---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 3.6"
title: "36"
number: "3.6"
heading: "What are the requirements to operate a power driven vessel?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/3.6"
---

# §3.6. What are the requirements to operate a power driven vessel?

- (a) To operate a power-driven vessel on park waters, a person must be either:
  - (1) At least 16 years old; or
  - (2) **Between 12 and 15 years old and accompanied on the vessel by a person at least 18 years old.**
- (b) If a park area is located within a State having different age requirements, then the applicable State law is adopted in lieu of [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section.
- (c) If a park area is located within a State having a mandatory boater education requirement, then that State requirement is adopted.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 13702, Mar. 23, 2007, unless otherwise noted.