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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2006

BOATER EDUCATION COURSE IS KEY
TO SAFE AND SATISFYING EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER

COLUMBUS, OH Boaters will find that a day on the water is safer and more fun if they take time to learn the “rules of the road” before heading out to their favorite lake or river, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft.

“Being a responsible boat operator means understanding the rules and knowing how to keep yourself and your passengers safe during a day of fishing, waterskiing or pleasure boating,” said Mike Quinn, interim chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “We encourage all boaters to review Ohio’s boating rules before the season, and, if possible, attend a safe boating class.”

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 is required by Ohio law to successfully complete an approved boating education course or a proficiency exam before operating any powered watercraft of more than 10 horsepower. This rule also applies to the operation of any rental watercraft. Any person supervising the operation of a powered watercraft of more than 10 horsepower is also required to meet the mandatory boater education requirement.Other things to know about boating education include:

  • Boating education teaches both novice and experienced boaters to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible.
  • Taking an approved boating education course not only provides useful knowledge, but also helps an operator boat with confidence by making their experience safer and more enjoyable.
  • Some approved courses can be completed in one day, and you may be able to get a discount on your boat insurance if you take a course
  • Boating education requirements also can be fulfilled through an at-home study course offered by the ODNR Division of Watercraft, an approved online course at ohiodnr.com, or by taking an ODNR proficiency exam.
  • Other courses, such as those offered by the U.S. Power Squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, range from the basic boater education course to very specialized boater training courses. Many of these courses require a fee for educational materials.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard offers specialized training, including a 16-hour Boating Skills and Seamanship course and a seven-week Sailing Skills and Seamanship course. Also offered is a six-hour boating safety class designed for those who must meet Ohio’s mandatory boater education requirement.
  • Pre-registration is often required for courses. A full schedule of approved boating education courses is available on the Division of Watercraft page at ohiodnr.com.
  • Boating is a fun, safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation that requires a personal commitment to being responsible and safe on the water.

For more information on boating educating requirements and approved boating education courses in Ohio, visit the Division of Watercraft’s page at ohiodnr.com.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860