Is there a minimum age or proficiency exam required to operate a power boat?
While there is yet no state law requiring a minimum age or proficiency exam, some counties are adopting such laws for their local waterways. Be sure to contact the county where you plan to ride. Here is a brief run down of county-specific ordinances involving age. (Keep in mind that there could be other county ordinances that are stricter than state law.) Make sure you check with your local marine deputies before heading out! • Adams County: Children under the age of ten cannot operate a motor driven watercraft except they are under direct adult supervision; Anyone under the age of 14 cannot operate or allow to be operated without adult supervision if the vessel is powered by a motor rated higher than 15 horsepower • Benewah County: Children between the ages of 10-14 cannot operate a motorboat with a motor rating of 15 horsepower or higher unless they are under direct supervision of an adult operator; Children under the age of 10 may not operate any motorboat except under the direct su
While there is yet no state law requiring a minimum age or proficiency exam, some counties are adopting such laws for their local waterways. Be sure to contact the county where you plan to ride. Here is a brief run down of county-specific ordinances involving age. (Keep in mind that there could be other county ordinances that are stricter than state law.) Make sure you check with your local marine deputies before heading out! If you would like to read the entire ordinance for each county, just click on the county’s name.
