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

The minimum age for operating a vessel in Kansas is 12. No one under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Kansas public waters unless accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a parent or person over the age of 17.

Any person born on or after January 1, 1989, and less than 21 years of age, must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft, or sailboat on Kansas public waters unless accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person over the age of 17. The supervising person must:

• Possess a certificate of completion of an approved boater safety education course or ...
• Be exempt from this requirement.

It is illegal for the owner or person in possession of a vessel to allow a person who does not meet the age and boater safety education requirements to operate the vessel.

Boater Safety Education Certificate
Operators required to have completed a boater safety education course
must must carry the course certificate on board the vessel.