Boating Safety Education Now Required in North Carolina
Initiated by the boating community, enacted into law by the General Assembly and implemented by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, a new boating safety education requirement goes into effect on May 1, 2010. This is how the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission introduced the NEW North Carolina state Statute 75A-16.2 earlier this year. Here is what it means to you.
To operate a boat of 10 horsepower or more, in North Carolina after May 1, 2010 you must have a card or certificate of completion that indicates that you have successfully completed a Boater Safety Class that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) AND accepted by the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). Sounds straight forward enough, right?
There are also 10 other ways to legally operate a boat and to comply with Statute 75A-16.2.
- You can take a proctored equivalency test;
- You can present a Coast Guard Captain's License valid or expired;
- You can have a 90-day operator's permit issued by WRC with your vessel registration when you acquire a new or used boat;
- You can show a rental or lease contract showing that you are renting the boat for the day and the education requirement falls upon the owner of the boat to assure that you are a safe boater;
- You could be a Boat Salesman demonstrating the boat with proper dealer registration numbers;
- You could prove that, you are a non- resident of North Carolina and visiting for less than 90 days. But you must also convince the officer that you meet the requirements to operate a vessel in your home state or country;
- You could convince the same officer that you are just operating the boat to get back to safety after the real operator became impaired for some reason (good luck on this one);
- If you're a 'Commercial Fisherman' or under the direct command of a 'Commercial Fisherman' on a commercial fishing vessel, then you're OK!
- Present proof that you are over 25 years old.
What's age got to do with it? And why is it really the last way to satisfy the requirements?
Yes, it is the last way, because if North Carolina follows suit with many of the other states that have implemented similar boating safety laws. This will change to eventually include every one of all ages. It will just be expanded one age group at a time until everyone is included.
So, What Does North Carolina General Statute 75A-16.2 mean to you?
Answer: It's time to complete a NASBLA approved Boater Safety Education Class.
Lastly, this also applies to Personal Watercraft (PWC) with just one more thing. You have to be at least 14 years old to operate one by yourself.
For more information: Contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at www.cgauxlkn.com or (704) 663-3333.