The Boat Doctors

For state-law purposes, a person must be at least 12 to operate alone a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower, while anyone renting a personal watercraft must be at least 16. An operator under 12 must have a supervisor aboard who is at least 18 and able to take immediate control; if that supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, the supervisor also needs a TWRA boating safety certificate. Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating over 8.5 horsepower need the TWRA certificate; nonresidents in that birth-date group need a NASBLA-approved certificate. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

Yes, Tennessee requires many recreational operators to carry boating safety certification. Residents born after January 1, 1989, operating vessels over 8.5 horsepower need TWRA certification; nonresidents in that age group may use a NASBLA approved certificate. The rule includes personal watercraft. Operators under 12 need an adult at least 18 aboard who can immediately take control, while anyone under 16 may not rent a personal watercraft.

Motorized boat renters generally receive a TWRA approved safety orientation. Certification exemptions also include engines of 8.5 horsepower or less, sailboats under sail alone, and operation with a qualifying adult aboard. The TWRA app may show certification while awaiting the card; an exam permit alone is not proof. TWRA administers the program.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

The best places to boat in Tennessee are the state’s large reservoirs and scenic river corridors. In West Tennessee, Pickwick Lake offers broad water for cruising; in Middle Tennessee, Center Hill Lake provides open water; and in East Tennessee, Norris Lake combines a large reservoir with mountain scenery. Around Chattanooga, Chickamauga Lake supports boating and fishing, while the Tennessee River provides a different experience through the city and into the river gorge. Together, these waters offer lake cruising, water sports, fishing and river sightseeing.

Source: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (press.tnvacation.com)

Popular Tennessee boating destinations include Norris Lake for clear water and mountain scenery; Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga for boating and renowned bass fishing; Douglas Lake at Dandridge for Smoky Mountain views, fishing and water sports; Tims Ford Lake beside Winchester for its extensive shoreline, islands and marina access; and Percy Priest Lake near Nashville for convenient boating and fishing close to the city. Together, these lakes offer practical choices for cruising, paddling, fishing and family lake days across East and Middle Tennessee.

Source: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (tnvacation.com)