It's the Law: Before Going Out

Who May Operate a Vessel

A vessel powered by 25 horsepower or less does not require the operator to have a Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A "ski craft" may be operated only by persons who are 16 years old or older and who have a valid Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A vessel powered by more than 25 horsepower (other than a "ski craft") may be operated by:

• A person under 16 years of age only if he or she is accompanied by a person 18 years old or older who has a valid Safe Boater Education Certificate. The accompanying person is responsible for any injury or damage caused during operation of the vessel.
• A person 16 years of age or older only if he or she has obtained a Safe Boater Education Certificate.

A New Hampshire Safe Boater Education Certificate may be obtained by persons 16 years of age or older only and must be carried on board.

• New Hampshire also accepts the following boating education certificates:
  • A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
  • A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.
  • An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire.

If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and you do not have any of the above certificates, please visit our website www.boatingeducation.nh.gov, or call us at 1-888-254-2125.

Boater Education Certification—Required for all operators of vessels powered by more than 25 horsepower