New Boat Regulations
by Gus Gustafson

North Carolina is now one of many states that requires boat operators to complete a mandatory National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety course. Organizations that locally provide courses are beefing up their 2010 schedules to accommodate the increase in demand created by the new regulation. Below are excerpts of information from www.ncwildlife.org  and other sources. 

The Requirements:

“After May 1, 2010, every person under the age of 26 must complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater in the state of North Carolina.”

”North Carolina has the following restrictions for the operators of personal watercraft: No person under 14 years of age may operate a PWC. A person at least 14 years of age, but less than 16 years of age, may operate a PWC , if the person is accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age who occupies the PWC, or the person possesses ID proof of age and boating safety certification or card indicating the satisfactory completion of a NASBLA boating safety education course.”

“A person 16 years of age or older may operate a PWC without completing a boating safety course, however a course is recommended. The owner of a PWC must not knowingly allow a child under the age of 16 to operate a craft except as provided above.”

Below is a partial list of organizations and website's that provide NASBLA approved courses:

Instructor Led Courses:

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – 1-919-707-0032
Light House Marine Services – 1-704-587-0325
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary – 1-800-336-BOAT
US Power Squadron – 1-888-FOR-USPS or 704- 662- 3647

Online Courses

Boat-Ed.com
http://www.boaterexam.com
Amboat.com
http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com
http://www.boatus.org
http://www.americansboatingcourse.com

Tips from Capt. Gus: “Safe Boating is No Accident”

Capt. Gus is licensed by the United States Coast Guard and is a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman. Contact information: Email: Gus@LakeNorman.com - Web Site www.FishingWithGus.com