Operator Age and Education Requirements for Vessels

Hawaii law requires the following for vessel operators.

• All persons operating a power-driven vessel with a motor that is more than 10 horsepower must complete a NASBLA–approved boater safety education course and carry on board their certificate of completion. The only exceptions are for persons who:
  • Have a current merchant mariner credential issued by the USCG or…
  • Are operating a thrill craft in a commercial thrill craft zone or…
  • Began a voyage outside of Hawaii and stay in Hawaii for less than 60 days.
• A person under 16 years of age may operate a power-driven vessel only if he or she:
  • Has a certificate of completion from a NASBLA–approved boater safety education course and…
  • Is accompanied on board and directly supervised by a person who is at least 21 years of age and has a certificate of completion from an approved boater safety education course.
• Any person renting a vessel must:
  • Meet all of these requirements or…
  • Complete a state-approved safety briefing offered by the livery (rental agency).