(

a) Subject to the

schedule in subdivision (b), a person shall not operate on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the state a vessel that is propelled by an engine, regardless of whether the engine is the principal source of propulsion, unless the person has in his or her possession a vessel operator card issued by the division pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section 678. (

b) A person is subject to subdivision (

a) according to the following schedule:

(1) On and after January 1, 2018: A person years of age or younger.

(2) On and after January 1, 2019: A person years of age or younger.

(3) On and after January 1, 2020: A person years of age or younger.

(4) On and after January 1, 2021: A person years of age or younger.

(5) On and after January 1, 2022: A person years of age or younger.

(6) On and after January 1, 2023: A person years of age or younger.

(7) On and after January 1, 2024: A person years of age or younger.

(8) On and after January 1, 2025: All persons, regardless of age. (

c) This

section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A person who is a resident of another state or a foreign country who is operating a vessel and meets either of the following requirements: (

A) The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed days, and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of his or her state of residency. (

B) The person is temporarily using the waters of this state for a period not to exceed days, and meets the applicable requirements, if any, of his or her country of residency.

(2) A person operating a vessel while under the direct supervision of a person years of age or older who is in possession of a vessel operator card issued pursuant to subdivision (

b) of

Section or who is not required to possess a vessel operator card pursuant to paragraph (6).

(3) A person operating a vessel in an organized regatta or vessel race, or water ski race.

(4) A person operating a rental vessel.

(5) A person who is in possession of a current commercial fishing license.

(6) A person who is in possession of a valid marine operator license, for the waters upon which the licensee is operating, issued by the United States Coast Guard, or who is in possession of a valid certificate issued pursuant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.

(7) A person who has successfully completed a boating course approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.