It's the Law: Before Going Out on Your Vessel

Who May Operate a Vessel

The following operator age and boater education requirements apply to vessels on Oklahoma's public waters.

A child under 12 years of age may not operate a vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a sail-powered vessel 16 feet or more in length.

A child 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor or combination of motors over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a sail-powered vessel 16 feet or more in length only if all of the following conditions are met.

• He or she has successfully completed an approved boating safety education course or passed a proctored equivalency examination and has received a Boating Safety Education Certificate and ...
• He or she is supervised by a competent adult who is at least 18 years of age.
  • If the vessel is other than a personal watercraft: The supervising adult must be on board and in position to take immediate control of the vessel.
  • If the vessel is a personal watercraft: The adult must be visually supervising within 500 yards of the PWC.

All vessel operators must carry on board one of the following.

• An original Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof the operator meets the education requirements or ...
• A photo ID that shows the operator is 16 years or older.

Non-residents who have successfully completed another state's boating safety education course or equivalency examination that is approved by the Department of Public Safety are exempt from Oklahoma's boater education requirement. Also exempt are children operating a personal watercraft in a "no wake" zone while under the supervision of an adult.