Education

Thursday, April 07, 2016

During the week of April 17-23, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and its many state, federal and nonprofit partners encourage boaters to Spring Aboard by enrolling in a boating education course.

“We know from many years of experience that an educated boater is safer, and boating is a lot more fun if you aren’t confused or worried the whole trip,” said NASBLA President Col. Darren Rider. “Boating isn’t like driving a car, and many boaters – both new and experienced – are uncertain about how to boat safely. The Spring Aboard campaign is our big, unified effort to get all boaters educated now. Take a little time now so you are ready when that warm weather starts.”

Forty-nine states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels. In Montana, youngsters ages 13 and 14 who hope to operate a motorboat, jet ski or other personal watercraft with 10 horsepower motor or more this summer must have a valid motorboat operator’s safety certificate or be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

“With today’s wide variety of courses available, there’s a course for everyone’s schedule,” said Rider. “Boaters have many ways to get educated, from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. There’s no reason to head out on the water without knowing what you’re doing.”

A Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate for youthand adults is available through a home studycourse or online boating courses.  The home study course is available free of chargeat all FWP offices. Links for the on line boating courses can be found at the FWP website  fwp.mt.gov/education/outdoorRec/boatingFloatingKayaking/class.html#online.

In addition, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering these boating classes.

2016 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Classes

Call the contact person listed for more infomration about the class.

For a summary of Montana’s boat regulations, visit: fwp.mt.gov/education/outdoorRec/boatingFloatingKayaking.

For more information, contact Boat Education Coordinator Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940.