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Photo Credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Data suggest that boaters who have had boater education are better prepared for the risks they may face. The 2019 USCG statistics state- “Where instruction was known, 70 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Only 20 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety education certificate.”
This is why it is recommended that all boaters take a boating safety course.
The Basics
A boating safety course provides critical boating knowledge that anyone that plans to get out on the water should have and for the boat operator it is required in nearly all states. Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the country, for all type of recreational boaters and for boaters of all ages. Traditional and online courses are available. To learn more about a specific state’s boating education requirement, please visit NASBLA’s database of state boating contacts.
Providers
Volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, and other organizations sponsor many courses; many state boating agencies also provide classes, as well as sailing, boating, and paddling clubs.
Benefits
A boating safety course can save boaters money, because many boat insurance providers offer discounts to people who have successfully completed a boating safety course.
On the Water
While in classroom and online instruction provide critical boating knowledge, it should not be a substitute for on-the-water experience.
Continued Education
Why stop at the basics? Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling and seamanship to reading the weather, from a “Water ‘N Kids” class to navigation skills, and from paddling to personal watercraft.
More Information
NASBLA-Approved Boating Courses by State
State-By-State Boater Education Requirements
Federal and State Point-of-Contacts
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
