Kentucky Boating Laws & Regulations

Official Kentucky Boating License - Approved Boating Course & Exam

To operate a motorized vessel greater than 10 hp, persons aged 12 to 17 years must possess a Kentucky Safe Boating Card or a certificate proving successful completion of a NASBLA-approved boater education course.

Kentucky Boat Registration & Titling

To operate any mechanically powered vessel on Kentucky waters it must be registered and display valid registration decals. Boat registrations are valid for one year and expire on April 30.

Boat registration number must be painted on or permanently attached to each side of the bow, using BLOCK letters at least three inches high and of one solid color contrasting sharply with the color of your boat. Registration decals mut be displayed within six inches aft of (towards the stern) and in line with the registration number.

All vessels that require registration must also be titled in Kentucky. When a currently registered boat changes ownership, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to take the endorsed title to the country clerk’s office for the transfer of ownership.

When a vehicle or vessel is sold from one Kentucky resident or business to another in Kentucky, the title must be transferred to the new owner within 15 days. In the case of Boats, all parts of the boat (e.g., body, motor, etc.) are, together, one titled vessel.

Vessels exempt from registration:

• Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks and rowboats
• Vessels that are properly registered in another state and are using Kentucky waters for a maximum of 60 consecutive days
• Vessels documented with the US Coast Guard

Larger recreational vessels may be documented with the US Coast Guard. In this case they are not required to display a KY registration number or decals.

How do I transfer ownership of a used boat in Kentucky?

1. Obtain a bill of sale: The seller and buyer should complete a bill of sale that includes the boat's make, model, year, hull identification number (HIN), and the sale price.

2. Obtain a title: If the boat is titled in Kentucky, the seller must sign and date the back of the title and give it to the buyer. If the boat is not titled in Kentucky, the seller should provide the buyer with the registration certificate or other proof of ownership.

3. Complete the transfer of ownership section: The buyer should complete the transfer of ownership section on the back of the title, including their name, address, and signature.

4. Obtain a notarized signature: The seller's signature on the title must be notarized.

5. Submit the necessary documents and fees: The buyer should submit the completed title and bill of sale, along with the applicable fees, to the Kentucky Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

6. Obtain new registration and decals: Once the transfer of ownership is complete, the buyer will receive a new registration and decals for the boat.

Age restrictions for boaters in Kentucky

You must be at least 12 years old to operate a boat in Kentucky. 

Kentucky PFD requirements

You must carry at least one wearable Type I, II or III U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved PFD of proper size, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible for each person on board and for anyone being towed while boating.

If your boat is 16 feet or more in length, except canoes and kayaks, you must additionally carry at least one Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved PFD.

Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Kentucky

It is unlawful to operate a vessel (including PWC) or use water skis or a similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or another impairing substance. You may be subject to fines and/or possible jail time if convicted. 

Kentucky law defines intoxication as having blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs so that the person’s actions are impaired and he or she is unable to maintain sufficient control of the vessel to avoid endangering others.

Boating accident in Kentucky

In the case of an accident, it's your duty to immediately stop your boat and give assistance to other persons and property to save them from danger caused by the accident, including ensuring that anyone injured receives medical treatment. You must supply your name, address, and vessel information (including the name and address of the vessel’s owner, if not the operator) to the operator of any vessel involved as well as anyone injured in the accident.

You must file a full written report with the Kentucky Division of Law Enforcement within 48 hours if the accident results in the death or disappearance of a person, or personal injury that requires medical treatment or incapacitates the person for 24 hours or more.

If the accident results in property damage (including loss) to the value of $500 or more. you mut file a report within five days.

Complying with Officers

If you are operating your vessel on Kentucky waters you have to bring your vessel to a stop after having been requested or signaled to do so by any peace officer. You must comply with the directives of that officer.

Reckless Operation in Kentucky

Operating your vessel in a manner than unnecessarily endangers another person or the property of another considered reckless operation and is prohibited.

Examples of reckless operation include:

• Weaving through congested traffic or swerving only at the last possible moment to avoid a collision
• Jumping the wake of another craft in an dangerous manner
• Cutting between a watercraft and the individuals(s) being towed
• Riding or allowing passengers to ride in an obviously dangerous position that could lead to a person falling overboard, unless travelling at idle speed.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Kentucky

In addition to the regulations and laws regarding power vessels, PWC are also subject to laws and regulations in the state of Kentucky.

All PWC operators, passengers, and anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD at all times. Your 
PWC must be equipped with an emergency ignition safety switch or a self-circling feature. It must be attached to you, your PFD, or clothing.

PWC operation is only permitted during daylight hours (from sunrise to sunset)

Water Ski Regulations in Kentucky

Anyone being towed behind a boat or PWC, in an activity such as water skiing, must wear a properly fitted Type I, II or III USCG-approved PFD. There must be an observer on board who is at least 12 years old and who continually observes the skier, or the towing vessel must be fitted with a wide-angle rear-view mirror.

The towing vessel must have a capacity rating at least equal to the number of people operating, observing, and being towed.

Towing people on water skis or similar devices is only permitted between sunrise and sunset. 

Diving Regulations in Kentucky

Muffling device

Power vessels must be equipped with a functioning and effective muffler system in order to reduce the engine exhaust sound level. It is not legal to operate a boat if the muffler has been modified to result in increased noise.

Fire extinguisher in Kentucky

Fire extinguishers (hand-portable type B-I or B-II) must be carried on board all vessels (including PWC) equipped with a device (engine, stove, lantern etc.) that consumes a petroleum product such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc.

Aquatic Invasive Species in Kentucky

Introducing non-native species into state or federally controlled waters can upset the ecosystem and hurt the environment by clogging waterways and crowding out native species.

You can help prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species from one body of water to another by checking, draining, cleaning and drying your boat and trailer.

Safe Speed Regulations in Kentucky

Many waterways have local speed or horsepower restrictions. Vessels must always be operated at a safe speed for the conditions, i.e. a speed that allows time and distance to take necessary action to avoid a collision. 

Operating at a speed that is excessive for the conditions and that endangers persons or property is unlawful.

Power vessels in “idle speed” or “no wake” zones shall proceed at the minimum possible speed to maintain maneuverability.

Vessels must slow to idle speed with passing another vessel in which a person is actively engaged in fishing.

Vessels may only operate at idle speed on Carnico Lake, Greenbo Lake, Pan Bowl Lake, Wilgreen Lake and all Peabody WMA lakes including Goose, Island and South.