Boat Licenses for Kids: Nationwide Standards Make Boating Safer for All
by Richard Issa, staff reporter
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As kids grow up parents can expect certain questions from them such as the infamous, “Can I get my license?” question. In addition to that very common question parents with boats also get to hear, “Can I take out the boat alone?” But, before anyone starts throwing their son or daughter the keys to the boat, parents should review boating laws about age and course requirements There are thirty states in the US that require boaters of a certain age to take a boating safety course before they are allowed to operate vessels or personal watercrafts (PWC’s). Although there are states that don’t require people to take the safety courses, people should check their own states laws to be sure that they comply with age limits and hours of activity. Many states require a NASBLA-approved boater’s safety course. The NASBLA, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, is a highly respected boating organization, “dedicated to reducing boating accidents, saving lives and helping to make safe and enjoyable boating a reality on our nation's waterways.” That is why most states will approve an NASBLA exam if they do not have their own boating safety and competence exam. As an example, Florida law requires that persons under the age of 21 must have completed a NASBLA boater education course or competency exam prior to operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. The law also requires that the boater have in their possession a boater safety identification card issued by the Department of Environmental Protection and photo identification while operating a vessel. There are some exemptions to the law for: · Persons licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel. · Persons operating on a private lake or pond. · Persons accompanied in a vessel by a person exempt. · Persons who are nonresident and have proof of completion of a NASBLA approved course from another state and are visiting the state for 60 days or less in an out-of-state boat. For individual state regulations, click here: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/stateregs.htm
The Coast Guard
Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons provide the boating course necessary
to meet this requirement at no cost to the public. Classes are
offered all over Florida by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or other
organizations that provide the NASBLA boater education course. But for
those who think they have enough boating experience to pass the final exam
for certification without taking the course, there is an alternative
online. There are several web sites such as www.boat-ed.com
and www.boatus.com that give an
online final exam that can be used for the certification. A person can
take the test online and then send their tests usually to the online sites
where they were taken. Within two to three weeks a Boating Safety
Education ID is sent. The I.D. can also be used to lower boat insurance
rates with certain companies.
There are points to consider when choosing between taking an online course
or a classroom course. A quick fix online may not truly substitute the
classroom experience a person can get with an instructor. Also, an online class
cannot teach boaters about the local marine community and give trouble
shooting tips and information about boats, equipment and the water that
only people with experience would know. Therefore, the online course can
be seen as a substituting time for quality.
Anyone needing to take any safety course as a requirement for a criminal
violation, noncriminal infraction resulting in a boating accident or two
noncriminal infractions should know that no online or correspondence
safety course is accepted. A classroom course is the only way to fill the
requirement by law. Also after the course offenders must file proof of
completion of the course to the FWC within 90 days of completion. Until
this requirement is met, the violator's privilege to operate a vessel in
Florida is suspended. With their kids safely abiding state laws, parents can feel confident that they won’t get into some unnecessary trouble while out on the water. Their kids come out of boating safety courses better prepared for the water knowing about navigation, boat and equipment repair and maintenance, along with safety tips and laws. While parents feel safe, kids get the experience of getting their drivers license, only this time for the family boat. Free Course and Test http://www.boatus.com http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/final.htm- Individual State Regulations on Boating http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/stateregs.htm http://www.boat-ed.com/fl/fl_internet.htm http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/10_0.htm
Every person convicted of a criminal violation, noncriminal infraction
resulting in a boating accident or two noncriminal infractions within a
12-month period are required to attend, and successfully complete a
boating safety course that meets the minimum standards established by the
commission. They must file with the commission within 90days proof of
successful completion of the course. Until these requirements are met,
they must refrain from operating a vessel. Any person who operates a
vessel in violation of these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor of the
second degree. Please contact any of the classroom course provider's
below/ to locate a course near you. Florida
law (327.731, F.S.) requires that anyone convicted of: ·
a criminal boating violation
or ...
·
two non-criminal boating
infractions within a twelve month period must
enroll in, attend, and successfully complete a classroom boating
safety course, and file proof of completion of the course to the FWC
within 90 days of completion. Until this requirement is met, the
violator's privilege to operate a vessel in Florida is suspended. A
violation of this is a second degree misdemeanor. This law requires
attendance of a classroom course. Correspondence or online course
completion is not acceptable for meeting the course requirement for
violators. Online |
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COMPANY |
AREA |
Contact Information |
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Boat-Ed Online |
Statewide |
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Boat US |
Statewide |
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Nautical Know How |
Statewide |
Classroom Courses
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COMPANY |
AREA |
Contact Information |
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South of St. Lucie County on the Atlantic coastline; excluding the Keys |
1-888-262-8373 |
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BoatUs
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Statewide |
1-800-336-2628 |
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Chapman School of Seamanship |
Martin and Palm Beach |
(561) 283-8130 |
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Statewide |
(561) 655-5152 |
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|
Statewide |
Please contact your local FWC office for class date. (Click here) to see a list of the office. |
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Jacksonville |
(904) 398-0140. |
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Marine Resource Institute |
Miami-Dade County |
(305) 947-0010 |
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Safe Boating Institute |
Statewide |
1-877-449-4400 |
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USCG AUX (United States Coast Guard Auxiliary) |
Statewide |
1-800-336-2628
or |
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USPS (United States Power Squadron) |
Statewide |
1-888-367-8777 |