Boating license rules in Montana
Youths 13 and 14 may operate a motorboat or PWC over 10 hp only with a Montana safety certificate, another NASBLA approved course, or someone 18 or older aboard.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Motor rated at more than 10 horsepower1
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- The 13 and 14 year old rule applies to personal watercraft over 10 hp. No separate PWC rules are stated.1
- Card and course cost
- Homestudy course and Boat U.S. Foundation online course are free. Paid online courses range from $34.95 to $79.95.1
- Cards from other states
- Youths 13 and 14 may show completion of another state or organization's NASBLA approved course.1
- Exemptions
- Youths 13 and 14 may instead be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.1
The official pages we read do not say: minimum age to operate. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Sources
- Boating Education, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.