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   In our May 2025 Sheriff’s Corner article, we covered new Boating and Safety Laws specific to youth operation and training with the new Boater Education Laws that are starting in a phased approach in 2025. While our article covered the basics of the new laws, it generated numerous follow-up questions that require further clarification. We now have additional information to share with you. While it hasn’t been our process to cover the same topic back-to-back, this article will provide additional information and clarification and unpack the information in a different format on the important topic, affecting many of us while answering some of the questions we have been receiving. 

   During the 93rd Legislature (2023-2024), the Minnesota Legislature approved a bill that included a section intended to make boating safer by requiring more people to obtain a valid watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft. This law brings certification requirements in line with what’s required for ATVs, firearms, and snowmobiles. The law goes into effect July 1, 2025 and will be fully implemented July 1, 2028. It builds upon existing law, which requires 12- to 17-year-olds to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit before operating certain types of watercrafts. The new law does not affect people who already hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit.

   Beginning July 1, 2025, anyone 12 years of age or older, and born after June 30, 2004, must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Minnesota waters. The requirements gradually include more age groups: 

   • July 1, 2026: Anyone 12 years and older, and born after June 30, 2000, must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. 

   • July 1, 2027: Anyone 12 years and older, and born after June 30, 1996, must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. 

   • July 1, 2028: Anyone 12 years and older, and born after June 30, 1987, must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. 

   Except in certain situations, people born before July 1, 1987, are not required to obtain a watercraft operator’s permit. Exempt operators also are not required to obtain a permit. Exempt operators are at least 12 years old and meet certain criteria, including holding certain U.S. Coast Guard permits issued to maritime personnel and those operating a motorboat during an emergency. 

   Instances in which people born before July 1, 1987, need a valid watercraft operator’s permit: 

   • If they’re an “accompanying operator” and allow a youngster or person without a watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat. Accompanying operators must be 21 years of age or older; in the boat or on the personal watercraft; within immediate reach of the motor controls; and possess a valid operator’s permit or be an “exempt operator.” 

   • To rent and operate a motorboat or personal watercraft. (Also, must be at least 18 years old.)

   Unless they intend to serve as an accompanying operator, people born before July 1, 1987, are not affected by these new requirements, nor are permit holders from other states. 

   Accompanying Operator Requirements Must be: 

   • 21 years or older 

   • Onboard and within immediate reach of controls 

   • Holding a valid permit or qualifying for an exemption 

   We have also fielded numerous calls and emails about out-of-state youth operators who are visiting for a short period of time and wish to use the lake. 

   Who is Exempt from Needing a Permit? 

   An operator age 12 or older who: 

   • Holds a valid U.S. Coast Guard license 

   • Is a non-resident using MN waters for 60 days or less and: Meets their home state or country’s boating education requirements, OR Holds a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card 

   • Is operating under a dealer’s license 

   • Is responding to an emergency 

   Link for online course: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

   Email: [email protected]

Phone: 218-547-1424 | 1-800-450-2677

By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

Walker MN 56484

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