North Carolina

Age Requirements:

Any person born on or after January 1, 1988 must successfully complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.

North Carolina has the following restrictions for the operators of personal watercraft:

• No person under 14 years of age may operate a PWC.
• A person at least 14 years of age but younger than 16 years of age may operate a PWC in public waters if they are accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who is in compliance with the state's boating education requirements, or the person possesses ID with proof of age and boating safety certification or card indicating the satisfactory completion of a NASBLA boating safety education course.
• A person 16 years of age or older must comply with the mandatory boater education requirements for all vessels of 10 HP or greater before operating a PWC.
• The owner of a PWC must not knowingly allow a child under the age of 16 operate their craft except as provided above.

Those who possess a U.S. Coast Guard operator's license, temporary operator's certificate, renter's or lease agreement, or are a resident of another state or country operating on the waters of North Carolina for less than 90 days are exempt from the education requirement.

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 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.