Operator Age and Education Requirements
The course completion certificate (or temporary boater education certificate) must be carried on board.
The following are requirements for vessel operators on New Mexico waters.
- All persons born on or after January 1, 1989, must pass an approved boater education course or a proctored examination before they may operate a motorboat legally.
- Operators are exempt if they:
- Possess a valid license issued by the USCG or…
- Are renting the motorboat for 30 days or fewer and have received instructions on safe boat operation and a summary of boating law from the rental company.
- All persons must be at least 13 years of age to operate a sailboat, motorboat, or PWC unless they are under the direct, on-board supervision of an adult. Those under 13 years of age must have their Boater Education Certificate on board even when operating under direct supervision.
- The boater education certificate must be carried on board the vessel whenever it is operated by someone required to have a certificate. For renters, the instructions on safe boat operation provided by the rental company serve as a temporary certificate for 30 days.
- No person, including a parent or the owner of a vessel, may authorize or knowingly permit a child under the age of 13 to operate a motorboat without direct, on board supervision of an adult.
