Operator Age and Education Requirements
The course completion certificate (boater education certificate) must be carried on board the vessel.
The following are the requirements for vessel operators on West Virginia waters.
- All persons born after December 31, 1986: These boaters must complete a boating safety education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on West Virginia waters.
- Those 12 through 14 years of age: In addition to the boating safety education requirement, these boaters may operate a motorboat or PWC only if:
- A person 18 years of age or older is also on board the vessel or...
- The vessel’s motor is 10 horsepower or less.
- Any person who is required to complete a boating safety education course must carry the course completion certificate on board the vessel.
- No person, including a parent or the owner of a vessel, may authorize or knowingly permit another person who does not meet the requirements above to operate a motorized vessel.
