How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in Tennessee?

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Tennessee

General Boating Age Requirements

Tennessee law regulates the operation of any “vessel propelled by machinery,” which includes most motorboats. The key rules are:

• Under 12 years old: It is unlawful for anyone under 12 to operate a vessel propelled by machinery on Tennessee waters unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult, or the vessel is powered by a motor of 8.5 horsepower or less.
• Small, low-horsepower boats: The under-12 supervision requirement does not apply if the boat’s motor is 8.5 hp or less.
• Special rule for 10–11-year-olds: Tennessee allows some unsupervised operation for children ages 10 to 12 if all of the following are true:
  • The boat is more than 14 feet long,
  • The boat is powered by an outboard motor of less than 15 hp, and
  • The child has successfully completed a TWRA-approved boating education course.
• Age 12 and older: Once a boater is at least 12 years old, they may operate a motorboat subject to Tennessee’s boating education requirements (see below) and any supervision rules that apply to specific situations (such as towing skiers).

These rules apply to Tennessee residents and nonresidents operating on Tennessee waters, although education documentation for nonresidents may come from another NASBLA-approved state course.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

Tennessee uses the concept of “direct supervision” for young operators:

• Direct supervision: For under-12 operators, “direct supervision” means an adult is close enough to take immediate control of the vessel if needed.
• Who counts as an adult: For boating purposes, TWRA and state guidance treat an adult as a person who is at least 18 years old and able to take immediate control of the boat.
• Adult’s responsibilities: The supervising adult shares responsibility for the vessel’s safe and lawful operation and can be held jointly liable with the owner for violations committed while supervising a child operator.

Even when supervision is not legally required, many families choose to keep adults onboard with young or inexperienced operators for safety and training purposes.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does Tennessee Require a Boating Safety Course?

Tennessee does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but it does require many operators to hold a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by TWRA. The core rule is:

• Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989: Must successfully complete a TWRA-approved boater education course and pass a proctored exam to operate a motorized vessel of more than 8.5 hp on Tennessee waters.
• Proof on board: These operators must carry the TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate card while operating and present it to law enforcement on request.
• Nonresidents: Nonresidents who fall within the same age and horsepower thresholds must show proof of completing a NASBLA-approved boater education course from their home state.

Prospective boaters can find approved courses and exam information through the official TWRA website, and may use providers like Recademics to complete the required study in preparation for the TWRA exam.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Tennessee’s boating education law includes several important exceptions:

• Born before January 1, 1989: Tennessee residents born before this date are generally “grandfathered” and are not required to hold a TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate to operate a motorized vessel.:c
• Low-horsepower vessels: Operators of boats powered by engines of 8.5 hp or less, and operators of sailboats under sail alone, are not required to carry a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
• Supervised youth: Youth under 12 may operate certain boats if directly supervised by an adult, and 10–11-year-olds may operate small, low-horsepower boats alone if they have completed an approved boating course and meet the size/horsepower rules described above.

Even when education is not strictly required, Tennessee agencies strongly encourage all boaters to complete a safety course for their own protection and to reduce accidents on the water.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski (PWC) in Tennessee?

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

In Tennessee, personal watercraft (PWCs) such as jet skis are treated as motorized vessels, but they also have a few special rules:

• Under 12 years old: It is unlawful for anyone under 12 to operate a PWC on Tennessee waters unless that person is under the direct supervision of an adult who is close enough to take immediate control.
• Age 12 and older: Once a rider is at least 12, they may operate a PWC if they meet all applicable boating education requirements (for example, having a TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate if born after January 1, 1989). Since PWC engines almost always exceed 8.5 hp, most Tennessee resident operators born after this date will need the certificate.
• PWC rentals: Tennessee specifically prohibits PWCs from being rented to anyone younger than 16 years of age.

Because PWCs can accelerate quickly and are often used in congested areas, Tennessee strongly emphasizes boater education and age restrictions for these vessels.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Operating a boat or PWC in violation of Tennessee’s age or education requirements can lead to enforcement action. Under Tennessee law:

• Most boating violations are classified as Class C misdemeanors.
• Violating the boating education requirement (for example, operating without the required TWRA certificate) is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine; the court may also revoke a certificate of completion of a boat safety course.
• Owners and supervising adults may also face liability if they knowingly allow an underage or uncertified person to operate in violation of the law.

In addition to fines, law enforcement may remove operators from the water, require completion (or re-completion) of a safety course, and note violations on state records.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in Tennessee

Steps to Getting Your Boating License

For Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 who plan to operate a motorized vessel of more than 8.5 hp, the path to certification generally looks like this:

• 1. Take an approved boating safety course.
  • Study an approved boating safety course that covers Tennessee laws, navigation rules, and safe-operation practices.
  • You can use online study materials provided by Recademics and then follow TWRA’s instructions to complete the official certification process.
• 2. Purchase the TWRA boat safety exam permit.
  • Buy a Type 600 Boat Safety Exam Permit from any business that sells Tennessee hunting and fishing licenses.
  • Keep your receipt; it serves as your “ticket” to take the proctored exam.
• 3. Take and pass the proctored exam.
  • Use the TWRA website to find a nearby official exam location and schedule your test.
  • Pass the exam administered at the testing center; this confirms that you meet Tennessee’s boating knowledge standards.
• 4. Receive and carry your TWRA card.
  • After passing, you’ll receive a wallet-sized TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate by mail.
  • Carry this card whenever you operate a motorized vessel that requires certification.

Recademics can help prospective Tennessee boaters prepare for the exam by providing clear, state-aligned instruction before you take your official TWRA test.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

• Always wear a life jacket. Tennessee law requires all persons 12 years of age and under in an open boat or on an open deck of a recreational vessel to wear an approved personal flotation device while the vessel is underway.
• Never operate without required adult supervision. If state law requires an adult onboard or direct supervision, make sure the supervising adult is attentive, experienced, and able to take control instantly.
• Learn navigation rules early. Young operators should study basic navigation rules, right-of-way, and local hazards before taking the helm.
• Take your boating safety course as soon as you qualify. Completing a NASBLA-approved boating course through an approved provider like Recademics helps young boaters build safe habits from the beginning.
• Avoid high-risk conditions. New operators should stay off the water at night, in poor weather, or in extremely crowded areas until they have more experience.

Summary

In Tennessee, children under 12 years old generally may not operate a motorboat or PWC on their own. They may only operate a powered vessel under the direct supervision of an adult, with specific exceptions for very small, low-horsepower boats and for 10–11-year-olds who complete a TWRA-approved course and meet size and horsepower limits.

For most Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989, operating a motorboat or PWC with more than 8.5 hp requires a TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate, which must be carried on board. PWC rentals are restricted to those 16 and older, and underage or uncertified operation can lead to misdemeanor charges and fines.

Completing an official boating safety course through an approved provider such as Recademics is the best way for Tennessee boaters—especially young operators—to meet state requirements, stay legal, and build the knowledge needed for safe, confident time on the water.