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

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Vermont

General Boating Age Requirements

Vermont’s age rules for operating motorboats are based mainly on horsepower and the operator’s date of birth:

• Under 12 years old: May not operate any motorboat powered by more than 6 horsepower.
• 12 years and older: May operate motorboats, provided they meet all applicable boating education requirements (see below) and follow Vermont law.
• Boating safety certificate requirement: Any operator who was born after January 1, 1974 must hold an approved Vermont boating safety education certificate to operate a motorized vessel on public waters.

These rules apply to typical motorboats such as fishing boats, runabouts, ski/wake boats, and pontoon boats. Non-motorized craft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) do not have a specific minimum operating age in Vermont, although parents and guardians are expected to supervise youth appropriately. Personal watercraft (PWCs), such as jet skis, are treated separately under Vermont law and have stricter age requirements.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

Vermont’s boating laws focus on age, horsepower, and mandatory boater education rather than a blanket requirement for an adult to be on board. Key points include:

• No “adult-on-board” substitute: Vermont does not generally allow a minor to bypass education or age rules simply because an adult is on the boat. If a boating safety certificate is required for that operator, they must have it.
• Under 12 with small motors: Children under 12 may only operate a motorboat of 6 horsepower or less. For anything larger, they are legally prohibited from operating, even with an adult present.
• PWCs: No one under 16 may legally operate a PWC in Vermont, even if a parent or guardian is on board or nearby.
• Practical supervision: While not always mandated by statute for every case, it is strongly recommended that adults closely supervise any minor operating a vessel, especially on larger lakes or busier waterways.

For many rentals and camps, additional supervision requirements may be imposed by company policy or program rules, which are separate from state law.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does Vermont Require a Boating Safety Course?

Yes. Vermont requires a state-approved boating safety education course for many motorized boat operators:

• Who must complete a course? Any person born after January 1, 1974 must successfully complete a Vermont-approved boating safety education course before operating a motorized vessel, including PWCs, on public waters.
• Minimum age to be certified: Operators must generally be at least 10 years old to take the course and receive a boating safety education certificate.
• Proof of certification: Operators who are required to be certified must carry their boating safety education certificate (or equivalent card) on board whenever they are operating a motorized vessel.
• Where to find a course: Approved classroom and online course options are listed through the Vermont State Police Marine Division and other Vermont-recognized providers.

Vermont does not issue a “boating license” in the same way it issues a driver’s license. Instead, the required credential is often called a boating safety education certificate or boater education card.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Vermont law includes several key exemptions and “grandfather” provisions:

• Born before January 1, 1974: Operators born before this date are generally exempt from the boating safety education certificate requirement for motorized vessels, though they must still follow all other boating laws.
• U.S. Coast Guard–licensed mariners: Individuals who hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license are typically exempt from the state education requirement, because their federal credential exceeds Vermont’s minimum training standards.
• Out-of-state boaters: Nonresidents who have completed a NASBLA-recognized boating safety course in another state can usually operate in Vermont using that credential, so long as they meet Vermont’s age and PWC restrictions and carry their original card.
• Other limited exemptions: Certain narrow exemptions may apply (for example, some private waters or specific government operations). Operators should consult current Vermont statutes or the Vermont State Police website for details before assuming an exemption applies.

Even when exempt, completing a boating safety course is still strongly encouraged, especially for adults supervising younger boaters.

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

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

Vermont has firm age and education rules for personal watercraft:

• Minimum age: You must be at least 16 years old to operate a PWC (jet ski or similar craft) in Vermont.
• Boating safety certificate: If you were born after January 1, 1974, you must also hold a valid Vermont-approved boating safety education certificate and carry it while operating the PWC.
• Under 16: Individuals under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate a PWC, even if they have completed a boating safety course or are supervised by an adult.
• Horsepower considerations: Because PWCs are motorized vessels by design, they fall under Vermont’s general education requirement for motorized boats and the specific PWC age rule. There is no lower-horsepower exception that allows younger children to operate a PWC.

PWC operators must also comply with equipment and operating rules, including life jacket requirements and restrictions on operation between sunset and sunrise.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Operating a boat or PWC in Vermont without meeting the required age and education rules can lead to enforcement action. While penalties can vary based on the exact violation and circumstances, possible consequences include:

• Civil fines: Under Vermont’s boating statutes, violations such as operating without the required boating safety certificate or operating a PWC underage may result in monetary fines. Some legal resources note that fines for operating a PWC without the required certificate can start around a few hundred dollars, with higher penalties for repeat offenses or more serious violations.
• Citations and record of violation: Boating violations are typically handled as civil offenses, but they still create a record that can lead to additional consequences if violations continue.
• Mandatory education: A person with multiple boating violations may be required by the court to complete a boating safety or education program.
• Serious offenses: Offenses such as reckless operation or boating under the influence (BUI) carry significantly harsher penalties, including larger fines, suspension of boating privileges, and potential jail time.

Because penalties can change over time, boaters should always check current Vermont law or contact the Vermont State Police Marine Division for the latest details.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in Vermont

Steps to Getting Your Boating License

In Vermont, your “boating license” is your boating safety education certificate. Here’s how most operators obtain it:

• 1. Enroll in an approved course.
  Choose a Vermont-approved boating safety course that meets national standards (NASBLA). Options may include classroom instruction or approved online formats recognized by Vermont authorities.
• 2. Learn Vermont-specific rules.
  Study topics such as required safety equipment, life jacket rules, navigation aids, right-of-way, speed and no-wake zones, PWC-specific regulations, and emergency procedures.
• 3. Pass the final exam.
  Successfully complete the course’s final exam to demonstrate that you understand Vermont’s boating laws and safe operating practices.
• 4. Receive your boating safety education certificate.
  After you pass, you will receive proof of completion—a boating safety education certificate or card. This credential is typically valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
• 5. Carry your certificate while operating.
  If you are required by law to hold a certificate (for example, you were born after January 1, 1974), you must carry it on board whenever you operate a motorized vessel or PWC on Vermont’s public waters.

Courses and schedules can be found through the Vermont State Police Marine Division and other state-recognized education providers.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

Young boaters can be safe and responsible operators when they receive proper training and supervision. Vermont emphasizes safety education, and the following practices are especially important:

• Always wear a life jacket.
  Everyone on board should have a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket, and children should wear theirs at all times. PWC operators and passengers must always wear life jackets.
• Never operate without adult supervision if required or recommended.
  Even when the law allows youth to operate on their own, an experienced adult should be nearby to provide guidance and intervene if conditions become unsafe.
• Learn navigation rules early.
  Young boaters should know basic right-of-way rules, what navigation buoys and markers mean, how to maintain a proper lookout, and how to operate at a safe speed for conditions.
• Respect horsepower and speed.
  Start with smaller engines and calm waters. As skills improve, gradually move to larger boats and more challenging conditions, always within Vermont’s legal limits.
• Take your boating safety course as soon as you’re eligible.
  Completing a Vermont-approved boating safety course at the earliest eligible age helps young operators build safe habits and ensures they meet legal requirements for motorized boats and PWCs.
• Avoid alcohol and other impairing substances.
  Alcohol and drugs are incompatible with safe boating for operators and adult supervisors. Boating under the influence is illegal and dangerous.

Summary

In Vermont, the legal age to drive a boat depends on your age, the vessel type, and whether you have completed an approved boating safety course:

• Under 12: May not operate a motorboat with more than 6 horsepower.
• 12 and older: May operate eligible motorboats, but anyone born after January 1, 1974 must hold a Vermont-approved boating safety education certificate.
• PWC (jet skis): You must be at least 16 years old to operate a PWC, and if you were born after January 1, 1974, you must also have a boating safety education certificate.
• Grandfathered operators: Those born before January 1, 1974 are generally exempt from the education requirement, though safe boating practices still apply.

To stay legal and safe, Vermont boaters should complete their official boating education and carry proof of certification whenever required. Recademics can help you understand Vermont’s rules, prepare for your boating safety course, and become a confident, responsible operator on Vermont’s lakes and rivers.