#boat safety hawaii

Since November of 2014, all individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaiʻi state waters are required to possess a certificate of completion from an approved course on the safe use and operation of a power-driven vessel.

The fine for violating the boater education rule can range from $50 to $1,000, and/or up to 30 days in jail, and possible suspension of operating a boat in state waters for up to a month.

The board emphasized the need for better informed boaters in Hawai‘i to prevent accidents and fatalities as population and congestion on the ocean increases.