What You Need To Know About Minnesota's Watercraft Permit Law

We are almost officially into the Summer season in Minnesota. Unless you go by the Memorial Day timeline, summer has already started. On the calendar it officially begins on June 20th. That is next Friday.

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When you live in a state that has over 10,000 lakes, you probably will want to be out on the water for a lot of the summertime. Take advantage of what Minnesota has to offer, and that does entail lots of water sports and recreation. Some of that probably includes some sort of watercraft. Boat, jet ski, pontoon, operating any of these will require something more beginning in July.

WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN

Starting on July 1st, operating any watercraft will require a permit..

This law was passed in 2023. The whole idea is to make sure that the lakes are much safer for everyone. People can be assured that anyone operating a watercraft has been properly educated and trained.

WHO NEEDS AN OPERATOR'S PERMIT

Initially, the law applies to:
People who were born after June 30, 2004, and are aged 12 or older.
Anyone who wishes to serve as an “accompanying operator” for people without a valid watercraft operator’s permit, or for people under the age of 12 and not eligible to obtain a permit.
Individuals who wish to rent/operate motorized rental watercraft.

If you already have an operator's permit from either Minnesota or another state, you will not have to get a new one.

However, there are some other rules that will come into play for people born before 1987. These people will need an operator's permit under these guidelines.

GUIDELINES

If they’re an “accompanying operator” and allow youth or person without a watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat. Accompanying operators must be 21 years of age or older; in the boat or on the personal watercraft; within immediate reach of the motor controls; and possess a valid operator’s permit or be an “exempt operator” (possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for maritime personnel, for example).
If they’re renting a motorized watercraft. Renters must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit.

You might as well look at this as kind of the same thing as having to obtain a drivers license or a motorcycle license. Now you will also need a watercraft license.

Have a happy and safe summer boating season!