The Arizona landscape is full of stunning natural landscapes, including an abundance of lakes and rivers any boating enthusiast will love. However, before you hit the water, you want to ensure compliance with state-mandated boating laws. For example, should you apply for an Arizona boating license? Learn more about registration requirements in the state.
Do You Need an Arizona Boating License?
A person does not need a boating license to operate a boat in Arizona. Additionally, there is no mandatory boater education course for boat operators in the state. If you want to rent watercraft in Arizona, rental agencies will request a valid driver’s license and mandate an age requirement.
Do You Need To License Your Watercraft?
If you own a motorized watercraft, including boats and jetskis, you must register it with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. There are only a few exceptions to this law:
- Watercraft operating under a temporary certificate, such as a powerboat regatta
- Foreign watercraft using the state waterways temporarily
- Watercraft used as lifeboats and nothing else
- Public and military vessels used by the government
Nonresidents can operate their watercraft in Arizona. However, you will need to pay a Nonresident Boating Safety Infrastructure Fee.
Can You Take a Boating Education Course in Arizona?
While there is no boating education requirement, you can still take a boating safety course online. The Arizona Game and Fish Department sponsor the course, which has approval from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Upon completion, you receive a card that could save on insurance in other states.
The course features professional educators, updated scenarios, and entertaining storylines. You can start and complete it from your smartphone, computer, or tablet, and you can stop and save your progress at any time. When you finish, simply print the certification and receive your boating education card in the mail.
What if You Suffer an Injury in a Boating Accident?
Even though there is no Arizona boating license requirement, anyone operating a boat on state waterways owes a duty of care to people sharing the water with them. When someone neglects that duty of care, endangering the safety of others and causing a personal injury, that person can be liable for damages in civil court.
Boating accidents can happen in any type of waterway. If you suffer an injury in a boating accident, you can recover your losses:
- The cost of medical care needed to treat your injuries, including ongoing rehabilitative care
- Wages lost from missed work
- The cost to repair and replace damaged property
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
While Arizona law does not mandate boat insurance for watercraft owners, most lenders will require them to purchase it. You can file an at-fault claim with the liable party’s provider.
What Else Should You Know About the Lack of an Arizona Boating License?
Boating can be a dangerous venture, particularly when people can operate a boat without an Arizona boating license and with no educational requirements. Thankfully, Arizona tort law protects you from financial liability if you are the victim of a boating accident. If you suffered an injury in a boating accident or have questions about the legalities surrounding Arizona boating laws, contact Sargon Law Group and speak to an attorney today.