Missouri Boating Laws and
Regulations

Missouri Boating Laws and Regulations help ensure safe vessel operation in state waters. CertifiedBoater makes understanding and complying with these requirements simple through clear guides and practice tests.

Table of Contents

Other Resources

Age and Operator Restrictions

Enforcement

Missouri 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.”)