Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel—New Law Effective July 10, 2009
Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
A person under 16 years of age may not operate any personal watercraft that is not rated to carry at least two people. The following requirements also apply to operation of a PWC.
A person under 12 years of age must have a person at least 21 years of age on board who must:
- Satisfy the boating education requirement (see below) if born on or after January 1, 1986, and …
- Be in a position to take immediate control of the PWC.
A person 12 through 15 years of age must have a person at least 18 years of age on board who must:
- Satisfy the boating education requirement (see below) if born on or after January 1, 1986, and …
- Be in a position to take immediate control of the PWC.
A person 16 years of age or older must satisfy the boating education requirement (see below) if born on or after January 1, 1986.
It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a personal watercraft to allow someone who does not meet the age or boating education requirements to operate the PWC.
A personal watercraft livery (rental agency) may not lease a PWC to a person under 18 years of age.
Who May Operate a Motorboat Other Than a PWC
The following requirements apply to operation of a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more.
A person under 12 years of age must:
- Satisfy the boating education requirement (see below) and …
- Be under the direct visible and audible supervision of a parent, guardian, or person at least 18 years of age.
A person 12 years of age or older must satisfy the boating education requirement (see below) if born on or after January 1, 1986.
It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or boating education requirements to operate the vessel.
Boating Education Requirement
To operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft) legally on Arkansas waters, a person who is of legal age to operate a vessel, whether an Arkansas resident or a non-resident, and who is born on or after January 1, 1986, must have either:
- A boating education certificate showing successful completion of an approved Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) safe boating course or …
- A valid boating education certificate issued by another state from a boating education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Boater Education Certificate
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