You just bought a boat. The open water beckons, and long days of sun, surf, and exploration are on the horizon. But don\u2019t haul up anchor just yet \u2014 a few foundational rules apply before your first outing. Federal law sets baseline carriage and navigation standards (e.g., USCG\u2011approved PFDs, visual distress signals, fire extinguishers) and, as of 2021, requires use of an engine cut\u2011off switch (ECOS) on certain planing vessels while on plane or above displacement speed on federally navigable waters (USCG ECOS overview<\/a>). States add their own operator rules \u2014 boater\u2011education cards (in 2025, California<\/a> and New York<\/a> require safety certification for all motorized\u2011vessel operators), minimum ages, child life\u2011jacket wear, BUI penalties, rental\/livery permitting (e.g., Florida\u2019s livery rules<\/a>), aquatic invasive species (AIS) permits\/inspections in many western states, and even wake\u2011sport\/large\u2011wake restrictions (e.g., Vermont\u2019s statewide wake\u2011sports rule) (USCG State Boating Laws directory<\/a>; Vermont Use of Public Waters Rule<\/a>). Use our state\u2011by\u2011state maps and the USCG directory to confirm the exact requirements where you boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWho can drive a boat: Certification requirements and age limits by state<\/h2>\n\n\n\n