The Lake Norman Marine Commission issued new 2024 Boat Rental Regulations, effective 1 January 2024.

The new regulations are aimed at increasing safety for those who rent boats on Lake Norman as well as all lake users. The regulations require vessel safety checks, permits for each boat, liability insurance minimums, and renter training/familiarization requirements. There is a $2/vessel registration fee, and the permits are good for two years.

A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) must be completed on each rental boat before applying for a rental permit. The VSC must be performed by qualified inspectors (US Coast Guard etc.). To arrange for a VSC, you can go to the US Coast Guard Aux website  or internet search “I want a VSC”. Rental companies with 10 or more rental boats in there fleet can apply for “self-inspection” authorization by taking a course put on by the US Coast Guard.

There are three ways to apply for permits. The first, and easiest, is to APPLY ONLINE. Just complete the online application, upload the required supporting documents, and pay the registration fee ($2 per registered vessel).

The second is to print out the Rental Boat Application Form, complete it, scan it and email it along with copies of all supporting documents to “[email protected]” Application fees ($2 per registered vessel) may be paid by check made out to Lake Norman Marine Commission and mailed to:

Lake Norman Marine Commission

Rental Boat Committee

P.O.Box 2454

Cornelius, NC. 28032

The third method is to mail the complete package to Lake Norman Marine Commission at the address above

RENTAL RESOURCES

Rental Craft Training

Pre Rental Checklist