Indiana boating laws
What you need before you launch in Indiana: boater education, age limits, life jackets, safety gear and registration.
Boater education
Operators of over 10 hp need a valid driver's license, or must be 15 or older with a boater education card and a BMV ID. Official course info
Who can drive a boat
Must be 15 or older (with a course) or hold a driver's license to operate over 10 hp.
Life jackets
No state child life jacket wear law was found. One life jacket per person is required, plus a throwable on boats 16 ft or longer.
Required safety gear
Federal U.S. Coast Guard minimums apply:
- A wearable life jacket for each person aboard, plus a throwable cushion or ring on boats 16 feet and longer
- A fire extinguisher on most motorboats with an enclosed engine or fuel tank
- A whistle or horn
- Navigation lights if you are out between sunset and sunrise or in poor visibility
- Visual distress signals (flares or a flag) on coastal waters and the Great Lakes
Registration
All boats except non-motorized craft must be registered. Non-motorized sailboats still need decals.
Boating under the influence
It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.
Before you launch in Indiana
Links go to official Indiana agency pages.
Summary checked 2026-10-27. Rules change, so confirm with the official Indiana source before you go. This is not legal advice.