Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

Boating In Hawaii

The resources provided below will help improve both your boating experience in Hawaii and your safety while on ocean waters. Education is a key element in your safety on the water. The more you know about boating, the more you will enjoy it.

Mandatory Boating Education Rule: Individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaii’s State waters must have taken a NASBLA and State-approved boating safety course and show proof of certification upon demand by law enforcement.
Mandatory Thrill Craft Education Rule: In Hawaii, no person under the age of 15 may operate a PWC. All PWC operators must be certified to operate their vessels in State waters.
Boat Basics: General information about boats
Anchoring Awareness: DOBOR Flyer
Boating Safety: Boaters and divers have a shared responsibility. Boaters must watch for and avoid dive flags (slow no wake within 200 feet) and divers must mark their positions with a dive flag. Dive shops and the public may request copies of Posting a lookout. This poster is copyrighted and appears on this website with permission of the designer, Viki Nasu Design Group.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards on Recreational Boats
Required Markings for Bottom Fishing Vessels: All vessels engaging in bottom fishing must display proper markings, even if the catch is for home consumption.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): Pursuant to Act 54: effective January 1, 2004, all vessels more than 1 mile offshore must have a EPIRB or VHF radio on board. As of January 1, 2007, older EPIRBs operating on the 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz frequencies are prohibited from use by the U.S. Coast Guard. Commercial boats operating more than three (3) miles off shore are required to carry 406 MHz digital EPIRBs. In Hawaii, recreational vessels operating more than one mile offshore, unless otherwise equipped with a VHF radio, are required to carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved EPIRB as well.
EPIRB Requirements for Commercial Vessels: Flowchart
What to Know Before You Go: There are numerous off-limits areas in Hawaiian waters. Some are patrolled by the military for your own safety. Boat Smart, Get a Chart.
Even in Hawaii: HYPOTHERMIA!
Life Vests: They Float, You Don’t: Basics about PFDs
Life Vests for Children: Excerpt from article about “getting the right fit”
E-10 Ethanol And Your Marine Engine: DOBOR Flyer: E-10 Ethanol Gas
Managing Boat Wastes: DOBOR Flyer
Managing Boat Wastes: Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard publication
Personal Watercraft (PWC) safety basics: In Hawaii, no person under the age of 15 may operate a PWC. All PWC operators must be certified to operate their vessels in State waters. For details, please view the administrative rules.
Pollutants: Keeping Them out of the Marine Environment
Pumpouts in Hawaii: DOBOR Flyer
Vessel Registration and Titling
How to Dispose of Your Vessel in Hawaii
WHO SHOULD I CALL?: Whom to contact when emergency situations arise
Registry of Certified Vessel Operators: To archive your boating credential and seek reciprocity with DOBOR
Can You Hear Me: Tutorial for VHF/DSC radios
USCG Marine Safety Advisory 01-22 (8/5/22): Marine Distress Communication Devices
Day Use Moorings
General Info About Boating
Miles Out At Sea: Fire extinguishers and maintaining them
National Saltwater Angler Registry: fishing outside of State waters
Paddle Sports Safety Course (FREE)
USCG Notice To Mariners