if he or she:
- Has successfully completed a boater education course approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IA DNR) or...
- Is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
![Iowa Boater Education Certificate](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/2131/attachments/original/IA-boater-education-certificate.jpg?1551304673)
Operators require to have a boater education certificate must carry it on board.