Compliance Guides

Tennessee Regulatory Guide

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulates boating to prioritize safety and environmental conservation. They enforce rules on boat registrations, safety equipment, and speed limits while actively promoting responsible boating practices through education. TWRA's efforts aim to create a safe and sustainable boating environment while preserving Tennessee's diverse aquatic ecosystems. 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 Tennessee'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

It is unlawful for any person less than twelve (12) years of age to operate any vessel propelled by machinery.

It is unlawful for any person less than twelve (12) years of age to operate any vessel propelled by machinery upon the waters of Tennessee unless the person is under the direct supervision of an adult.

License Requirement

Operators born after January 1, 1989 must have a valid boating education certificate.

Safety Checklist

Persons that rent motorized watercraft must be given an orientation for the particular kind of vessel.

Persons that rent motorized watercraft must be given an orientation for the particular kind of vessel. The renter of that watercraft must sign off on a check sheet acknowledging this orientation and the marina, livery or any other rental entity will keep this acknowledgment on file for at least 30 days.

Record Requirement

The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of...

The owner of a boat livery shall cause to be kept a record of the name and address of the person or persons hiring any vessel that is designed or permitted by the owner of the boat livery to be operated as a motorboat, and the identification number of the vessel. The record shall be preserved for at least six (6) months.

Registration Requirement

Tennessee law requires that all mechanically powered vessels and all sailboats, which are principally used in Tennessee, must be registered.

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

Vessel operators involved in an accident must notify TWRA immediately.

Any boating accident involving death, or injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or the disappearance of a person should be reported as soon as possible, and must be reported within 48 hours.

All accidents involving property damage in excess of $2000 (to one vessel or a combination of both vessels) must be reported within 10 days.

The operator of every vessel involved in a reportable boating accident is required to file an accident form with the TWRA. Failure to report a boating accident is a criminal offense and may result in prosecution by the TWRA.

Giving assistance is required. Whenever a boat is involved in an accident, it is the duty of the operator to give necessary assistance, as long as it will not personally endanger the operator, the passengers, or vessel.

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

Tennessee Regulatory Guide

Boxes you need to tick

Keep in mind when renting out boats

Required

Recommended

Not required

Boat Rental Accident Reporting

Federal Regulation

Compliance by State

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