What class license do you need to operate a boat?

New York  

Motorboats - Any individuals born on or after 5/1/96 are now required to successfully complete an approved course in boater education in order to operate a motorboat. Approved courses include those offered by NYS Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Individuals less than 10 years of age may not take this course of instruction.

Personal Watercraft - Operators may not operate a Personal Watercraft (JetSki, SeaDoo, etc.) unless they are at least 14 years of age and hold a boater safety certificate issued by State Parks, the USCG Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron for having completed a an 8-hour classroom based course of instruction.

A person without a safety certificate may operate a PWC when accompanied by someone over 18 years of age who is the holder of a boater safety certificate. For the purposes of this section, "accompanied" shall mean upon the same PWC.

North CarolinaPWC operators between 14 and 16 years of age if they want to operate on their own .

North DakotaNo person of twelve through fifteen years of age may operate a motorboat (includes personal watercraft, i.e. Jet skis, etc.) propelled by over a ten horsepower motor unless the operator is accompanied by a person eighteen years of age or older or the operator has taken and passed a boating course approved by the Department.

N Mariana IslandsAll

OhioAnyone born on or after January 1, 1982 who operates a powerboat grater than 10 horsepower.

OklahomaAll persons from 12 to less than 16 years of age.

OregonBoaters 12 and older operating a motorboat greater than 10 horsepower.

Pennsylvania  

Operators born on or after January 1, 1982 to operate motorboats greater than 25 horsepower and all operators of PWC.

Puerto RicoAnyone born after July 1, 1972.

Rhode IslandAll PWC operators and anyone born after January 1, 1986 operating a vessel powered by an engine of ten (10) or more horsepower.

South CarolinaPersons younger than 16 years of age that operate a boat powered by 15 horsepower engine or greater by themselves.

South DakotaNo requirement

TennesseeTN resident born after January 1, 1989 must pass a proctored exam.

TexasOperators between ages 13-17 years.

UtahPersonal Watercraft operators 12 through 17 years old.

VermontAny person born on or after January 1, 1974.

VirginiaBeginning July 1, 2009 compliance with boating safety education will be phased in according to age category.

Washington  

Operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater, must be 12 years of age or older. Is being phased in beginning January 2008 starting with 12 to 20 year olds and increasing age each year until fully implemented in 2014.

West VirginiaAnyone born after December 31, 1986.

WisconsinAnyone born on or after January 1, 1989 and who is at least 16 years old.

explanation:

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