Boating & Watercraft Rules

Before You Launch…

There’s nothing better than a day on the crystal-clear waters of Beavers Bend — whether you’re cruising, paddling, skiing, or just drifting in the sun. But the water has its own set of rules, and knowing them keeps you (and everyone else) safe, legal, and grinning.

Oklahoma Boating Law Basics

Education & Operator Age Rules

• Under 12? You can’t operate:
  • A motorized vessel over 10 HP
  • A personal watercraft (PWC)
  • A sail-powered vessel 16+ feet in length
    Unless:
  • You have a state-approved boating safety certificate and
  • You’re supervised by a competent adult (18+)
    • For PWCs, the adult must be within 500 yards and visually supervising.
    • For other vessels, the adult must be onboard and ready to take control.
• All vessel operators must carry either:
  • Boating safety education certificate/card (approved by OK Dept. of Public Safety)
  • OR photo ID proving you’re at least 16.
• Visitors from other states who’ve completed a NASBLA-recognized course are good to go.

Life Jacket (PFD) Rules

• Kids under 13 must wear a Coast Guard–approved PFD on any boat under 26 feet, while underway.
• Everyone on a PWC, sailboard, or being towed behind a vessel must wear a Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
• Ski belts don’t count — they’re only “extra equipment.”
• Inflatable PFDs can’t be used for tow sports or other high-impact activities.

Reckless or Negligent Operation

Operating in a way that endangers life, limb, or property is a no-go. Examples include:

• Speeding in no-wake or restricted areas
• Excessive speed in congested zones or poor conditions
• Letting passengers ride in unsafe positions (gunwale, bow, transom) above idle speed without proper railing/guards
• Boating during posted wind warnings or hazardous conditions
• Ignoring emergency vessels making signals
• Parking or beaching in marked swimming areas

Extra Rules for PWCs

• No operation between sunset and sunrise unless you have the required nav lights.
• If equipped, your engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to you during operation.
• No weaving through congested traffic or swerving dangerously.
• No disturbing, chasing, or harassing wildlife.

Special Activity Rules

Towing Skiers, Tubers, or Similar Devices

• Boat must fit 2+ people.
• In addition to the operator, you need:
  • An observer at least 8 years old
  • OR a wide-angle mirror so the operator can keep eyes forward while watching the participant
• Towed participants must wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved vest-style PFD.
• No towing between sunset and sunrise.

Diving & Snorkeling

• Must display a red-and-white diver-down flag (20” x 24” with 4” white stripe).
• No posting a flag unless diving/snorkeling within 100 yards of a functional boat ramp.
• In federal/international waters, restricted-maneuver vessels must hoist a blue-and-white alpha flag.

Firearms

• Transport/discharge from a vessel is only legal when hunting animals or fowl according to law.

Operating Under the Influence (BUI)

• Operating any vessel, PWC, water skis, or similar device under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
• BAC of 0.10% or greater = legally under the influence.
• On-water officers can test you; refusal can increase penalties.
• Fines and possible jail time apply.

Registration & Titling

All motorized vessels used mainly in Oklahoma waters must be titled and registered, except:

• Boats properly registered in another state using OK waters < 60 consecutive days
• Federally documented vessels with USCG (if here > 60 days, must register & display decal)
• Non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks, rowboats, punts, rubber rafts)

To Register:

• Visit one of 300 state motor license agents
• Or contact:
  Oklahoma Tax Commission – Motor Vehicle Division
  2501 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73194
  (405) 521-3221 | www.oktax.state.ok.us

Keep Onboard:

• Certificate of Registration (always available for inspection)
• Display validation decals (renew annually by June 30)
• Keep boat & motor titles in a safe place

More Boating Info: Oklahoma Department of Public Safety

Bottom line: Know the rules, wear the vest, keep it safe — and you can spend your day on the water doing what you came here for: having a blast.