New Mexico State Specifics
New Mexico state parks boating safety

Do I need a boat license in New-Mexico?

Yes, Any person operating a power-driven vessel propelled by a motor greater than 10 horsepower, or a vessel propelled primarily by wind/sail that is equipped with an auxiliary engine greater than 10 horsepower must have a boating license.

 

New Mexico State Boat Registration Requirements - Numbers and Stickers:

What boats must be registered in New-Mexico?

All boats operating on New Mexico waters must be numbered and the certificate of number must be carried onboard and available for inspection at all times the motorboat is in operation.

The following are exempt from numbering in New Mexico:

  • A motorboat federally numbered;
  • A motorboat from a country other than the United States temporarily using the water of this state;
  • A motorboat owned by the United States, a state of a subdivision.
  • A ship’s lifeboat; or
  • A motorboat belonging to a class of boats that has been exempted from numbering by the New Mexico State Parks Division.

You must display your boat number in the following manner:

  • Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the bow;
  • Positioned to ensure maximum visibility;
  • Using BLOCK letters at least three inches high and of one solid color contrasting with the color of your boat;
  • To read from left to right; letters and numbers must be separated by a space or a hyphen, for example, NM 1234 AB or NM-1234-AB;

You must display your validation decals as follows:

 

New Mexico boat registration

How do I transfer ownership of a used boat in New Mexico?

  1. Obtain a signed title from the seller: The seller must provide you with a signed title that proves they are the legal owner of the boat.

  2. Complete a Bill of Sale: The seller must also provide you with a Bill of Sale, which includes the boat's description, sale price, and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller.

  3. Complete a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Form: The buyer must complete a New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Form New Mexico Boat Registration and Change of Ownership Application.

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

  5. Pay the necessary fees: You must pay the title transfer fee, and any other applicable fees.

  6. Submit the documents: You can submit the signed title, Bill of Sale, New Mexico Boat Registration and Change of Ownership Application Form, and payment to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish by mail or in person at a Department of Game and Fish office.

 

Who needs boater's license in New Mexico?

A person born after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat on the waters of New-Mexico Is required to have a license.

Age restrictions for boaters in New Mexico?

No person under the age of 13 shall operate a motorboat unless he/she is under the onboard supervision of an adult.

Children under 13 years of age must have their Boater Education Certificate on board even when operating under direct supervision.

 

New Mexico State PFD requirements

All vessels must carry a USCG approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) of proper size for each person on board or being towed as a skier, plus one USCG-approved throwable device, cushion or ring buoy. 

Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol in New Mexico

No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel, nor use any water skis, surfboard or similar device, while under the influence of alcohol and/or any controlled substance. A person is considered under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.

 

Boating accidents in New Mexico

If a boat is involved in an accident, the operator must give necessary assistance to the other vessel and passengers, as long as it will not personally endanger the operator, his or her passengers, or the vessel.

Boating accidents must be reported immediately to the New Mexico State Parks Division. A boating accident report must be filed within 48 hours if the collision, accident or other casualty results in a death, injury requiring more than standard first aid, or property damage in excess of $100. Reports must be sent to and forms are available at: New Mexico State Parks Division; 1220 South Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505; (888) 667-2757.

Complying with Officers

The officers of the State Parks Division enforce the provisions of the Boat Act and regulations adopted in the State of New Mexico. They have full authority to stop and/or board any vessel, and:

  • To inspect boats for compliance with the equipment requirements of the Boat Act and regulations adopted by the Division implementing the Boat Act.
  • Advise the vessel owner/operator of any requirement not met in accordance with the inspection.
  • Terminate the unsafe operation of a vessel until the condition is corrected.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) in New Mexico State

A personal watercraft is considered a Class A motorboat less than 16 feet, designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel and must be registered in the State of New Mexico. The operator of a PWC must wear a PFD and must operate it in a responsible manner. No person may pull a water skier with a PWC unless it has manufacturer recommended seating for at least three people.

Water Ski Regulations in New Mexico State

The use of personal watercraft such as jet skis, wave runners and similar devices to tow water skiers, surfboards, tubes or similar devices is prohibited except when:

• All water skiing laws and regulations are complied with;
• The personal watercraft pulling the skier has manufacturer recommended seating for at least three people;
• There is a vacant seat on the pulling vessel for the skier; and
• The personal watercraft has an observer on board in addition to the operator.

Muffling device - sound signaling device - Fire extinguisher in New Mexico State

  • To reduce noise, motorboat engines must be equipped with factory-installed mufflers, exhaust water manifolds or other effective muffling system. 
  • All vessels must carry on board a sound-producing device in accordance with the minimum standards
  • All vessels constructed with any of the following characteristics must be equipped with a serviceable USCG-approved marine fire extinguisher:

Inboard engine;

Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored;

Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material;

Closed living spaces;

Closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored; or

Permanently installed fuel tanks.

 

Boating safety course and boating exam accredited in USA

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