Who needs a boating license in Hawaii? Hawaii Safe Boating Course

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 on the waters of Hawaii must possess a certificate of completion from a NASBLA-approved course in regards to safe use and operation of a power-driven vessel that contains a component on Hawaii waters approved by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Persons exempt from the rule:

• Holders of a current and valid merchant mariner credential issued by the US Coast Guard;
• Operators of a thrill craft* operating in a commercial thrill craft riding zone;
• Persons holding or receiving a certificate of completion for thrill craft operation under HAR 13-256-16;
• Owners of vessels powered by engines of 10 horsepower or less;
• Owners of vessels on a voyage originating outside of the State and remaining in Hawaii's waters less than 60 days.

A person renting a vessel is also required to comply with these rules or undergo a safety

briefing (from the livery) that is approved by the State of Hawaii.

*Thrill Craft: any motorized vessel that can be categorized as a personal watercraft (PWC) and which is:

• Less than 13 feet in length as manufactured;
• Capable of exceeding a speed of 20 miles per hour;
• Operated by a single person sitting, standing, kneeling on, or being towed behind the vessel; it may also have the capacity to carry passengers;
• Similar to a PWC regarding operating performance (due to its size, power and hull design);
• Powered by an internal combustion engine that drives a water jet pump as its primary source of propulsion.

Thrill Craft include jet skis, wave-runners, wet bikes, surf jets, miniature speedboats, and hovercraft.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this module is only a portion of what is required for thrill craft certification in the State of Hawaii. It does not certify you to operate a thrill craft or tow-in surf. According to Hawaii Administrative Rules, to legally operate a thrill craft in Hawaii and engage in the sport of tow-in surfing, you must complete the appropriate State-approved course the safe operation of this type of vessel. For more information, visit the Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation web site.