Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel

The following operator age and boater education requirements apply to operation of vessels on Colorado’s public waters.

• A person under 14 years of age may not operate any motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
• A person 14 or 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters only if he or she:
  • Has passed a boating safety course approved by Colorado State Parks and ...
  • Has in his or her possession a Boating Safety Certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.
• A person 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
• It is illegal to permit or knowingly allow a motorboat or personal watercraft to be operated in violation of the age and boater education requirements above.
• It is illegal for a vessel livery to rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft to any person who does not meet the age and boater education requirements above.

Boating Safety Certificate

Operators required to have a Boating Safety Certificate must
carry a wallet-sized certification card on board the vessel.