{"id":72,"date":"2024-05-22T14:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T14:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=72"},"modified":"2024-10-21T21:29:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T21:29:19","slug":"delaware-boating-laws-and-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/delaware-boating-laws-and-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Delaware Boating Laws and Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Getting on the water in Delaware \u2014 whether you prefer a quiet day of fishing, an exciting day being towed behind a jet boat on your water skis, or paddling along the shore on a paddleboard \u2014 is time well spent.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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No matter how you prefer to enjoy the water, getting out there is the point! However, before you launch, it’s crucial to understand local and state regulations. Boating safely<\/a> and legally leads to more days of freedom on the water.\u00a0<\/div>\n
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Here’s what you need to know about Delaware boating laws and regulations!\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Does Delaware Require a Boater Education Card?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Yes! Delaware requires all boat operators born on or after December 31, 1977, to complete a boating safety course and have a boater education card. The course must be approved by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After getting your card, you must carry it at all times when operating a boat. However, anyone with a valid Bay pilot\u2019s license, Delaware River Captain\u2019s, or the equivalent is exempt.<\/p>\n

Additionally, you must be at least 14 years old to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), <\/a>and an adult must be on board when a 14 or 15-year-old is operating the watercraft. PWC operators 16 years of age who hold a boating safety education certificate can operate it without adult supervision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Delaware Life Jacket Requirements<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When boating in Delaware, you must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable (Type I, II, or III) PFD or lifejacket readily available for each person on board. You must also have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV PFD \u2014 either a seat cushion or ring buoy \u2014 if the vessel is 16 feet long or longer.<\/p>\n

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There are a few exceptions to this requirement, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n