How old do I have to be to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft?

Age Requirements for Operation of Motorboats

Under 12 Years of Age

HorsepowerRequirements
25 Horsepower or lessNo restriction
25 to 75 HorsepowerMust have someone at least 21 years old within reach of the controls
75 Horsepower or greaterCannot operate

12 to 17 Years

HorsepowerRequirements
25 Horsepower or lessNo restriction.
25 Horsepower or greaterMust either have:
  • Someone at least 21 years old on board within reach of the controls
  • Watercraft Operators Permit (Permit applications and education materials are available from the Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)


Age Requirements for Operation of Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Under 13 Years of Age

May not operate PWC even with an adult on board.

13 to 17 Years of Age

May operate without permit only with an adult onboard the craft.

13 Years of Age

May operate with a PWC Operators Permit and under the visual supervision of a person 21 years or older.

14 to 17 Years of Age

May operate PWC alone if they have a Watercraft Operators Permit.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a Permit to Purchase handgun?
2. How do I get a Permit to Carry?
3. How can I get a copy of a Sheriff’s report or accident report?
4. How do I pick up recovered stolen property?
5. How old do I have to be to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft?
6. What can I do if I have problems with snowmobilers trespassing on my property?
7. What does the Sheriff's office charge to serve a civil process?
8. Does the Sheriff serve all civil process papers?
9. What is the process for getting a tenant evicted from my rental property?
10. When do I call 911?
11. When do I call the Sheriff's Department?
12. What happens if I call 911 from my cell phone?
13. What is there to know about the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program?
14. Who do I call if I have information on a crime?
15. What are the jail visiting hours?
16. What is the "Huber Law"?
17. Who would I contact if I had information about some suspected drug activity?
18. Why does the court issue a warrant?
19. How can I contact a deputy who handled my complaint?
20. What is "Sentence to Service"?
21. Does Chippewa County prosecute worthless checks?
22. What do I do if I receive a worthless check and want to have it prosecuted?
23. What type of worthless checks are not considered criminal and cannot be prosecuted?