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Nevada Boating Laws & Regulations

Who needs to take the Nevada boaters safety course?

All boaters Born after January 1, 1983 must have a Nevada Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft over 15 HP. BOATERexam.com® is a delegated provider for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

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Nevada Boating Safety Requirements

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka Life Jackets)

PFD Requirements for Children

All boaters or passengers 12 years of age and younger must wear their PFD while onboard vessels that are underway, unless in a fully enclosed area.

Boating Age Requirements

In Nevada there is a minimum age requirement of 14 years old, for those who wish to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) while unaccompanied by an adult.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2003, boaters born on or after Jan 1, 1983 are required to complete a boater education course before operating a boat on Nevada's interstate waters.

This requirement applies only to operators using a motorboat with a motor exceeding 15 horsepower. Nevada's interstate waters include Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River from Davis Dam south to the California state line, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

Alcohol & Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Nevada law prohibits the operation of a powerboat, sailboat, personal watercraft (PWC), water skis, sailboard, or similar device under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A boater can be charged with Operating Under the Influence (OUI) under the following conditions:

Nevada law imposes serious penalties for Operating Under the Influence (OUI):

Operators on Nevada waters have given "implied" consent to evidentiary alcohol testing if an officer has reasonable suspicion.

There is no right to refuse the test!

Nevada Boat Registration

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is responsible for regulating the state boating laws in Nevada.

All vessels propelled by machinery, including gasoline, diesel and electric motors, and principally operated on Nevada waters must be registered and issued a Nevada Certificate of Number (Registration) by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Certificate of Number

Boaters must have a Nevada Certificate of Number and validation decals to legally operate a vessel on Nevada's waters. The only exceptions are:

Boat owners must at least have a temporary Certificate of Number before they can operate in state waters. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Number please note the following:

Submit the application and appropriate fees to the NDOW for the: Certificate of Number, registration and boat title.

Nevada Department of Wildlife 1100 Valley Rd Reno, NV phone: 1-775-688-1500

Application forms are obtained by writing to the address above, calling 1-775-688-1500 or visiting one of the Department of Wildlife offices in Reno, Fallon, Elko, Ely, Las Vegas or Henderson.

Personal Watercraft Laws & Regulations

Do not underestimate PWCs – they are very powerful for their small size and demand the same respect as any boat. In fact, PWC operation must adhere to the same rules and regulations as any other powerboat – including registration with the state and a B-1 class fire extinguisher aboard.

PWCs have some additional requirements:

Nevada Lanyard Law

When operating a boat equipped with an engine cutoff lanyard, boaters are required to wear the device anytime the boat is moving at a speed greater than a no wake speed (5 mph).

The engine cutoff lanyard, sometimes referred to as a "kill switch" is a short piece of string or coiled material that connects to the boat operator and to the boat console. When the operator falls overboard or otherwise moves too far from the helm, the lanyard is pulled free and the boat engine is automatically shut off.

Hours of Operation

PWCs may only be operated between the hours of sunrise and sunset unless equipped with the proper navigation lights.

Age Requirements

No one under the age of 14 can operate a PWC on Nevada waters.

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