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Boating Classes: Where to Find Them and Who Should Take Them
If you’re new to the boating world, taking a boating course might be helpful to your success as a responsible, safe boater. Even if you just need to learn a few new things, or want to increase your education in the boating world, you can find traditional classes on boating education, as well as private instructors that can be hired to teach you everything that you want to know. More importantly, most states require some form of boating education before boaters can operate different types of watercraft legally. Some states will require certification or licensure as well, but most just require you to carry a certificate saying that you took the required boating educational courses.
You’ll learn basic boating skills and safety information in your boating classes that are very important to your success at boating. You won’t learn all the details of boating, unless of course you decide to take more classes or further your boating education, but you’ll at least get the basic knowledge you need about boat operation, maintenance, and navigation, as well as safety procedures and the rules of the water. It’s kind of like a driver’s education class for boating, if you will. The people who are required to take this course will depend on which state you live in, as well as your age and the type of boat you have.
Most commonly, boating classes are required more for younger boaters and those driving speed boats or power boats. However, you might also need to take a class if you own (and plan to operate) a 100 foot yacht. You’ll need to check with your state’s local boating department, to see what the requirement is for your particular location. However, it generally stands that you don’t need a license for a Jet Ski or Wave Runner, but will be required to have certification for bigger and more complicated pieces of equipment. More than anything, it’s for your own safety.
Safety starts with knowledge, which is why most states require you to have some kind of boating classes before you drive a boat. However, in some places, you’re not required to have any kind of formal training, especially once you’re past a certain age. Many boats are similar to passenger cars in the way that they are controlled and operated, so it’s assumed that you will be able to find your way without formal training if you’re old enough to handle the responsibility. Make sure that you find out what your state requires before you leave the harbor without any boating classes under your belt.
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Submitted by: michelle
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Added: Wed Nov 26 2008
