SB2733 Summary

• Requires motorboat and personal watercraft operators to possess a valid Boating Safety Certificate, U.S. Coast Guard license, Canadian maritime certificate, rental agreement, or meet one of seven other safety qualifications including direct supervision, non-resident temporary use status, or Navy surface warfare officer credentials.

• Establishes age-based restrictions prohibiting anyone under 10 years old from operating motorboats, requiring ages 10-12 to operate only under parental supervision, and allowing ages 12-18 to operate independently only if they hold a Boating Safety Certificate.

• Implements graduated compliance schedule with personal watercraft operators required to comply beginning July 1, 2016, and motorboat operators phased in from July 1, 2018, through July 1, 2023, based on operator age.

• Requires boating safety education courses approved by the Department of Natural Resources to meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators standards and permits online course delivery.

• Establishes $100 civil penalty for violations and exempts law enforcement officers performing official duties from safety requirements.