Rental Boat Education Law

Code Section 52-7-8.3

No person shall rent, lease, or let for hire any vessel ten horsepower or more to any person under 16 years of age.

On or after July 1, 2014, a person 16 years of age or older may rent or lease any vessel ten horsepower or more if such person has completed a boating education course approved by the department.

This subsection shall not apply to:

• any person licensed by the United States Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.
• a resident or nonresident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boater education course or equivalency examination from another state.

Renters will be required to watch a ten-minute boater education video, which you can access by clicking here or the link at the bottom of this page, and sign an orientation safety checklist before operating any rented vessel 10 horsepower or greater. 
This is required for all operators of a rented vessel.

We encourage ALL boaters to take a Boater Education Course. You may attend a 6 hour class or take it online. You may save on your boat insurance. Anyone born after January 1, 1998 is required to complete this course before operating any vessel. Please click here for more information on Boating Education.

Boater Education Video for boat renters