For more information on the boating laws in the state of Utah visit: http://stateparks.utah.gov/stateparks/boating/
- Motorboats (except for PWC):
- May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions.
- May be operated by a person under 16 years of age only when accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
- Sailboats
- May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions.
- May be operated by a person under 16 years of age may only when under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
- Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operators:
- May be operated by a person 18 years old or older without age or supervision restrictions.
- May be operated by a person 16 through 17 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation and has in his possession the certificate issued by the course provider.
- May be operated by a person 12 through 15 years of age provided the operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State Parks and Recreation, has in his possession the certificate issued by the course provider, and is under the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
- Note: The BoatUS safety course DOES NOT meet Utah’s education course requirement for PWC operators, ages 12 through 17. Utah requires a course with a proctored exam and a course completion certificate that provides positive identification of the student.
- A person less than 18 years of age who does not meet the above requirements may not operate a PWC unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
Definition of Direct Supervision: Direct supervision means sight at a distance within which unaided, visual contact is maintained by the adult responsible for the minor boat operator.
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.
