12 year olds can also take a boating course in Minnesota - through the mail - and then pass the test - through the mail. My son and daughter both did this. Does this mean I let them operate a boat by themselves? NO!!!! I still won't let my 15 year old son take the boat by himself ESPECIALLY if his friends are around - I'm not crazy. 17 year old daughter no problem. Every kid is different but when thier friends are around things can get out of hand fast.