It's the Law: Before Going Out

Operator Age and Boater Education Requirements

To operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more (including a personal watercraft):

• A person under 12 years of age must satisfy the boater education requirement and ...
  • If operating a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, must be under the direct visible and audible supervision of a parent, guardian, or person over 17 years old.
  • If operating a PWC, must have a person at least 21 years of age on board and in a position to take immediate control of the PWC.
• A person 12 or 13 years of age must satisfy the boater education requirement and if operating a PWC, must have a person at least 18 years of age on board the PWC.
• A person 14 years of age or older must satisfy the boater education requirement if born on or after January 1, 1986.

Boater Education Requirement

• To operate any motorboat (including personal watercraft) on Arkansas waters legally, 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:
  • Successfully complete an approved Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) safe boating course or ...
  • Have a valid boater education certificate issued by another state from a boating education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
• Proof of certification must be carried.
• It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a motorboat to allow someone who does not meet the age or boater education requirements to operate the vessel.
• A personal watercraft livery (rental agency) may not lease a personal watercraft to a person under 18 years of age.