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86B.30 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

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

Subd. 2.Accompanying operator.

"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 Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, 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.

NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 4, section 23, is effective July 1, 2025. Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 4, section 23, the effective date.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes