69-9-226 - Operation of vessel by persons born after January 1, 1989 Exceptions Boating safety course certificates Violations. - Tennessee Statutes

69-9-226. Operation of vessel by persons born after January 1, 1989 Exceptions Boating safety course certificates Violations.

(a)  Except as provided in subsection (b), it is unlawful for any person born after January 1, 1989, to operate any vessel subject to registration on any waters of this state unless the operator:

     (1)  Has successfully completed a monitored National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety examination administered by the agency or an approved representative of the agency; and

     (2)  Has received a certificate from the Tennessee wildlife resources agency as evidence of successful completion of a monitored NASBLA-approved boating safety examination administered by the agency or an approved representative of the agency; or

     (3)  Is accompanied on the vessel by, and is under the direct supervision of a person who:

          (A)  Is eighteen (18) years of age or older and is certified as provided in subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(2); or

          (B)  Was born on or before January 1, 1989.

(b)  The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to:

     (1)  Non-residents of Tennessee. Non-residents of Tennessee shall show proof of successful completion of an approved NASBLA course;

     (2)  Renters of watercraft who have completed a safety orientation, which safety orientation shall be available at the rental location;

     (3)  Vessels powered by engines of eight and one-half (8.5) horsepower or less;

     (4)  Persons with operator licenses issued by the United States coast guard; or

     (5)  Operators of sailboats when under sail alone.

(c)  Certificates of completion of boating safety courses required by this section:

     (1)  Must be in the possession of the boat operator while such boat is in operation;

     (2)  Shall contain a physical description of the boat operator, including, but not limited to, the operator's address, date of birth, and a unique tracking number;

     (3)  Shall not expire, but may be revoked by action of an applicable court; and

     (4)  Shall be issued for a fee of ten dollars ($10.00). Replacement cards shall be issued for a fee of five dollars ($5.00).

(d)  A violation of the provisions of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punished by a fine only and, in addition to the fine, a court may revoke a certificate of completion of a boat safety course. It is unlawful for an owner or person directly in charge of a vessel subject to registration to authorize or permit knowingly such vessel to be operated on the waters of this state in violation of this section. The provisions of this subsection (d) shall not apply to renters of watercraft.

[Acts 2003, ch. 260, § 1; T.C.A. § 69-10-226; Acts 2007, ch. 185, § 14.]