CHAPTER 270 SUPERVISION OF NAVIGATION; REGISTRATION OF BOATS AND MOTORS; COMMON CARRIERS BY WATER
Operation of Boats
Section 270:30
270:30 Minimum Age for Operation. –
I. No person under 16 years of age shall operate a motorized vessel having power in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of this state unless the person is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid safe boater education certificate, and such person shall be liable for personal injury or property damage which may result from such operation.
II. No person under 16 years of age shall operate a commercial vessel on any of the public waters of the state.
III. No person 16 years of age or older but under 18 years of age shall operate a commercial vessel on any of the public waters of the state unless such person has a valid certificate to act as operator of a commercial vessel. Such operation shall be subject to the following limitations:
(a) Such vessel must be 16 feet in length or less.
(b) Such vessel may be operated only for the safety support of other boaters, swimmers, or other persons in or on the water, and for incidental transportation of passengers, towing of other vessels, refueling, or servicing.
(c) No such vessel shall tow a water skier, aquaplane, or similar device.
IV. Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a violation.