Boating Basics

ND Game & Fish - Youngsters Reminded of Boating Basics Course



Youngsters ages 12-15 wanting to operate a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor must first pass the state's Boating Basics course, reminds Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the State Game and Fish Department.



The free home-study course covers legal requirements, navigation rules, getting underway, accidents and special topics. Each part has 2-5 chapters that elaborate on topics such as weather, rules of the road, laws, life saving and first aid.



A North Dakota boating graduate card is recognized in other states as well. However, some states have different age criteria, Boldt said. For example, Minnesota law states youngsters ages 12-17 must take a course in order to operate a conventional boat, but must be 13 in order to operate a personal watercraft. South Dakota has a minimum age of 12 for conventional boats and 14 years of age for personal watercraft operation.



The Boating Basics course isn't just for kids. Major insurance companies give adult boat owners who pass the course a boat insurance premium discount.



"The course will really make a person a better boater," Boldt said, "but common sense and common courtesy are still the most important attributes any boater can have."



For more information on Boating Basics write to Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; or call 701-328-6300.