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North Carolina sets no general minimum age for operating an ordinary motorboat, but personal watercraft operators must be at least 14. Under G.S. 75A-13.3, a 14- or 15-year-old may operate a PWC only with a person at least 18 physically aboard who complies with G.S. 75A-16.2, or while carrying proof of age and approved boating safety certification. For vessels with motors of 10 horsepower or more, operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must meet the boating education requirement. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.gov)

North Carolina uses a boater education requirement rather than a conventional boating license: operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must have proof of approved education when operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on public waters. This includes personal watercraft. PWC operators generally must be 16; ages 14 or 15 may operate with a compliant adult aboard or with proof of age and approved education, while children under 14 may not operate.

Exceptions include an authorized operator named on a rental or lease agreement, a 90 day state temporary certificate for a new or transferred boat, onboard direct supervision by a qualified adult at least 18, and qualifying nonresidents. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission administers the requirement.

Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ncwildlife.gov)

From Southport, you can choose the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, or Lockwoods Folly River for a day on the water. The Cape Fear is the deepwater choice, with a marked federal ship channel, commercial traffic and strong tidal currents. The Intracoastal leaves the river at Southport and follows land cuts toward Lockwoods Folly; its Southport stretch from Marker 1 to Marker 2A is no-wake for recreational boats. Lockwoods Folly River is narrower, with oyster bars along an unmaintained channel outside the waterway. Trailered boats can start at the Oak Island Boating Access Area on Fish Factory Road, which accesses the Intracoastal.

Source: NOAA Office of Coast Survey (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Good day-trip choices from Southport are Bald Head Island, Zeke’s Island Reserve and Carolina Beach State Park. Bald Head Island offers a harbor stop, beaches and Old Baldy lighthouse. At Zeke’s Island Reserve, private boats provide the main access to the islands and salt-marsh setting around the Basin. Farther along the Cape Fear River, Carolina Beach State Park’s marina sits at Snow’s Cut and has transient dockage, fuel and supplies, plus access to the park’s hiking trails.

Source: North Carolina Coastal Reserve (deq.nc.gov)