Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of
Boating
Who
May Operate a Motorboat (Other Than a
Personal Watercraft)
These restrictions apply to motorboat
operators less than 12 years old:
- For engines 25 horsepower or less,
those under 12 years old may operate
with no restrictions.
- For engines more than 25 horsepower
through 75 horsepower, those under
12 years old must have someone at least
21 years of age on board who is within
reach of the controls.
- For engines over 75 horsepower, no
one younger than 12 may operate, even
with an adult on board.
Other restrictions apply to motorboat
operators 12 to 17 years old. Motorboat
operators from 12 to 17 years of age
may operate engines of 25 horsepower
or less with no restrictions. For engines
over 25 horsepower, operators 12 to 17
years of age must have either:
- A watercraft operator’s permit,
or...
- Someone at least 21 years old on
board who is within reach of the controls.
Operators visiting Minnesota, who already
possess a valid watercraft operator’s
certificate or permit issued by their
home state, don’t need to obtain
another one from Minnesota.
Who
May Operate a PWC
You must be 13 years of age or older
to operate a personal watercraft on Minnesota’s
public waters.
PWC operators 13 years of age must have
either:
- Someone at least 21 years old on
board, or...
- A watercraft operator’s permit
and be under continuous observation
by someone at least 21 years old.
PWC operators 14 to 17 years of age
must have either:
- Someone at least 21 years old on
board, or...
- A watercraft operator’s permit.
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