During the week of April 20-26, 2015, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) encourages boaters to Spring Aboard by enrolling in a boating education course. Working in partnership with the states, Boat Ed will offer a course discount for students who
complete a course during the Spring Aboard campaign.
“An informed and knowledgeable boat operator is much more likely to recognize hazardous conditions on the water and avoid a boating mishap,” said NASBLA President Eleanor Mariani. “Classroom courses are offered through local boating safety organizations, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons. Online courses are available 24/7 and provide state-specific information needed for your boating location. Completion of a course increases your chances for having fun on the water.”
Forty-nine (49) states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels. For a summary of your state’s regulations and available courses, visit: http://www.boat-ed.com.
“The Spring Aboard campaign is a unified effort to remind boaters to complete the course now, prior to or during spring break, in preparation for the boating season,” continued Mariani. “With today’s wide variety of courses available, there’s a course for everyone’s schedule!”
Many course providers are offering discounts or other incentives for students who enroll or complete the course this week. Check with your local course provider for information.
2013 U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that, when the level of operator education was known, 80% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction. Many states require completion of a course verified by NASBLA as meeting the national boating education standard for powerboat rental or operation. To ensure your course qualifies, look for the ‘NASBLA-Approved’ logo.
ABOUT NASBLA
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards and publications. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the lives of over 73.5 million American boaters.
ABOUT BOAT ED
Boat Ed® and boat-ed.com, owned by parent company Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., is the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Our print and Internet courses have been providing official safety certification since 1995. We provide safety courses in boating, hunting, bowhunting, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile operation. For more information, visit www.kalkomey.com.