Operator Age and Education Requirements

The following are the requirements for vessel operators on Utah waters.

• Motorized boats (other than PWC):
  • 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 direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and on board the vessel.
• 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.
• PWC:
  • 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 (USPR) 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 USPR, 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.
  • May not be operated by a person under 18 years old who does not meet the above requirements unless the person is accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.