Do you need any licensing to operate a 40 foot motor yacht if your under 18? What about if your over 18?

Question

My dad owns a 40' yacht. Do you need any license to drive a boat that big whether your under or over 18?

Answer 1

The Coast Guard offers a Safe Boating program. Even though Dad owns the yacht it would be a good idea to explore that option. Do you take it out without him being on-board? If so, then you're responsible for anything that happens.

Answer 2

Depends on where you are. If in the states, then each state has their own rules and regulations. In Texas, I know you can get a license to operate a motor boat up to 26 or 28 feet at the age of 14. You can operate any boat at any age as long as an adult is on board. Check with your states fish and wildlife department. They should have a website that answers most of your questions.

Answer 3

Depends what country your in. In Australia you can get your boating lic. at 16.

Answer 4

In the uk it is legal to drive a boat of any size without a licence. there may be issues with insurance and your marina or harbour may have rules regarding licencing.

what would usaly be required is an international certificate of competance which are available at most rya training centres. i am fairly sure that you can have one at 16 and there only needs to be one person on board with one and other people can drive the boat but the holder is responsable for it.

That is how it works in the uk im not sure about rules outside the uk.

good luck