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)

Tennessee boaters should follow five core rules enforced by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Carry one U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person; children 12 and younger must wear one on an open deck unless the boat is anchored, moored, or aground. Operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal. Mechanically powered vessels, including those with electric trolling motors, and sailboats principally used in Tennessee must be registered before entering public water. Everyone on a personal watercraft must wear an approved noninflatable life jacket, and PWCs may operate only from sunrise to sunset. Follow posted no wake restrictions.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

Late May through September is generally the best time to go boating in Tennessee. Tennessee tourism identifies late spring through summer, and sometimes early fall, as peak season. June through August is the busiest stretch; TWRA says Labor Day weekend often brings heavy boat traffic, making May and September useful shoulder months.

TVA works to fill reservoirs for recreation from June 1 through Labor Day, although storms or low inflow can require releases. Seasonal drawdown follows summer at many reservoirs, so check current lake levels and the forecast before a fall trip.

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

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)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Knoxville has 2 boat rentals, 8 boat clubs and 10 boat dealers.