New Boater Education Law
Summary:
A new law, which is now in effect, requires adults and youth who operate motorboats to have a valid watercraft operator's permit. Older people are 'exempt operators' from the law as the law goes into effect over time. The permit requirement will gradually apply to older age groups over the next few years.
Important points in the law:
-People who already have a watercraft operator's permit are not affected by the law.
- The new law includes personal watercraft ('jet skis').
- People without a permit still can operate a boat, but only if there's an accompanying operator onboard. An accompanying operator is at least 21 years old and holds a valid operator's permit or is an exempt operator.
- Under the new law no one under the age of 18 is able to rent or lease a motorboat, including a personal watercraft.
- New rental operators exam requirements are also in effect for operators without a valid watercraft operators permit.
Go to the MN DNR Boater Education Law site to learn more about the new law and to see age requirements.
Go to the MN DNR Boat and Water Safety site to learn about current life jacket requirements.
