Activities > Boating Boating Education

Operator Age Limits

In Montana youths 13 and 14 years of age may operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if:

They possess a valid Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate;
they show evidence of completing another state or organization's NASBLA approved boating safety course; or
they are accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Boating Safety Courses

Boating safety courses are available in several ways to help you get the training you need:

Online Boating Courses

Complete the online course. Then take the certification exam online if you wish to receive your Montana Motorboat Operator's Certificate. Online classes are also available at the following websites:

Home-Study Boating Course-Free

The Montana Motorboat Operator's Homestudy course is available:

at all regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices;
or by emailing kylie.kembel@mt.gov

Persons 13 years of age or older who successfully complete the course will receive a Montana Motorboat Operator's Certificate. The homestudy course is available free of charge.

Classroom Courses

These classes are sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides low-cost classes and offers other services such as vessel examinations and water safety patrols.

These classes will posted when available.

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