West Virginia

Age Requirements:

In West Virginia, all persons born after December 31, 1986 must complete a boating education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft.

Motor-Powered Vessels:

• No one under 15 years of age may operate a watercraft in West Virginia except those children aged 12 to 15 that are operating under the direct supervision of an adult
• If a child aged 12-15 is operating a boat with a motor of less than 10 horsepower (hp), then direct adult supervision is not required
• No one under that age of 12 may operate a watercraft

Personal Watercraft (PWC):

• Children aged 12 to 15 may operate personal watercraft, only if under the direct supervision of an adult
• Youth 16 and older may operate a PWC without supervision, provided they have met the education requirements above
• A person must be 18 years of age or older to rent a PWC

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Other Information:

All persons born after December 31, 1986 must complete a boating education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in West Virginia. These operators shall show the certificate on demand of any West Virginia Conservation Officer or other law enforcement officer authorized to enforce West Virginia boating laws. The certificate must have been obtained by satisfactorily completing a course of instruction in boating safety education approved by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources or by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). The BoatU.S. Boating Safety Certificate is recognized by West Virginia, NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

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 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources approved, waterproof plastic card for $15. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your card to arrive.