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

Individuals who are required to complete a boater safety course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft must carry the course certificate on board the vessel.

Who May Operate a Motorized Vessel (Other Than a Personal Watercraft)

• No one under the age of 10 may operate a motorboat.
• A person 10 or 11 years old may operate a motorboat only if accompanied by a parent, guardian or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
• A person at least 12 years old but less than 16 years old may operate a motorboat only if:
  • Accompanied by a parent, guardian or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian or...
  • He or she has completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• A person born after January 1, 1989 and at least 16 years old may operate a motorboat only if he or she has completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft

• No one under the age of 12 may operate a PWC.
• A person at least 12 years old but less than 16 must have completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to operate a PWC. The operator’s course certificate must be carried on board the PWC. (Parental supervision is not a substitute for a boating safety course certificate as with other motorboats.)
• A person born after January 1, 1989 and at least 16 years old may operate a PWC only if he or she has completed a boating safety course accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
• No one under the age of 16 may rent or lease a PWC.