Subdivision 1.Applicability.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 86B.30 to 86B.341.

Subd. 2.Accompanying operator.

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Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 86B.30

  • Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
  • state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44

“Accompanying operator” means a person 21 years of age or older who:

(1) is in a personal watercraft or other type of motorboat;

(2) is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor; and

(3) possesses a valid operator’s permit or is an exempt operator.

Subd. 3.Adult operator.

“Adult operator” means a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, who is 12 years of age or older and who was:

(1) effective July 1, 2025, born on or after July 1, 2004;

(2) effective July 1, 2026, born on or after July 1, 2000;

(3) effective July 1, 2027, born on or after July 1, 1996; and

(4) effective July 1, 2028, born on or after July 1, 1987.

Subd. 4.Exempt operator.

“Exempt operator” means a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, who is 12 years of age or older and who:

(1) possesses a valid license to operate a motorboat issued for maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard under Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10, or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government;

(2) is not a resident of the state, is temporarily using the waters of the state for a period not to exceed 60 days, and:

(i) meets any applicable requirements of the state or country of residency; or

(ii) possesses a Canadian pleasure craft operator’s card;

(3) is operating a motorboat under a dealer’s license according to section 86B.405; or

(4) is operating a motorboat during an emergency.

Subd. 5.Motorboat rental business.

“Motorboat rental business” means a person engaged in the business of renting or leasing motorboats, including personal watercraft, for a period not exceeding 30 days. Motorboat rental business includes a person’s agents and employees but does not include a resort business.

Subd. 6.Resort business.

“Resort business” means a person that is engaged in the business of providing lodging and recreational services to transient guests and that is classified as a resort under section 273.13, subdivision 22 or 25. A resort business includes a person’s agents and employees.

Subd. 7.Young operator.

“Young operator” means a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, younger than 12 years of age.