Have your children asked when they can take over the controls of the family boat? Are their friends using personal watercraft and your kids can't wait to take your family's watercraft for a spin? Do you just have questions about when it is legal and safe for your children to take the next step?

Each state has its own regulations regarding the age at which individuals can operate a boat or personal watercraft. Depending on their age, children may need to take a course to learn important safety information.

The following information lists age requirements for motorized watercraft operators in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as availability of boating safety courses and contacts for more information.

Minnesota

Age restrictions for operating a motorboat in Minnesota (except personal watercraft such as a Jet ski,® waverunner,® etc.)

OPERATOR AGE: Under age 12

• 25 hp or less - no restrictions
  
• more than 25 hp through 75 hp - must have someone at least age 21 on board within reach of the controls
  
• over 75 hp - cannot operate, even with an adult on board
  

OPERATOR AGE: Age 12 to 17

• 25 hp or less - no restrictions
  
• over 25 hp - must either have:
  
• a watercraft operator's permit or
  
• someone at least age 21 on board within reach of the controls
  

If your children are ages 12-17, are visiting Minnesota and already possess a valid watercraft operator's certificate/permit issued by your home state, they don't need to obtain another one from Minnesota.

Age restrictions for operating a personal watercraft (Jetski, waverunner, etc.) in Minnesota

OPERATOR AGE: Under age 13

• Cannot operate, even with adult on board
  

OPERATOR AGE: Age 13

Must either have:

• someone at least age 21 on board or
  
• a watercraft operator's permit and be in visual supervision by someone at least 21
  

OPERATOR AGE: Age 14 to 17

Must either have:

• a watercraft operator's permit or
  
• someone at least 21 on board
  

WATERCRAFT OPERATOR'S PERMIT

Minnesota

Children ages 12 to 17 who need to obtain a watercraft operator's permit in Minnesota have three options:

1. Home study course

The Minnesota DNr offers a home study course called "Boating and water safety." the DNR mails a Minnesota Home study watercraft Permit Packet to your home. After reading the materials, children complete a workbook and a test, and mail them with the application form to the DNR. If a passing score is achieved, the DNR will mail an operator's permit. Allow about three weeks. Children must carry their operator's permit with them every time they operate a watercraft.

To request the home study packet, either call the Minnesota DNR at (651) 296-3336 or 1-888-646-6367, send a request by e-mail to boatandwater@dnr.state.mn.us, or write to:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Boat & Water Safety Section
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4046

2. Classroom courses

Organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power squadrons, American red Cross, and some local school districts, sponsor free or low- cost education programs that qualify in Minnesota for obtaining a watercraft operator's permit. Check for a list of classes at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ boatwater/education.html or call BoAt/u.s. at 1-800-336-BoAt to find the class nearest you.

3. Online "Boat Minnesota" course

Access http://boat-ed.com/mn/ for more information.

Go to the Minnesota DNr web site for the most current boating safety laws and information: www.dnr.state.mn.us/boating.

Wisconsin

The following information is from the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources:

Who can operate a motorboat in Wisconsin?

• No one under the age of 10
  
• Children ages 10 and 11 if accompanied in the boat by a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian
  
• Children ages 12-15 if accompanied in the boat by a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian, or if in possession of a Boating safety Course Completion Certificate issued by the Wisconsin DNR or another state (this does Not apply to the operation of personal watercraft)
  
• Anyone 16 years of age and older
  

There are no age requirements for operating a boat that is not equipped with a motor.

Who can operate a personal watercraft in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin DNR defines personal watercraft (PWC) as motorboats, but lists the following, additional age restrictions on their operation:

• No one under the age of 12 may operate, lease or rent a personal watercraft
  
• No one under the age of 16 may rent or lease a personal watercraft
  
• Children ages 12-15 may operate a personal watercraft if in possession of a boating safety course completion certificate issued by the wisconsin DNR or another state. Adult supervision is not a substitute for a certificate
  
• Anyone 16 years of age and older can operate a personal watercraft
  

BOATING SAFETY COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE

Wisconsin

Children who need to obtain a Boating safety Course Completion Certificate in wisconsin have two options:

1. Classroom courses

Classroom courses taught by volunteer instructors are offered throughout the state. Cost in 2004 was $10.

The classroom boating safety course consists of eight hours of classroom instruction in the principles of boating safety. Its objective is to reduce the potential for boat accidents, injuries and fatalities; reduce the potential for conflict between different types of boating activities and other resource users; and promote safe, responsible and ethical use of the environment and our resources.

Anyone age 10 or older can take the class and receive a safety education completion certificate upon their successful completion of the course. (the certificate does not become valid until a child reaches age 12.)

2. Online courses

Online courses are offered through Boating Basics online (not recommended for children under age 14)

---

Additional Information on Boating safety Classes and regulations

BOAT/U.S. (information on boating safety classes)
1-800-336-BOAT or www.boatus.com

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (information on boating safety classes)
www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/classes/master.shtml

The web site lists 10 courses sponsored by the auxiliary, and includes links to each state for more information on course availability and class schedules.

U.S. Power squadrons
http://www.usps.org/

The U.S. Power Squadrons is a non-profit, educational organization devoted to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Local squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in their communities. these courses are open to the public and there is no age limit for participants. Courses are held in classrooms or other public and private facilities.

To locate a class sponsored by the U.S. Power squadrons, simply type in your zip code at the following web site: www.usps.org/d_stuff/classes.html. Or call 1-888-For-USPS. Two courses are available for home study, including the online "America's Boating Course," a joint course offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/enforcement/safety/boatage.htm

Jet ski is a registered trademark of Kawasaki Motors Corp.
Waverunner is a registered trademark of Yamaha Motor Corporation 

By Barb Umberger

Please login to post your comments.