For more information on the boating laws in the state of Arkansas visit: www.agfc.com

Mandatory Education and Age Requirements:

To legally operate a motorboat on Arkansas waters, those persons born on or after January 1, 1986, whether an Arkansas resident or non-resident, must have in their possession proof of one of the following (the BoatU.S. Foundation Online Course Certificate of Completion does NOT meet this requirement):

• Successful completion of an approved AFGC boating safety course, if born on or after January 1, 1986.
• A valid education certificate from another state approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
• A temporary boater education certificate, valid for 30 days, obtained by completing a questionnaire developed by the AGFC.

Age & Horsepower Restrictions:

The following laws apply to boaters of a certain age. To operate any motorboat or PWC, the person must satisfy the boater education requirement above and:

• A person under 12 years of age –
• If operating a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 hp or more, must be accompanied by a competent adult over the age of 17.
• If operating a PWC, must be accompanied by a competent adult of at least 21 years of age.


• A person 12 or 13 years of age –
• If operating a PWC, must be accompanied by a competent adult of at least 18 years of age.


• A person 14 years of age or older –
• All persons 14 years of age or older must satisfy the boater education requirement if born on or after January 1, 1986.


• It is illegal for the owner of a boat to allow a person who does not meet the state age and educational requirements to borrow or otherwise operate the vessel.
• A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft.

We provide this information as a service and strive to keep this website up to date. Please let us know of any inconsistencies by bringing them to our attention at once at onlinecourse@boatus.com. Resources for these pages include state statutes, state web pages and state approved boating guides. BoatU.S. is not responsible for any misinterpretation of the law or any change in the law that is not adequately reflected in these pages. Damages as a result of failing to abide by stated law shall not be the responsibility of BoatU.S., BoatU.S. Foundation or its employees.