Portsmouth Boating Center

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)

The best places to boat in Virginia include Chesapeake Bay and Back Bay on the coast, Smith Mountain Lake in the Blue Ridge, and the James River from the mountains to Hampton Roads. Chesapeake Bay suits broad open water trips, while Back Bay offers a quieter paddling setting at False Cape. Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s largest freshwater bodies and supports powerboating, sailing, paddling and fishing. The James ranges from rapids and calm fishing water upstream to wider, easier to navigate water below Richmond.

Source: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (dcr.virginia.gov)

Virginia’s most popular boating destinations include Virginia Beach, for offshore Atlantic fishing; the Chesapeake Bay, for varied saltwater fishing; Smith Mountain Lake, for 500 miles of shoreline and big water recreation; Lake Anna, for more than 200 miles of shoreline and about 13,000 acres of water; Buggs Island Lake, Virginia’s largest lake, for expansive freshwater boating; and Cape Charles, for Chesapeake Bay access, a harbor, marinas, a boat ramp and sport fishing. Together, these destinations cover ocean, bay and inland lake outings.

Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation (virginia.org)