Utah requires a Boater Education Card for boaters, and not a boating license. The regulatory authority for the card is Utah State Parks. The card is mandatory for all boat operators born after January 1, 1988 and operating a vessel over 10HP; older boaters do not require the card.

Utah requires operators of personal watercrafts between the ages of 12-17 to complete a course approved by the Utah State Parks and obtain a certificate which they must carry on board with them at all times. Persons between the ages of 16-17 may operate a PWC without direct supervision of an adult (but they must possess the above-mentioned certificate onboard at all times) whereas someone at least 18 years of age or more must supervise persons between the ages of 12-15, in addition to having the Certificate onboard. Motorized boats may be operated by anyone above the age of 16 without age restrictions. If you are below the age of 16, you can only operate a motorized boat if accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an individual at least 18 years of age.

Lending or renting of a boat by the owner to someone who does not meet the above requirements is illegal.

The boating laws of the state require that the person operating a boat should not be under the influence of intoxicants. The legal limit of the blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% and if arrested for a higher BAC, harsh penalties may be imposed on the operator, based on the severity of the offense as well as the previous number of such convictions.

EXEMPTIONS

The following persons are exempt from the above requirements:

• Persons operating a vessel under training under the supervision of someone 18 years of age or above who is in possession of the Boater Safety Education Certificate.
• Persons possessing a valid commercial vessel operator's license issued by the US Coast Guard, a state or a province.
• Non-residents of this state temporarily visiting its waters and who meet the requirements of boaters in their respective states of residence.

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE

To obtain the Boater Education Card, you must complete a boater education course approved by the Utah State Parks, or pass an approved equivalency test. In an approved course, students learn how to operate and maintain their boats, the legal requirements for boating, and what to do in emergencies. This ensures that boating remains a safe and fun experience. There are various approved ways you can complete the course and obtain the card:

1. Classroom options are offered by Boat Safe Utah, US Power Squadron and US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
   • The Personal Watercraft (PWC) Education Course is mandatory for anyone between the ages of 12-17 who wishes to operate a personal watercraft.
   • Students must be a minimum of 12 years to register and complete the course.
   • At least six hours or more of the course manual must be studied before attending the classes, which are conducted throughout the state at various locations.
   • Parents or guardian are required to attend the class along with their youth if they are between the ages of 12-15. Although not mandatory, Utah State Parks encourage parents of 16-17 year olds to attend the classes with them as well.
   • The course duration is 1.5 - 2 hours.
   • The courses taught by the State Parks are free.
2. The Boater Education Card is either handed out at the end of class, or mailed to you within 45 days.
3. Only the card issued after a classroom course is recognized in most other states, and by many insurance companies for insurance discounts.
4. Six approved online options offered by Boat Utah, Boater Exam Utah, Marine University, Maritime Smarts, PWC Safety School and American Boat Operators Course.
5. These courses may take up to 8 hours to complete; some options require you to complete the course in one sitting.
6. Course materials are free. Some providers charge a fee for exams or the card: check providers' websites for details.
7. A temporary card may be printed after passing the online exam; the permanent card will be mailed to you within 45 days.
8. The option of studying at home using approved course material, and passing a proctored exam.

RENEWAL

The card is permanent. There is no need to renew it.

REPLACEMENT

To replace a card, contact the Utah State Parks with proof of course completion. Students who took the exam online may obtain a duplicate card by contacting their providers, and for a fee - check the providers' websites for details.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• While liability insurance is not mandatory for boating in Utah, it is a good idea to have liability insurance to tide over troubles if you or someone operating your boat is involved in a boating accident.
• Read the course material for the Boater Education Course.
• See how to register your boat in Utah.
• Check the contact information of Utah State Parks.