New N.C. Boating Safety Law

[SecondWindNC]

Takes effect May 1, requires boaters under the age of 26 in the state of North Carolina to take a boating safety class.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions.../PDF/S43v4.pdf

Mainly just an FYI. Also, many local Sail and Power Squadrons are offering courses to help get people in compliance.

[BarryL]

Hey,

How did the gov't determine that at 26 you magically can operate a boat without a safety class? Why not 21, or 31, or 18 or some other age?

Barry

[AE28]

Barry...
The same way "they" determined driving a car whilst talking on a hand-held cell phone is dangerous, but driving whilst putting on makeup is not.

Paul

[BubbleheadMd]

Just another revenue generation tool for the government.

[Boasun]

The state of Oregon has that requirement also... And as of 2009 it is all ages, from the crib to well over Seventy
the state of Louisiana requires Boating education for anyone born 1984 and onwards. Plus no one under 16 can operate a PWC.

Now I hold USCG 1600 ton Master / 2nd Mate Unlimited and teach the subject... would I need to take that bloody course? It didn't say.

[puddinlegs]

Originally Posted by Boasun

The state of Oregon has that requirement also... And as of 2009 it is all ages, from the crib to well over Seventy
the state of Louisiana requires Boating education for anyone born 1984 and onwards. Plus no one under 16 can operate a PWC.

Now I hold USCG 1600 ton Master / 2nd Mate Unlimited and teach the subject... would I need to take that bloody course? It didn't say.

I'm pretty sure you're covered ... I took the WA test online yesterday. Seems you'll need something if you're cruising in BC this year. Took maybe an hour read their material, do a practice test, then the test itself.

[leland515]

They have something like that in Mississippi, but only if the boat has motoring capabilities.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by puddinlegs

I'm pretty sure you're covered ... I took the WA test online yesterday. Seems you'll need something if you're cruising in BC this year. Took maybe an hour read their material, do a practice test, then the test itself.

Non-residents are good for 44 days. After that you need a card.

Operator Card - Paperwork - Office of Boating Safety - Design, Equipment & Boating Safety - Marine Safety - Marine Transportation - Transport Canada

[14432]

You can comply online through boaterexam.com. My son did this for a cost of around $35. It takes about an hour if you're already familiar with the regs. This course is approved by the NASBLA - which meets the NC requirement (andl likely other states too).