Do I need a license to operate a boat in Kansas? What to know before hitting the water
With roughly 80,000 vessels out on Kansas waters, boating remains a popular summer activity.
There have been 16 boating accidents reported in the state so far this year, according to data provided to the Eagle from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. For an accident to be reported, it has to include an injury needing more than first aid, a missing person or fatality, or complete loss of the vessel.
Out of those 16 reported accidents, seven resulted in injuries and one in a fatality.
With a large number of people boating this summer, it’s important to know the rules before going on the water. Here’s a guide to some basic boating regulation in Kansas.
Do you need a license to drive a boat in Kansas? How old do you have to be?
The youngest age legally allowed to operate a boat in Kansas is 12.
A boating license is not required, but anyone younger than the age of 21 must take a boater education course and receive a certificate before operating a vessel.
There are multiple ways you can become certified. One option that doesn’t require internet or in-person class is a home study packet. You can request one through the department, but it can take one to two weeks for the certificate to be issued.
There are five department-approved online courses, as well. Those taking the course can study on their own time and take the online exam at any time. Online courses require at least three hours with each section, per National Association of State Boating Law Administrators guidelines.
Fees range from free to $54.95.
If you’re better at learning in an in-person setting, you can go to the department of wildlife’s website and see what classroom options are offered in your region.
Boater certification and age rules apply for personal water craft and motorboats. There are no age limits to operating sailboats, but boater safety courses are still required. Taking a boater education course for any kinds of paddle boats, like a kayak or canoe, is not required, but there are free options to take a safety course.
Before visiting a body of water, make sure to double check the regulations as they could have changed, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Captain Larry Hastings said.
What are the fines for operating a boat without proper certification?
Operating a boat without a certificate is a Class C misdemeanor, and according to Hastings, fines could range up to $1,000, depending on what a judge decides.
A court fee could also be imposed, Hastings said.
