boating and water sports; education

This bill establishes mandatory boating safety education requirements for anyone operating motorized watercraft on public waters in Arizona. It mandates that operators under thirty years of age must complete an approved safe boating course or pass an equivalency exam, with the age limit gradually increasing over time to eventually apply to all operators. The legislation also requires rental businesses to verify that customers meet these safety standards, list authorized operators on leases, and provide safety instructions before the craft departs. Violations of these rules are classified as petty offenses or misdemeanors, though courts may allow offenders to avoid penalties by completing the required safety course.