A Missouri law passed January 1, 2005 mandating that operators of vessels on the lakes of the state born after January 1, 1984 must take a boating safety education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). It further requires boaters of any age convicted of certain offenses such as Boating While Intoxicated and Reckless and Negligent operation to take a course and not operate a vessel until the course is passed and recorded with the Water Patrol.Operators that fall under the requirements will have to carry onboard a card issued by the Water Patrol proving they have met the requirements of the law.
As of the first day of January, 2006, all non-residents born after January 1, 1984 who wish to operate a vessel on our lakes must successfully complete a NASBLA approved Boater Safety Course. We encourage individuals who fall under the new mandatory requirement to take the Missouri Certification course, but there are other alternatives. If a non-resident possesses a boater certification from a state other than Missouri and the course is a NASBLA approved course, you can use it in place of the Missouri Certification card. You must, however, have proof of successful completion and your photo identification with you at the time you are operating the vessel. It should be noted that a Personal Watercraft falls under the definition of a vessel so those who are required to have the certification will need to have it to operate a PWC.
What about non-residents who are vacationing in Missouri and wish to rent a vessel to operate and do not have a certification? Missouri has a program that will allow a non-resident born after January 1, 1984 to operate a rented vessel with a temporary thirty-day permit. The affected persons wishing to rent and operate a rental vessel need only to contact the rental agency about the details of securing a thirty-day temporary permit. The temporary permit is non-renewable so if a non-resident wants to operate a vessel beyond the thirty-day period, they will be required to successfully complete a Boater Safety Education Course.
If you would like to get a Missouri certification, you have several options. You can take the online course available on our homepage or attend one of our Classroom Courses listed on our web site at www.mswp.dps.mo.gov. You can also call 1-800-830-2268 to order a Missouri home study course.
Click here to take an online boating course.
More Boating Laws
- Life jackets must be available for every person on board a watercraft.
- Children under the age of seven must wear a life jacket at all times while on board a watercraft.
- All persons must wear a life jacket when on a Personal Watercraft.
- Navigation lights are required on all boats underway between sunset and sunrise.
- Proper ventilation is required of every vessel.
- Fire extinguishers are required equipment on all motorized watercraft carrying or using flammable or toxic fluid such as gasoline or propane.
- Registration is required of all motorized watercraft regardless of horsepower; all sailboats over twelve feet in length are required to be registered.
- The operator of any boat being used for towing a person on water skis, inner tube or similar device must have another person on board the vessel, seated in a position so as to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed unless the vessel is equipped with a ski mirror, approved by the Missouri State Water Patrol, mounted so that the progress of the skier can be observed by the operator. (Check with the Water Patrol for other regulations related to towing a person behind a boat.) An orange or red ski flag must be displayed any time people are in the water and not in the act of being towed by the boat.
- Riding on the bow, gunwales, railing, top of seat, back and decking over the back of a motorboat is prohibited.
- The minimum age for operating any watercraft in the State of Missouri is 14 years.
- All marker buoys, such as No Wake buoys, apply to all motorized vessels, including all personal watercraft.
- Operating a boat while intoxicated is a federal offense, subject to a $1,000.00 fine. In Missouri, it can cost up to $500.00 and 6 months in jail.
- Check with local authorities if you have any questions about requirements for your watercraft.
Safety
For those who plan on spending time on the water, here are some courtesy and safety tips that will ensure everyone a great time:
- Be aware of those around you. Drive on the right side of the channel or cove.
Look before you turn.
- All boats have the responsibility to take whatever
action necessary to avoid a collision or accident.
- Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while water skiing and while operating a personal watercraft. Small children or non-swimmers should wear life jackets at all times anywhere near or on the water.
- Turn your lights on 30 minutes before sunset.
- Operate your boat at a safe & prudent speed.
- Newer boats have a safety cut off switch. Use it.
- Upon refueling, check your engine compartment for spillage. Use your blower to expel fumes.
- Get a voluntary inspection of your boat. The Water Patrol and the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides this free of charge.
- Take a boating safety course. Remember, experience is not always the best teacher.
- Consideration should be given to equipping your boat with a marine radio or cellular phone.
- Don't drink and drive. A designated driver is as important on the water as on the land.
For more information
Missouri State Water Patrol
PO Box 1368
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1368
573 -751-3333
BoatInfo@mswp.dps.mo.gov
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