Summary of Vermont’s Boating Safety Laws

  • A person under the age of 12 may not operate a motor­boat powered by more than six horsepower.
  • A person under the age of 12 must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device aboard a vessel while under way and on an open deck.
  • A person under the age of 16 must WEAR a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while aboard a sailboard.
  • A person under the age of 16 is prohibited from operat­ing “personal watercraft” (ski-jets). All individuals operating a personal watercraft (ski-jet) must wear a Type I, II or III United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. Operation of personal watercraft be­tween one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise is prohibited.
  • An implied consent law similar to the DWl law has been created for boating while intoxicated.
  • No vessel may be operated within 200 feet of shoreline, a person in the water, other vessels, anchorage or docks except at a speed of less than 5 miles per hour which does not create a wake.
  • Motorized vessels shall not be operated within 200 feet of a designated swimming area or of a divers-down flag.
  • Specific provisions are created for designation and protection of underwater historic preservation areas.
  • Residential use of overnight sleeping vessels is prohibited on waters lacking sanitary waste pumpout facilities.
  • United States Coast Guard Inland navigation rules are adopted for Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog and Wallace Pond in Canaan.
  • The required water ski observer must be at least 12 years old.
  • All engines must be muffled in order to reduce operating noise level to not more than 82 decibels on the A scale at 50 feet.
  • Effective July 1, 1991, all Individuals born after January 1, 1974, are required to complete a boating safety course prior to operation of a motorboat. For Information on a safe boating courses check on the internet at https://www.boat-ed.com/.
  • Effective May 1, 1995, all recreational boats, canoes and kayaks less than 16′ in length must carry a type I, II, III or V wearable P.F.D. for each person on board.