Skip to main content

Course Outline

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

  • All persons born after January 1, 1974, must successfully complete an approved boating safety education course to operate any motorized vessel legally, including personal watercraft (PWC).
    • The boating safety education course must be approved by the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
      • Those successfully completing a course are issued a certificate by the Vermont State Police, which is valid for the student’s lifetime.
      • Those younger than 12 years of age but older than 10 years of age must take a classroom course.
    • Persons required to have completed the course must carry the course certificate on board when operating a motorized vessel.
  • No one under 12 years of age may legally operate any vessel powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower, even if the person has successfully completed a boating safety education course.
  • No one under 16 years of age may legally operate a PWC, even if the person has successfully completed a boating safety education course.
  • Unit 4 of 6
  • Topic 2 of 19
  • Page 1 of 2