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Mississippi Regulatory Guide

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) oversees and enforces boating regulations to ensure safety and responsible practices. The DMR addresses boat registrations, safety equipment, and speed limits, while also promoting education on navigation rules and environmental conservation. Through their efforts, the DMR aims to create a secure and enjoyable boating environment while safeguarding Mississippi's marine resources. On this page, we navigate you through everything you need to have in place in order to ensure that your boat rental business is compliant with Mississippi’s regulations, along with some other important things to keep in mind.

Boxes you need to tick

These are requirements as defined by law:

Age Requirement

To operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft, a person under 12 years of age must also be accompanied onboard by someone who is at least 21 years old.

License Requirement

All persons born after June 30, 1980, must have passed a boating education course.

All persons born after June 30, 1980, must have passed a boating education course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to legally operate a vessel.

Registration Requirement

You must have a Mississippi Certificate Number and validation decals to legally operate your vessel.

You must have a Mississippi Certificate Number and validation decals to legally operate your vessel on public waters in Mississippi if your boat is motorized or if your boat is a sailboat.

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Livery Definition

Recommended

Renter Insurance
Safety Checklist

Not required

Rental Agreement
List of Passengers
Permits
Video Documentation
Inspections

The information provided is intended to be general and informative, and should not be interpreted as regulatory, legal, or insurance advice. It does not constitute professional advice from a licensed insurance agent and does not establish an attorney-client or insurer-insured relationship. This information should not replace the counsel of a qualified legal, regulatory, or insurance professional. Always consult with a qualified professional for legal, regulatory, or insurance advice pertaining to your specific circumstances.

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

The operator of each vessel involved is required to file a report in writing whenever a boating accident results in loss of life, loss of consciousness, medical treatment or disability in excess of 24 hours, or property damages in excess of $100. 

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Reports in death or injury cases must be submitted within 48 hours: reports in other cases are required with in 5 days. 

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All reports shall be submitted to the Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources, 1141 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39530. 

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Any person violating these requirements is liable to a civil penalty under State Law of not more than $100 per violation.

Rental Boat Accident Reporting Form
Report Accident

Federal Regulation

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) regularly provides updates on recentchanges in regulation and have overviews of specific requirements for boatrental companies

Boater’s Guide to Federal Requirements for Recreational Boating
Passenger Vessel Charters
Requirements for Uninspected Passenger Vessels
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

Compliance by State

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virgina
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Buoy is your one-stop shop for compliance & insurance

Buoy provides boat rental companies with peace of mind while saving time and money. When using Buoy’s insurance solution, we will help you get fully compliant free of charge.

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