This section defines terms used in sections 86B.30 to 86B.341.
§ 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.