05-19-2004, 04:07 AM
Game and Fish Reminds Youngsters of Boating Basics Class[/url]
Outdoor enthusiasts in North Dakota look at Memorial Day weekend as the official opening weekend of summer, as many families head to the lake to enjoy their favorite summer activity. With that in mind, Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the State Game and Fish Department, issues an important reminder for young boaters.
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. The course is free and available for home-study from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office, or in a classroom setting held periodically around the state.
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 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.
"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.
[signature]
Outdoor enthusiasts in North Dakota look at Memorial Day weekend as the official opening weekend of summer, as many families head to the lake to enjoy their favorite summer activity. With that in mind, Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the State Game and Fish Department, issues an important reminder for young boaters.
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. The course is free and available for home-study from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office, or in a classroom setting held periodically around the state.
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 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.
"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.
[signature]