There is no minimum age requirement for operators of motorized boats (except PWCs) to take a state-approved Boating Safety Course and Test. Additionally, young kids can legally operate a boat so long as they are under the direct, on board supervision of a person who meets Virginia’s Boating Safety Education requirement.

PWC operators must be at least 16 years of age, except those 14 or 15 year olds who have completed and passed a NASBLA Approved Course.