{"id":83,"date":"2024-09-04T11:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T11:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/?p=83"},"modified":"2024-10-17T21:20:24","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T21:20:24","slug":"north-dakota-boating-laws-and-regulations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/north-dakota-boating-laws-and-regulations\/","title":{"rendered":"All About North Dakota Boating Laws and Regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When enjoying the waters in North Dakota<\/a> from a boat or personal watercraft (PWC), it’s important to understand the rules and regulations. Whether you visit the state for a boating vacation or you live there, everyone must follow the same rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So, what are the North Dakota boating laws you need to know? Keep reading for our helpful guide!<\/p>\n

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Who Needs a North Dakota Boater Education Card?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Anyone ages 12 through 15 years old, unaccompanied, and operating a power-driven vessel or PWC (personal watercraft)<\/a> of 10 hp or more in North Dakota must take a boater education course. You must be at least 12 years old to take the boater safety education course for the state to get a boater education card (or boating license).\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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You can get a North Dakota boating license by taking a boater safety course (even an approved online-only course) and then passing the exam. You\u2019ll be on the water with confidence in (almost) no time at all!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What are North Dakota\u2019s Life Jacket Requirements?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Failure to wear a personal flotation device (or PFD) is the main reason people lose their lives in water recreation accidents.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To comply with North Dakota laws, operating or riding as a passenger on any vessel less than 27 feet in length is unlawful unless everyone ten years of age or younger on the vessel wears an appropriately sized and properly fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the watercraft is in operation.<\/p>\n

Approved jackets include Type I, II, or III<\/a> wearable personal flotation devices. A personal flotation device is appropriately sized if it is designed to be worn by a person of similar age, size, or weight as the wearer. Life jackets must also be in good working condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Changes to Life Jacket Labels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the “types” are the standard method of classifying life jackets, changes to the labeling of U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs are in the works. Be aware of the label changes, and make sure your onboard PDFs meet all requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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North Dakota Boating License Requirements for Personal Watercrafts (PWCs)<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The North Dakota Game & Fish Department<\/a> has the same boater education requirements for PWC operators as the requirements for driving a boat.<\/p>\n

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 15 years of age needs a boater education course before driving a personal watercraft (PWC) unless accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Boating and Alcohol Laws<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance and judgment, poor coordination, blurred vision, and slower reaction times. It’s a significant contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.<\/p>\n

To help curb the dangerous use of drugs and alcohol on the water, North Dakota law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence. This means you cannot operate a vessel or manipulate a surfboard, water skis, or any similar device while under the influence of drugs, liquor, or a combination of these substances.<\/p>\n

North Dakota law:<\/p>\n