North Carolina Boaters Can Take Free Boating Safety Course at Home

BoatUS Foundation Online Boating Safety Course Approved by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Photo Caption: North Carolina boaters have it a little easier meeting the state’s new boating safety education requirement thanks to the BoatUS Foundation

RALEIGH, NC, December 13, 2010 – In 2010 a new law went into effect in North Carolina requiring boaters, under the age of 26 operating a boat or PWC having greater than 10 horsepower, to carry a Boater Safety Certificate approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The catch is, to get the certificate a boater must complete an approved boating safety course. However, some Old North State boaters could find it challenging locating a nearby course that’s both convenient and fits their budget.

The new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home. For boaters over 26, taking the course could also earn a discount on their boat insurance.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

Upon successful completion of the course, boaters print out their own certificate of completion as proof of boater education. To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about North Carolina boater education, go to www.ncwildlife.org/Regs/Regs_Boating.htm. 

About the BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.