Boating Laws

This 233-mile stretch of the Colorado River has become a year-round recreation area for power boaters, paddlers, water-skiers, and fishermen. To enjoy a safe trip on the Colorado, boaters need to become familiar with the characteristics of the area that make boating on this desert waterway unique.

The state lines of California, Nevada and Arizona intersect in the Colorado River area. While many boating laws are the same in each state, a few laws differ and can be confusing to boaters.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Nevada Department of Wildlife teamed up to publish this Boating Safety Guide to provide basic information which will assist you in planning a safe and enjoyable trip on the Colorado River.

Operator Age, Education and Supervision		Arizona	California	Nevada
Operator Age, Education and Supervision		Watercraft With Motors Greater Than 8hp: The operator must be at least 12 years of age. An operator under the age of 12 must have direct on board supervision by a person who is at least 18 years old.	Watercraft with motors greater than 15hp and sailboats exceeding 30’ in length: Operator must be at least 16 years old. Operators between the ages of 12 -15 must have a person 18 or older on board for supervision.	Motorboats with motors of 15hp or greater on interstate waters: Any operator, born on or after Jan. 1, 1983, must possess proof of completion of a NASBLA approved boating course if operating on Nevada’s interstate waters, including but not limited to Lake Mead, Lake Mojave, Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake and Sections of the Colorado River System. PWC: The operator must be at least 14 years of age and comply with the requirement above.
Life Jacket Rules	All Watercraft	One type I, II, III, or V (of proper size and fit) life jacketfor each person on board. Vessels 16’ or longer must carry at least one type IV life jacket, except canoes and kayaks.	One type I, II, III or V(of proper size and fit) life jacket for each person on board. Vessels 16’ or longer must carry at least one type IV life jacket.	(except sailboards): One Type I, II, III, or V(of proper size and fit) life jacket for each person on board. Vessels 16’ or longer must carry at least one Type IV life jacket.
	Age Required To Wear:	A person, age 12 or younger, must wear a Type I, II, III, life jacket while the vessel is underway. When wearing a life jacket, all closures must be secured according to the manufacturer’s design.	11 and under must wear Type I, II, III, or V life jacket when on vessel of 26’ or less while underway.	Children under 13 must wear a life jacket when the watercraft is underway, except when inside an enclosed cabin.
	PWC:	Each person on board must wear a life jacket.	Each person on board must wear a Type I, II, III or V life jacket.	The operator and all passengers must wear a life jacket.
	Towed Devices:	Each person being towed must wear a life jacket, buoyant belt, or other flotation aid. If a buoyant belt or flotation aid is used, a life jacket must be on board the towing vessel for each person being towed.	Each person being towed must wear a Type I, II, III, V life jacket.	Each person being towed must wear a life jacket.
Towing Others	Flag:	International orange or red ski flag, at least 12” X 12.” Ski flag must be prominently diplayed(ONLY) when a skier is down or in the water preparing.	International orange or red ski flag, at least 12” x 12”	International orange ski flag, at least 12” x 12.”
	Observer:	Must be on board towing vessel and at least 12 years old.	Must be on board towing vessel and at least 12 years old.	Must be on board towing vessel. Must be at least 12 years of age. Observer may be age 10 if a person 21 years of older is on board the towing vessel. Displays the ski flag when the skier is down.
	Time:	Allowed sunrise to sunset.	Allowed sunrise to sunset.	Allowed sunrise to sunset.
	Vessel Capacity			The towing vessel must have sufficient capacity, rated for three or more persons.
	Other			The operator must be at least 14 years of age, except when the operator is age 12 or 13. Then, a person, age 21 or older, on board the towing vessel for supervision.
Other Rules	BUI:	.08 BAC	.08 BAC	.08 BAC