Compliance Guides

Utah Regulatory Guide

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), regulates boating to prioritize safety and responsible recreation. They enforce rules on boat registrations, safety equipment, and speed limits while actively promoting responsible boating practices through education. The division's efforts aim to ensure a secure and enjoyable boating experience while preserving Utah's natural resources. 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 Utah’s regulations, along with some other important things to keep in mind.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Insurance

Livery who rents boats greater than 50 horsepower must provide its renters with primary coverage.

The minimum insurance requirements are: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death - $15,000 property damage or $65,000 combined minimum per accident.

Age Requirement

Operators must be minimum 16 years old.

Persons under 16 years of age may operate a motorboat or sailboat when accompanied and under direct supervision of a responsible person 18 years of age or older.

Rental Agreement

A boat livery shall produce a lease or rental agreement for each vessel leased or rented from its fleet.

The lease or rental agreement shall contain the following information and shall be signed by the owner of the livery or his representative and by the person leasing or renting the vessel: the name of the person leasing or renting the vessel; the vessel’s assigned bow number, hull identification number, or other number if the vessel is not powered by a motor or sail; a description of the vessel’s make, model, color and length; the period of time for which the vessel is leased or rented; and a check-off list of the required safety equipment provided on the vessel.

Record Requirement

The owner of a boat livery shall keep a record of the following:

The name and address of the person hiring any vessel; the identification number of the vessel; the vessel's departure date and time; and the vessel's expected time of return. The record shall be preserved for at least one year.

Registration Requirement

Each boat livery shall register with the Division annually and pay the appropriate fee, prior to the commencement of the operation.

The annual boat livery registration requires the following: The completion of the prescribed application form; Evidence of a valid business license; and Payment of the prescribed fee.

Permits

Must have a livery permit in the state of Utah.

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

Notify the nearest state ranger or other law enforcement officer of an accident that involves a vessel or its equipment when one of the following occurs:
a person dies or disappears from a vessel under circumstances that indicate death; a person is injured and receives medical treatment beyond first aid; or property damage in excess of $2,000.
The operator, owner, or other person on board shall submit a completed and signed Owner/Operator Boating Accident Report to the division within 10 days of the accident.
Reports are submitted to Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation's Boating Program at 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84114, (801) 538-7361

Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form

Report Accident

Utah Regulatory Guide

Boxes you need to tick

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Recommended

Not required

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

Federal Regulation

Compliance by State

Buoy is your one-stop shop for compliance & insurance