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Personal Injury

Essential Guide to Boating Safety and Wisconsin Boat Requirements

Ah summer in Wisconsin. Many of you will spend summer on the waterways, so how about a quick refresher on boating safety.

Written By
Published On
October 9, 2025

Ah summer in Wisconsin. Those precious 2 or 3 months all Wisconsinites cherish. Many of you will spend summer on the waterways, so how about a quick refresher on boating safety.

What are Wisconsin Boat Requirements?

Wisconsin law requires boats have:

  • Certificate of Number (registration card)
  • Registration Certificate
  • Registration Expiration Decals
  • If the boat or sailboat is 16 feet or greater, Wisconsin issued certificate of title or a Federal Guard Certificate of Documentation

Exceptions to these rules apply to:

  • Sailboats 12 feet in length or less without motor
  • Manually propelled boats

What are Boat Operation Requirements in Wisconsin?

Boating safety class is a requirement for a person born January 1, 1989 and after that date.  Everyone born before that date is exempt from taking a boating safety course.

Even though children want to have fun and steer the ship, note that a person younger than 10 may not operate a motorboat. A parent or other adult who can legally operate the boat is required for persons ages 10-15 who wish to operate the motorboat. A person 16 or older may operate a motorboat if the person completed the safety course or accompanied by someone who has completed the course or born before January 1, 1989.

What about personal watercraft, like jet skis, you ask.  Well, anyone younger than 12 may not operate a personal watercraft. A person 12 years old and up can operate a personal watercraft only if the person completed a boating safety course or was born before January 1, 1989.

Finally, remember that on a boat or personal watercraft, there must be enough life jackets for everyone on board, and remember to check fire extinguishers and nighttime lights on the boat before heading out.

What Happens if There is a Boat Collision or Accident?

If you are injured while on the water, you may have a legal claim against the person who caused the injury. Many homeowner insurance policies do not cover boats or personal watercraft, which means that boat owners are often required to purchase an additional insurance policy for the boat. 

A boat is like a car in that other users are allowed to drive the boat if permission is given by the owner. Thus, it will be important to find out who owned the boat that caused the injury as it may not be the same person who is driving or even on the boat. 

Boat accidents can cause serious injuries, and multiple parties may be responsible. Natasha Misra Law represents boat accident victims to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Contact a Wisconsin Boating Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a boat accident, Milwaukee boating accident attorney Natasha Misra is here to help you. Our team will review the details of the accident and your injuries to create a strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your boat accident.

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