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National Association of |
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If you have state-specific questions regarding education requirements contact that states' education specialist through the state links to the left. Information contained here is believed to be correct but is not intended to provide a legal opinion. |
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Current as of June 20, 2006 |
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Requirement |
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All persons born after April 28, 1954 who operate a motorized vessel on Alabama waters must be certified. |
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American Samoa |
No requirement No requirement |
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No requirement |
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Effective January 1, 2001, Arkansas residents born on or after January 1, 1986 and of legal age to operate a motorboat, must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat on Arkansas waters. |
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The only requirement for boating education is for those people that are convicted of a moving violation while boating. These people are required to complete and pass a course approved by NASBLA and the Department of Boating and Waterways. |
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As of Jan. 1, 1998, anyone operating motorboats -- any vessel propelled by machinery, including personal watercraft B on Colorado waters must be at least 16 years old. Teens 14 and 15 years old can operate a motorboat if they first complete a state approved boating safety course. |
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No resident of the state, person owning real property in the state, or person owning a vessel in the state, shall operate on the waters of the state, a vessel which is required to be registered, documented or numbered, unless such person has obtained a Safe Boating Certificate or a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. |
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Effective January 1, 1994, successful completion of a boating safety course is mandatory for persons born on or after January 1, 1978, to operate a boat. (Personal watercraft are boats also!) |
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Anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways is required to have a Boating Safety Certificate. The Boating Safety Certificate is issued to individuals who successfully complete the Boating Safety course. |
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Effective October 1, 2001, a person 21 years of age or younger may not operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless such person has in his or her possession aboard the vessel photographic identification and a boater safety identification card. (top) |
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Those less than 12 years of age may not legally operate a Class 1, 2, or 3 boat or Class A boat powered by a motor of more than 30 horsepower and they may not legally operate a PWC. They may legally operate a Class A boat which is either non- motorized or powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult.
Those 12 or 13 years of age may legally operate a non-motorized Class A boat without restrictions. However, they may legally operate a Class A boat powered by a motor of 30 horsepower or less or a PWC only if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources, or are accompanied by a competent adult, or are under direct supervision of a competent adult. They may not legally operate a Class 1,2, or 3 boat or a Class A boat powered by a motor of more than 30 horsepower.
Those 14 or 15 years of age may legally operate a non-motorized Class A boat without restrictions. They may legally operate any other boat or PWC only if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the Department of Natural Resources, or are accompanied by a competent adult, or are under direct supervision of a competent adult.
Those 16 years of age or older may operate any boat or PWC on the waters of Georgia if they have proper identification onboard. |
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No requirement |
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Effective September 1, 2004, tow-in surfers that utilize personal watercraft, also called thrill craft in Hawaii, are required to complete a mandatory education course. Complete bill (link) www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dbor/rules/amendment13250_13256.htm Effective January 2005, all personal watercraft operators are also required to complete a mandatory education course. Complete bill |
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Idaho requires specific education to rent a personal watercraft, requires the rental business to deliver the education to each person who will ride the rental, and requires each person "driving" the craft to carry a verification wallet card when they ride. Idaho also requires violators of the BUI code to successfully complete a boating safety course. This also applies to repeat offenders of any other state boating code. |
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No one under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat. Children ages 10 and 11 may operate a motorboat only if they are accompanied on the motorboat and are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or a person that is at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian. People who are at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat only if they are accompanied on the motorboat and are under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or a person that is at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian. The motorboat operator should be in possession of a Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Education, or a valid certificate issued by another state, a province of Canada, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the U.S. Power Squadron. Persons age eighteen and over, nothing is required. |
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Effective January 1, 1996, all motorboat or PWC operators must have a valid driver’s license to operate on all Indiana public waters. Motorboat or PWC operators who are at least age 15, and don't have a driver's license, may operate a motorboat or PWC only if they successfully complete a course and have onboard an I.D. issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. |
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An owner or operator of a vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower shall not permit any person under twelve years of age to operate the personal watercraft vessel unless accompanied in or on the same personal watercraft vessel by a responsible person of at least eighteen years of age who is experienced in motorboat operation. Commencing January 1, 2003, a A person who is twelve years of age or older but less than eighteen years of age shall not operate any personal watercraft vessel propelled by a motor of more than ten horsepower unless the person has successfully completed a department=approved watercraft safety course and obtained a watercraft safety certificate or is accompanied in or on the same vessel by a responsible person of at least eighteen years of age who is experienced in motorboat operation. A person required to have a watercraft safety certificate shall carry and shall exhibit or make available the certificate upon request of an officer of the department. A violation of this subsection is a simple misdemeanor as provided in section 462A.13. However, a person charged with violating this subsection shall not be convicted if the person produces in court, within a reasonable time, a department= approved certificate. The cost of a department certificate, or any duplicate, shall not exceed five dollars. |
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Any person born on or after January 1, 1989 must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat or sailboat on public waters in Kansas. This requirement does not apply to a person operating a motorboat or sailboat accompanied by and under the direct and audible supervision of a person over 17 years of age who either: possesses a certificate of completion of an approved boater safety education course, or is legally exempt from the requirement. This requirement does not apply to anyone 21 years of age or older, regardless of their date of birth. In addition, anyone ages 12-15 who wants to operate a personal watercraft alone is required to successfully complete a boating safety course. |
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Safe Boating Certification is mandatory for children from 12 through 17 years old who operate a personal watercraft or motorboat of over 10 horsepower, unless they are accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) or a person with a safe boating certificate. |
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No person born after January 1, 1988 , shall operate a motorboat powered by a motor in excess of ten horsepower unless he has successfully completed a NASBLA-approved boating safety class. A person who has completed an approved boating safety class shall be in possession of evidence of such completion when operating such a boat. (top) |
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Anyone 14 years of age or older must complete a safety course in order to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC). |
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The Boating Safety Education Law requires that any person born on or after July 1, 1972 must have in their possession a certificate of boating safety education while operating a numbered or documented vessel on Maryland waters. |
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Youth ages 12 through 15 are required to pass a state and nationally approved boating education course and obtain a state Safety Certificate, before they can operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Persons 16 years of age and older may operate a motorboat on Massachusetts’ waters without any education requirements. Exception for boaters who operate a PWC (personal watercraft): youth 16 and 17 years old must pass a state and nationally approved boating education course and obtain a state Safety Certificate. Youth under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate a PWC. Persons 18 years of age and older may operate a PWC without any safety education requirements. |
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Boaters under 16 years of age must meet certain requirements before they can legally operate a boat with a motor larger than 6 horsepower. These requirements are: 1. Persons12 years of age - must be directly supervised by someone 16 years old or older. The boat must not have a motor power totaling more than 35 horse power. 2. Persons 12 to 16 years of age - must possess a boating safety course certificate or be directly supervised by someone at least 16 years of age. 3. If a person is at least 14 years old or born after December 31, 1978, he or she must possess their boating safety certificate to operate a personal watercraft. 4. The boating safety certificate must be carried and presented upon the demand of a peace officer. Persons 12 but less than 14 years of age can operate a Personal Watercraft if all of the following are met: 1. The person operating must have a boating safety certificate. 2. The parent or legal guardian must have a boating safety certificate. 3. The parent or legal guardian must accompany the child on the PWC.
4. The lanyard cut-off switch must be attached to the parent or legal guardian.
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12 - 17 years of age: over 25 hp , must have a Watercraft Operator's permit. PWCs: age 13 with no permit may operate with adult on board. 13 year olds with a Watercraft Operator’s Permit may operate with an adult observing from shore. 14 years of age, must have Watercraft Operator's permit to operate alone. |
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Effective July 1, 1997 any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete a Boating Safety Course to operate a boat. Persons under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a person 21 or older on board the boat in order to operate the boat. Also, anyone 12 years of age and under must wear a PFD at all times while the vessel is underway. Anyone riding or operating a PWC must wear a PFC at all times. |
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Beginning January 1, 2005, operators of vessels on the lakes of the state born after January 1, 1984 must take a NASBLA-approved boating safety education course. and possess a boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol on board with them. Detailed bill. |
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Youth 13 and 14 years of age must either be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older or must possess a valid Montana motorboat operator's certificate or proof of passing an approved course. This applies to motorboats over 10 horsepower only. |
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As of March 15, 2003, a law was passed that requires any motorboat operator (including personal watercraft) under age 16 years of age must complete a boating safety course and be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat. You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat (including personal watercraft) in Nebraska. Starting January 1, 2004 this law will apply to any operator under age 18. |
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Effective January 1, 2003, all boat operators born on or after January 1, 1983 will be required to complete an approved boater education course. This applies only to those operating a vessel with a motor larger than 15 hp on Nevada's interstate waters. |
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No person born on or after the dates provided in this section shall operate a motorized vessel with any type of power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of this state without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education. Only NASBLA-approved New Hampshire and other state certificates are accepted. No certificates issued by private companies are recognized. Date of
Birth Certificate
Required |
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As of June 1, 2008, no person may operate a sailboat or powerboat longer than 12 feet without successfully completing an approved boat safety course taught by an approved boat safety instructor. The mandatory boat safety course required shall be successfully completed: Before June 1, 2005 for all person born on or after December 31, 1968. Before June 1, 2006 for all persons born on or after December 31, 1958. Before June 1, 2007 for all persons born on or after December 31, 1948. Before June 1, 2008 for all other persons. |
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As of January 1, 2007, all persons born after January 1, 1989 who operate a motorboat must have completed a NASBLA-approved safe boating education course. Children age 12 and under are required to wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device while the vessel is underway. |
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In order to operate a vessel in New York State (NYS) without adult supervision individuals must be at least 18 years of age or have successfully completed a safe boating course and be between the ages of 10 and 18.
Individuals less than 18 years of age who have not successfully completed a boating safety course may only operate a vessel while under the direct supervision of an individual who is 18 years or age or older. If the vessel being operated is a pwc the individual who is over 18 must have a boating safety certificate.
As of January 1, 2006, all personal watercraft operators must be 14 years of age or older and must successfully complete a boating safety education course to operate a Personal Watercraft in the State of New York.
Until January 1, 2009, those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are accompanied by someone over 18 years of age holding a safety certificate of their own. Accompanied for this section of law shall mean the adult must be within 500 feet, on another PWC or vessel, and within sight of the PWCbeing operated by the youth.
The required boating safety certificate must be carried by the minor at all times while operating the boat. |
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No one under 14 years old can operate a PWC in North Carolina waters.
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No person of twelve through fifteen years of age may operate a motorboat (includes personal watercraft, i.e. Jet skis, etc.) propelled by over a ten horsepower motor unless the operator is accompanied by a person eighteen years of age or older or the operator has taken and passed a boating course approved by the Department. |
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No requirement |
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No boat operator born on or after January 1, 1982 shall operate a powerboat of more than 10 horsepower, unless they have completed a NASBLA-approved course if passed a proctored or non-proctored proficiency exam provided by the Division of Watercraft. (top) |
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Effective January 1, 2007, all persons who are 12-15 years of age who wish to operate a vessel exceeding 10 horsepower or a sail powered vessel that is 16 feet or greater in length will be required to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved course. This applies to all persons regardless of their state of residence, but Oklahoma will recognize certificates from any state that shows they have successfully completed a NASBLA-approved course. All persons are required to have the certificate in their possession when they operate the vessel. |
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The law was passed in 1999, and requires operators of powerboats greater than 10 horsepower, and youths 12-15 operating any size powerboat, take a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and/or pass an equivalency exam to demonstrate basic boating knowledge. Upon passing the exam, the boater needs to apply for a boater education card that is to be carried when boating. Boaters 45 and younger must now carry a boater education card when operating powerboats (including personal watercraft or any motorized watercraft) greater than 10 hp. Law enforcement officers are issuing citations for non-compliance with the Mandatory Education Law. The citation fines have increased to $94. Youth 12-15 also need a boater education card when operating boats 0-10 hp alone. When operating over 10 hp, a card-holding adult (16 or older, 18 for personal watercraft) must be on-board to supervise.
When do I need my card? 2003 - 30 and younger |
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A person 11 years of age or younger may not operate a personal watercraft or a boat propelled by a motor greater than 25 horsepower.
A person 12 through 15 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft if there are any passengers onboard 15 years of age or younger.
Persons born on or after January 1, 1982 may not operate a motorboat greater than 25 horsepower without possessing a Boating Safety Education Certificate. |
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Anyone born after July 1, 1972 must take a NASBLA and State approved 24 hour, classroom-proctored Boating Course and pass an exam with a minimum of 80% in order to operate any type of motor operated vessel in Puerto Rico. Internet courses as well as any other courses offered by the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Power Squadron are not accepted unless they comply with the 24 hour requirement. |
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No person born on or
after January 1, 1986 shall operate a vessel that is fitted with propulsion
machinery of more than ten (10) horsepower on the waters of this state unless
the person shall have successfully completed a boating safety education
program as approved by the director of the department of environmental
management. |
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No person may operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel if he is younger than sixteen years of age, unless accompanied by an adult, eighteen years or older, who is not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of them. However, a person younger than sixteen years of age may operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel without being accompanied by an adult if one or more of the following applies: 1. The person completes a boating safety program as administered by the Department of Natural Resources; or 2. The person completes a boating safety program approved by theDepartment of Natural Resources; or 3. Anyone operating a vessel with less than fifteen horsepower engine will not be required to take the boating safety program. |
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No requirement |
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Anyone born after January 1, 1989, operating boats on Tennessee waters, must have on board the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)- issued wallet size boating education certificate if operating a boat alone. For Tennessee residents only. Non-residents in this age category must show a certificate of completion from any NASBLA-approved course. |
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Boaters younger than 18 years of age must complete a TPWD-approved course and be certified with TPWD to operate any vessel over 10 horsepower, wind-blown vessel over 14 feet and all personal watercraft. |
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Persons 12 through 15 years of age may operate a PWC alone provided the operator completes a boating education course approved by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and has in his 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. Persons 16 through 17 years of age may operate a PWC alone provided the operator completes a boating education course approved by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and has in his possession the certificate issued by the course provider. A person who is less than 18 years of age who does not meet the above requirements may not operate a PWC unless accompanied onboard and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old. A PWC may be operated by a person 18 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions. A motorized boat (other than PWC) may be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the operator is under the onboard and direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old. Persons age 16 and over may operate a motorboat without age restiction. Sailboats may be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the perso is under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old. Persons age 16 and over may operate a sailboat without age restriction. **It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a vessel to allow someone who does not meet the age and/or education requirements to operate the vessel. |
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Any person born on or after January 1, 1974 must attend and pass an approved boater safety education course and carry their certification with them when operating any power boat on the waters of Vermont. |
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Those 14 and 15 years old may operate a PWC only if they have passed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). These operators must carry their proof of course completion onboard whenever they operate a PWC. |
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PWC operators under 18 must successfully complete a boating safety course. |
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The Boating Safety Education Bill has been passed and requires all boat operators totake a NASBLA approved boater safety education course and possess a card as proof of passing the course in order to operate a boat in Washington State. The program will be phased in beginning in 2008 as follows: January 1, 2008 - All boat operators 20 years old and
younger; required to have a card. Persons born before January 1, 1955 are exempt.
State Parks is planning to start making cards available early in 2006 for persons who have already taken a NASBLA approved, Commission Approved courses. For more information about this law and the available boating safety courses, see the Washington Parks Website |
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Beginning on January 1, 2001, no person born on or after December 31, 1986, may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on any waters of this state without first having obtained a certificate of boating safety education from this or any other state. |
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Persons 16 or older have no education or certification requirement to operate a recreational boat or vessel on Wisconsin waters. Children ages 12-15 may operate a boat or vessel if they are accompanied in the boat by a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian. If the 12-15 year old is in possession of a certified boating safety course completion certificate issued by Wisconsin DNR or another State’s agency, the person my operate a boat or vessel alone. |
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No requirement (top) |
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All rights reserved. |
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