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North Dakota Regulatory Guide

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department rigorously enforces boating regulations to ensure safety and environmental conservation. Officers patrol waterways, enforce speed limits, and educate boaters on responsible practices, emphasizing the prevention of invasive species. Through their efforts, the department fosters a secure and sustainable boating environment for all. On this page, we navigate you through everything you need to have in place in order to ensure that your boat rental business is compliant with North Dakota's regulations, along with some other important things to keep in mind.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Age Requirement

No person under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat propelled by more than 10 horsepower unless accompanied by a person 18 or older.

License Requirement

A boating course is required for all people aged 12-15 who want to operate a boat by themselves.

Registration Requirement

Owners of any watercraft propelled by motors must register their vessels with the ND Game & Fish Department.

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Rental Agreement

Recommended

Renter Insurance
Safety Checklist
Record Requirement

Not required

Inspections
List of Passengers
Livery Definition
Permits
Video Documentation

The information provided is intended to be general and informative, and should not be interpreted as regulatory, legal, or insurance advice. It does not constitute professional advice from a licensed insurance agent and does not establish an attorney-client or insurer-insured relationship. This information should not replace the counsel of a qualified legal, regulatory, or insurance professional. Always consult with a qualified professional for legal, regulatory, or insurance advice pertaining to your specific circumstances.

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

The operator/owner of a vessel used for recreational purposes is required to file a report in writing whenever an accident results in: loss of life or disappearance from a vessel; an injury which requires medical treatment beyond first aid; or property damage in excess of $2,000 or complete loss of the vessel.

Reports in death and injury cases must be submitted within 48 hours. Reports in other cases must be submitted within five days. Reports must be submitted to the reporting authority in the state where the accident occurred. For more information contact the Department at 701-328-6300.

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Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form
Report Accident

Federal Regulation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) regularly provides updates on recentchanges in regulation and have overviews of specific requirements for boatrental companies

Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boating
Passenger Vessel Charters
Requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessels
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

Compliance by State

Alabama
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California
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Connecticut
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District of Columbia
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Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
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Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
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Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virgina
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Buoy is your one-stop shop for compliance & insurance

Buoy provides boat rental companies with peace of mind while saving time and money. When using Buoy’s insurance solution, we will help you get fully compliant free of charge.

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