| Like obtaining a driver's license, getting your boating | | | | You will be required to complete a boating course |
| license is a process that you must take seriously. | | | | and successfully pass a test at the conclusion of the |
| There are many different types of boating licenses, | | | | course. You will need to know how a boat |
| and each state has its own regulations regarding who | | | | operates, how it needs to be cared for, and what |
| may operate a boat and what type of license they'll | | | | the general boating rules are. The course will teach |
| need. | | | | you boating safety as well as give you ways to |
| The speed at which a boat is driven determines | | | | "scope out" the weather for safe boating. |
| whether a person needs to be license to operate the | | | | There are many places where you can obtain a |
| boat. If the boat is motor powered and is driven at | | | | boating license. Check with your local marina or |
| a speed of 10 knots of more requires a boating | | | | department of recreation to get information on |
| license for operation. Ten knots is the speed at | | | | boating classes available. There are even places |
| which a boat generally starts to plane or skim off the | | | | online where you can take a boating class designed |
| top of the water. | | | | to ultimately earn you your boating license. |
| A general boating license is for persons age 16 and | | | | The choice to take an online course versus a "real |
| over that allows them to operate a motor boat. | | | | life" course is up to you. However, keep in mind |
| Young people age 12 to 16 can also obtain a boating | | | | that the best way to learn a new skill is to get out |
| license under some specific stipulations. They must: | | | | there and do it. The presence of water and other |
| - Be accompanied by someone who has a general | | | | boats around you will make you a better boater. |
| license | | | | Plus, you can depend on your instructor to answer |
| - Not exceed a speed of 20 knots | | | | questions and offer you tips. |
| - Never travel at 10 knots or more before sunrise or | | | | Responsible boating means obeying the laws of your |
| after sunset | | | | state when it comes to getting a boating license. |
| - Never tow a water skier or wake boarder | | | | Many states will different in their requirements, so |
| Your boating license can be good for either twelve | | | | you'll need to become familiar with your own state's |
| months or three years, but you will save money by | | | | regulations. Once you have your boating license in |
| selecting the three-year option. How do you go | | | | hand, you can get out there and have fun! But |
| about obtaining your boat license? It's similar to | | | | remember to boat responsibly! |
| getting your driver's license. | | | | |