Operator Age and Education Requirements

The following are requirements for vessel operators in Ohio.

• A person operating a vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower must have a certificate for successful completion of either a boating course approved or a proficiency exam approved by the ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft. The only exceptions are:
  • Persons born before January 1, 1982, or…
  • A person who is operating a recreational vessel and carries on board a valid merchant mariner credential issued by the USCG with at least one endorsement of master or operator.
• Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) if a supervising person 18 years of age or older is also on board. A supervising person born on or after January 1, 1982, must hold a boating education certificate.
• Persons under 12 years of age:
  • May not operate a PWC.
  • Shall not operate a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or less unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older.
  • Shall not operate any vessel powered by more than 10 horsepower unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who is on board the vessel. A supervising person born on or after January 1, 1982, must hold a boating education certificate.