Montana

Age Requirements:

In Montana, all motorboat operators aged 13 - 14 must successfully pass a state approved boating course or equivalency exam.

Children 12 years old or younger may not operate a motorboat or personal watercraft powered by a motor greater than 10 horsepower (hp) unless accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

Youths 13 and 14 years of age may not operate those vessels without possessing a valid Montana motorboat operator’s certificate or evidence of completing an approved boating safety course, or unless accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

There are no mandatory educational requirements for persons 15 years old and up. However, a person must be 18 years or older to rent a motorboat or personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower.

Other Information:

Boaters may complete either an approved proctored or non proctored boating safety course for certification. Montana accepts the BoatU.S. Online Boating Safety Course for these State Education requirements.

For a home-study course offered by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department, contact your regional office for the Department. Persons 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a Montana motorboat operators certificate.

1. After you complete the course you will be issued a printable copy of your certificate that you can print yourself and use immediately.

2. You will also have the option of ordering a Montana Fish and Wildlife Parks approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.