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ST. PAUL — A new Minnesota state law will require some adults and youth who operate motorboats, including personal watercraft, to have a valid permit.
This law, which went into effect on Sunday, June 1, is designed to make boating safer ensuring operators know the rules, and trained.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources logo. (Contributed image)
People without a permit can still run a boat; however, only if there’s an accompanying operator on board.
Boys and girls 11 years of age and younger are not allowed to operate a personal watercraft or boat with a motor over 75 horsepower. Young operators are allowed to power a boat under that horsepower standard, accompanied by an adult.
People born after June 30, 2004, will need a permit to operate a boat starting in 2025. The requirement will gradually apply to older age groups during the next few years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports.
An accompanying operator is defined as a person in immediate reach of the controls, and a valid or exempt operator.
Exempt operators must still possess a valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard under the code of federal regulations or a maritime certificate issued by a foreign government, including Canada — or not a resident of the state temporarily using the waters for a period not to exceed 60 days.
Boat operators will have time to get their permits and adjust to the new rules. To apply for a boat and water safety education course, log onto the following website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html.