Norfolk Marine Company

Virginia sets no minimum age to operate a motorboat, but Code of Virginia § 29.1-748 requires a personal watercraft operator to be at least 16; a 14- or 15-year-old may operate one only after completing an approved boating safety course and carrying proof. DWR says all personal watercraft operators age 14 and older and all operators, regardless of age, of motorboats with engines of 10 horsepower or more must meet boating safety education requirements. Onboard direct supervision requires a qualified person to maintain close visual and verbal contact, provide adequate direction, and be able to immediately assume control. Each rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (law.lis.virginia.gov)

Virginia requires boating safety education and proof of compliance rather than a separately named boating license. All personal watercraft operators age 14 or older and every operator, regardless of age, of a motorboat with a 10 horsepower or larger engine must comply and carry proof; the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources administers the program.

A PWC operator must be at least 16, except a 14 or 15 year old may operate after completing an approved course and carrying proof. Compliance can also come from a rental or lease agreement naming the authorized operator, a nonrenewable 90 day temporary operator’s certificate issued with a newly acquired boat’s registration, direct onboard supervision by a compliant operator, or certain qualifying maritime, military, nonresident, and commercial fishing credentials.

Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (dwr.virginia.gov)

From Norfolk, you can boat the Elizabeth River and Norfolk Harbor, turn into the Lafayette River, or continue through Hampton Roads to Willoughby Bay and the lower Chesapeake Bay. The downtown Elizabeth is a working harbor, with a slow no-wake zone through Town Point Reach. The Lafayette is used by pleasure and recreational craft, though its marked entrance channel makes a sharp turn where grounding is a concern. Willoughby Bay is relatively shallow water tucked behind Willoughby Spit, while Hampton Roads leads to more open bay water. For launching, the city lists Haven Creek Boat Ramp and Willoughby Boat Ramp.

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

Good day trips from Norfolk include High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Downtown Hampton Public Pier, and Fort Monroe. High Street Landing provides a public tie-up on the Elizabeth River for visiting Olde Towne’s restaurants, shops and museums. The Hampton pier puts boaters within walking distance of downtown dining and shopping. Fort Monroe offers a Chesapeake Bay marina stop within the historic fort complex, making it a convenient place to combine time on the water with a walk through one of Hampton Roads’ best-known historic sites.

Source: Portsmouth Tourism (portsvacation.com)