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.