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How You Can Obtain a Minnesota Boating License

Dec. 9 2021 Ownership Tips By Nisswa Marine

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As many boaters in Minnesota know, there are some rules and regulations regarding teenagers operating motorized boats and Personal Watercrafts (PWC). These laws are in place for the safety of the operators and other boaters on the water. At Nisswa Marine in Nisswa, Minnesota, we take these regulations seriously and encourage these young boaters and anglers to take the Minnesota Boating Safety Course. Feel free to visit our marina for all your boating needs, and we serve customers from St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well.

Watercraft Operator's Permit

The Minnesota Boating Safety Course is available for those young boaters and fishers, ages 12 to 17, to obtain their Watercraft Operator's Permit. With it, they can operate a boat with a motor greater than 25 horsepower unrestricted but still under the supervision of someone aged 21 or older. Without this permit, children between the ages of 14 and 17 can operate a boat but must be under the direct supervision of an adult over the age of 21 that has immediate access to the motor controls, if need be. 

Minnesota laws prohibit anyone under the age of 12 from operating a motorized watercraft on Minnesota waters. Teenagers aged 13 and older can operate a boat with less than 25 horsepower, with direct supervision from a competent adult aged 21 or older with access to the controls. Additionally, no one aged 13 or younger can operate a motorized boat that exceeds 75 horsepower at all. These restrictions are meant for the safety of all persons on the water.

Boater Education

All children aged 12 to 17 are required to have at least some boater education before operating a watercraft in Minnesota, which the Minnesota Boating Safety Course can provide. The program is located on the website Boat-ed and can be accessed from the website BoaterExam.com. Boat-ed is an authorized provider of the Minnesota Boating Safety Course.

Anyone 12 or older can take this course, even those that are not a resident of Minnesota. This program is approved by the Minnesota state government and can be taken on most internet-connected devices. Most people are able to complete it within a few hours, but you are not timed and can have your progress saved for later completion. 

Now you can visit the website, complete the course, and boat with fewer restrictions. Completing this exam will benefit you and others that accompany you while you're on Minnesota waters. For more information on this course and the laws in Minnesota regarding young boaters and anglers, please get in touch with us at Nisswa Marine in Nisswa, Minnesota. We welcome boaters from St. Cloud, Minnesota, too!