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Draft boater‑safety bill would require a short annual course and include aquatic invasive‑species training
Summary
Representative Peterson introduced draft legislation requiring proof of completion of a short boater‑safety course (designed to be about 20 minutes on average) for boat rentals and annual compliance. The bill would fold aquatic invasive‑species education into the course. Public comment urged removing the strict 20‑minute cap and allowing 'proof on
Representative Jason Peterson introduced draft legislation to require boater‑safety education and aquatic invasive‑species instruction for people who operate rented or rental‑eligible watercraft. The bill would require individuals to complete a watercraft operator safety course annually and carry proof of completion when operating a boat.
Representative Peterson told the Senate Transportation Interim Committee the working group designed a concise, 20‑minute course focused on the key behaviors that reduce accidents and spread of invasive species. Ty Hunter, boating program manager for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, clarified that age rules remain separate: 16‑and‑older may operate regular motorboats; 12‑to‑15‑year‑olds may operate personal watercraft when directly supervised and after taking a personal‑watercraft education course.
Members asked whether proof of completion could be electronic and whether enforcement would take a grace‑period approach rather than an immediate fine; DNR staff said an infraction would be the enforcement mechanism but the committee urged the agency to add reminders or a short grace period to avoid "gotcha" citations. Representative Faye praised the inclusion of aquatic invasive‑species education and urged reciprocity with neighboring states for the invasive‑species requirement.
A public commenter, Dave Hammond, urged the committee to remove or relax the <20‑minute statutory requirement because he timed the current Utah invasive‑species course at 23 minutes and 41 seconds; he also objected to language requiring proof be in "immediate possession," arguing small sailboats have no dry space and recommended allowing proof 'on demand' from a protected storage location. Representative Peterson said staff would revise the draft, consider the public concerns, and return with a final version.
