Colorado Boating Laws and
Regulations
The Colorado Boater Safety Course teaches key boating safety for state waters. CertifiedBoater makes learning simple with easy guides and practice tests to help you pass fast
Table of Contents
Other Resources
- Florida Boater Safety Course
- Florida Course Comparison Guide
- Florida Boating License Guide
- Florida Boat Rental Certificate
Colorado Boating Laws and Regulations
Age and Operator Restrictions
To operate a vessel on Colorado’s public waters, a person:
- Under 14 years of age may not operate any motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
- 14 – 17 years of age may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters only if he or she has passed an approved boating safety course and has a Boating Safety Certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.
A person 18 years of age or older may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
Boater Education Exams
With regard to boat safety education courses, a person:
- Must be at least 14 years of age to take a proctored exam in a classroom setting and get the state-issued Boating Safety Certificate.
- Must be at least 16 years of age to take the online boat safety exam and get a boater education card.
Enforcement
Colorado law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.
Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.
Reciprocity
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
