MN SF553

Requires persons age 12 and older to obtain a watercraft operator's permit by completing a water safety course and written test approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, with phased implementation starting July 1, 2025.

Establishes age-based operating requirements where young operators (under 12) cannot operate personal watercraft or motors over 75 horsepower, and adult operators (age 12+) must possess a valid permit or be accompanied by a qualified operator age 21+.

Mandates motorboat rental businesses verify renters are age 18+ with valid permits, provide boating regulation summaries, administer short safety examinations, list authorized operators on rental agreements, and provide USCG-approved personal flotation devices at no cost.

Requires driver's licenses and identification cards to include a watercraft operator's permit indicator, with the Department of Public Safety receiving $58,000 for card vendor costs related to this implementation.

Repeals previous watercraft safety program statutes and age restrictions, replacing them with the new permit and operator classification system effective July 1, 2025.