HB 320 -- Watercraft Regulations

Co-Sponsors:  Williams, Henderson

This bill increases the minimum age for operation of a motorboat
or vessel from 14 to 16, except for any person who was 14 on or
before August 28, 2000.

Any person born after August 28, 1979, will be required to
possess a boating safety identification card in order to operate
a vessel or personal watercraft.  The Missouri State Water
Patrol will issue this boating safety identification card.  The
card will indicate that the person:  (1)  has successfully
completed a boating safety course approved by the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators and certified by
the Missouri State Water Patrol; (2)  has passed an equivalency
examination prepared or approved by the Water Patrol; or (3)
holds a valid master's, mate's, or operator's license issued by
the United States Coast Guard.  The Water Patrol may charge a
fee for the card that does not substantially exceed the
administrative cost of this provision.

The bill also requires that any person convicted of certain
boating offenses must enroll and complete a boating safety
education course which meets the Water Patrol's minimum
standards, file proof of successful completion of the course
with the court, and not operate a vessel until such filing.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am