Marine Center

Missouri law permits unsupervised operation of a motorboat or vessel at age 14, but that is not a guaranteed rental age. A person under 14 may operate only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian or another person age 16 or older, unless the motorboat is moored. For personal watercraft, an operator under 14 must have someone at least 16 aboard.

As of September 29, 2026, Section 306.127 requires a boating safety identification card for vessel operators born after January 1, 1984, and before January 1, 2006, on Missouri lakes. Beginning January 1, 2027, operators born on or after January 1, 2006, must carry one on waters of the state. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (revisor.mo.gov)

Yes. Operators born after January 1, 1984 and before January 1, 2006 must carry a boater safety card or boating endorsement when operating a motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet on the lakes of this state; this includes personal watercraft. The requirement has been in force since 2005. Beginning January 1, 2027 it also covers operators born on or after January 1, 2006, and extends from the lakes to the waters of the state.

Operators under 14 need direct onboard supervision by a parent, guardian, or other person 16 or older. Renters may use a once in a lifetime temporary card valid for up to seven days. Exemptions include qualifying Coast Guard licensees, military members and spouses, approved regatta participants, private waters, and recognized NASBLA credentials. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division administers the program.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (mshp.dps.missouri.gov)

The best Missouri boating choices include Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri, Table Rock Lake and Stockton Lake in the southern Ozarks, and the Current River for moving water. Lake of the Ozarks is a massive reservoir with a busy main channel and quieter coves, while Table Rock supports boating, skiing, swimming and fishing. Stockton’s open water and dependable southwest breeze make it especially suitable for sailing. For canoeing or kayaking, the protected Current River passes forests, bluffs and gravel banks.

Source: Missouri Division of Tourism (visitmo.com)

Missouri’s most popular boating destinations include Lake of the Ozarks around Osage Beach and Lake Ozark, known for its extensive shoreline, active main channel and quieter state park coves; Table Rock Lake near Branson and Kimberling City, popular for boating, swimming, skiing and bass fishing; Truman Lake near Warsaw, favored for fishing and public water access; Stockton Lake near Stockton, a notable sailing destination because of its steady southwest breeze; and Mark Twain Lake in northeast Missouri, with ample room for boating, swimming and crappie fishing.

Together, these lakes offer a mix of resort areas, quiet coves, fishing water and sailing conditions.

Source: Missouri Division of Tourism (visitmo.com)