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Section 8

Minnesota State Boating Laws

Revised 2015

America’s Boating Course – 3rd Edition

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Stop the Spread of Invasive Species!

Be aware of the invasive species in your area.

Inspect your boat, trailer, bilge, live wells, and bait containers at the boat ramp for invasive species (plants, animals, & mud).

Clean the boat, bilges, live wells, engine cooling system and trailer before leaving the boat ramp area (review Section 14 – Trailering)

Environmental Regulations

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All motorized watercraft regardless of length & non-motorized watercraft greater than 10 Feet must be licensed by DNR

Except: Watercraft current registration in

another state or country & not kept in Minnesota more than

90 days. Government owned vessels, ship’s lifeboat, USCG documented (>5 tons), hunting or rice boats.

RegistrationRegistration

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License Fees Vary based on Type and boat Length(See Minnesota Boating Guide Summary of Laws)

Obtain License from DNR Center or deputy registrar (where you license a car)Sign your License and keep it on board your watercraft. Non-motorized don’t have to carry, but must be able to produce it within a reasonable time frame.All watercraft licenses expire on Dec. 31 of the last year license is valid

RegistrationRegistration

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Registration Numbers and Validation Decal Display:• Affixed to bow – both sides• 3 inch BLOCK letters• Validation Decal: within 4” after letters

(astern)• Contrasting colors to hull• Space or hyphen between letters and numbers• Example: MN 3717 ZW or MN-3717-ZW• No other numbers displayed on bow• Non-motorized only require decal (Paddleboat)

RegistrationRegistration

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Valid Boating Operator Permit - Issued By:

• MN DNR• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary• United Sates Power Squadrons• Other NASBLA approved course providers• Other states

Age Restrictions: (See current MN Boating Guide)

Boat OperationBoat Operation

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Navigation Lights: (Displayed Sunset to Sunrise, periods of restricted visibility)

Motorboats: One White light visible for 2 miles (All Around), Combination Red (Port side) & Green (Starboard side) attached so the light shows directly ahead to 225 Degrees visible for 1 mile

Non-motorized: Must carry a White light and displayed in sufficient time to avoid collisions. Visible for 2 mile distance

Boat OperationBoat Operation

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Who May Operate:Less than 13 years old: Never,

even with adult on board13 years old: Must either have:

• Someone at least 21 onboard, or• Watercraft operator’s permit and

be in visual supervision by someone at least 21

14 - 17 years old: Must either have:• Watercraft operator’s permit, or• Someone at least 21 on board

PWC OperationPWC Operation

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Whistles/Horns:Motorboats 16 to < 26 Ft must be equipped with a hand, mouth, or power-operated horn (audible up to 1/2 mile with min 2 sec duration)Motorboats 26 to > 40 Ft must be equipped with a hand or power-operated horn (audible for 1 mile with min 2 sec duration)Sirens are only legal on gov patrol craft

Equipment RequirementEquipment Requirement

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Equipment RequirementEquipment Requirement

Fire Extinguisher: Unlawful to operate a motorboat, except outboards of open construction, without fire extinguisher of the size, type, and number as specified

Mufflers/Noise Limits:Before 1982: Pass By Test 84 dBa

Stationary Idle 86 dBaAfter 1982: Pass By Test 82 dBa

Stationary Idle 84 dBa10

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Fire Extinguisher Requirement by boat size and class:A = Less than 16’ = 1 size B-11 = 16’, less than 26’ = 1 size B-12 = 26’, less than 40’ = 2 size B-1 or 1 size B-23 = 40’, and over = 3 size B-1 or 1 size B-2 & 1 B-1

Gasoline Inboard boat engine: Must have a bilge ventilator (blower system) to vent fuel vapors & must have a USCG approved flame arrestor (carbureted engines)

Equipment RequirementEquipment Requirement

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Minimum of one wearable life jacket for each

person:

• Type I – Offshore – Turn unconscious person face-up

• Type II - Near Shore – might turn person face-up

• Type III - Floatation Aid – will not turn person face-up

• Type V – Special Use Device – vest, suits - used

according to label (Must be worn to be valid)

PFD Requirements:PFD Requirements:

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• Must be USCG Approved wearable PFD for the

boating intended, with readable label, of correct

size, serviceable, and readily accessible

• It is best to fit each person with an USCG

approved life jacket before departing the dock,

and encourage wearing

• Children under 10 years old must wear

PFD Requirements:PFD Requirements:

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• Vessel 16’ or over: have USCG approved

Throwable Type IV Flotation device readily

available (except canoes or kayaks)

• PWC: Must wear Type I, II, III, or V to operate

• Inflatables are not legal for high speed

watersports (PWC, Skiing, or whitewater

paddling)

PFD Requirements:PFD Requirements:

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• All must wear a PFD Non-inflatable Type I – III, or V when operating

• Operated only from 9:30 AM to 1 hour before sunset

• Minimum operator age (see MN boating Guide)• Engine shut-down lanyard must be attached to

operator• PWC restricted to slow-no-wake within 150’ of

any other boat, PWC, skier, shoreline, landing• Avoid reckless operation• Factory installed mirror or observer for skiing

Requirements - PWCRequirements - PWC

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• Avoid weaving through congested areas or jump the wake of another watercraft within 150 Ft

• Must be at “Slow - No Wake” speed: • Within 150’ behind another vessel (PWC)• Within 150’ of shoreline• Less than 150’ from, docks, anchored

vessel, marked swim area• Illegal to disturb wildlife & aquatic vegetation

Requirements - PWCRequirements - PWC

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• Waterskiing: Requires 1 observer or approved wide angle mirror

• PWC: Must have personal watercraft rules decal issued by DNR in full view of operator

• Prohibited between 1/2 hour after sunset to sunrise the following day

• Tow ropes may not be longer than 150 Ft unless obtaining a permit from the county sheriff

Towing Behind VesselTowing Behind Vessel

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Stay Clear of DiversStay Clear of Divers

Diver-Down:

Diver in the water

Alpha Flag:

Vessel unable

to maneuver

•Diver: Must remain within 50 Ft of flag•Boats: Must remain 150 Ft away from flag

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• Weaving in and out of congested area• Jumping Wakes (minimum distance)• Chasing, Harassing, Disturbing Wildlife or Vegetation• Causing damage from wake• Operating at greater than “slow, no wake” speed:• Within 150 ft. of any dock, raft, pier, or buoyed restricted area

on any lake at a speed in excess of “slow, no wake speed• Violation of local community or lake boating ordinances• Loading beyond capacity stated on the capacity plate.• In restricted areas• Bow riding – walking, standing in areas of boat not designed

to• Operating under influence of intoxicant or controlled

substance or with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher

Unlawful Operation:Unlawful Operation:

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Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection

Internationally agreed pollution regulationsPlacard required vessels greater than 26

feet

20

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• Must report immediately to sheriff if: • A person Dies

• Injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid

• Property damage over $2000

• Stop at the scene of accident and assist others if you can do it safely

• Call 911

Accident ReportingAccident Reporting

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