1. A. A person born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat on the state’s waters shall possess a division-issued boater education card and have it onboard the motorboat during its operation unless the person:

   (1) possesses and has onboard the motorboat a valid marine operator license issued by the United States coast guard that covers the motorboat being operated;

   (2) is legally operating a motorboat that is exempt from vessel registration requirements and applicable rules and is being used for law enforcement or official government business;

   (3) is not a New Mexico resident and possesses and has onboard the motorboat a current boater education card or certificate issued by another state or country whose requirements meet NASBLA minimum standards;

   (4) has purchased the motorboat within the prior 30 days, and possesses and has onboard the motorboat the bill of sale or motorboat registration that documents the purchase date; or

   (5) is renting a motorboat for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, is an authorized operator of the rental motorboat and has reviewed and received the information listed in Subsection B of 18.17.4.13 NMAC from the rental agent.

2. B. A person that has successfully completed a boating safety course or correspondence internet course may use a boating education safety certificate in lieu of a division-issued boater education card for up to 45 days from the certificate’s date of issue if the certificate is onboard the motorboat during operation.
3. C. A person that has moved to New Mexico may use a boater education card, certificate or other document issued by another state or country in lieu of a division-issued boater education card for up to 45 days after moving to New Mexico to operate a motorboat if the original certificate, card or document is onboard the motorboat during operation.

[18.17.4.8 NMAC - N, 1/01/07]