boaters saftey course transferable from state to state?

[bassmantweed]

i have my CT boaters safety course license...... if i want to take my boat to other states do i need to complete their state courses or is it like a driver license where i can drive anywhere?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: boaters saftey course transferable from state to state?

All the states I know of that require vessel operators licenses honor other states licenses. Even if your state doesn't require a license you shouldn't be hassled in states that do if you're just vacationing or spending a short time there as a nonresident. Someone else may chime in with something different, but as far as I knowthis is the way it is.

It would really be nice if requiring a vessel operators license really made a difference and stopped the stupid things that people do on the water, but I haven't noticed that big of a difference around here. I think the main purpose of licensing was to stop underage kids from operating motored vessels.

 

[slowleak]

Re: boaters saftey course transferable from state to state?

Taken from State issued boating safety manuals:

In NJ the law states:
Out-of-state residents who are at least 16 years old and in
New Jersey for less than 90 days may operate a power vessel
on the waters of the State of New Jersey if they possess
a certifi cate issued by their state of residence or they have
in their possession written proof of successful completion
of a boat safety course approved by another state, the U.S.
Coast Guard, or the National Association of State Boating
Law Administrators (NASBLA).

In PA:
Boating Safety Education Certificates are required:
bulletTo operate a personal watercraft
bulletFor persons born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower.

Approved permanent Boating Safety Education Certificates for Pennsylvania residents must be issued by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Out of state boaters must have a certificate issued for a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

 

[Chris1956]

Re: boaters saftey course transferable from state to state?

There was an article on this very subject in the BoatUS magazine, a month ago or so. The answer is "It depends on which two states you are talking about". Some states recognize other states certs, some don't. Some only recognize particular state's certs.

 

[ShadowB]

Re: boaters saftey course transferable from state to state?

Virginia & North Carolina laws are:

Virginia: If you are operating a boat registered in Virginia, you must comply with Virginia's boating safety education requirement. If you are operating a boat registered in another state, but temporarily using the waters of Virginia for a period of 90 days or less, you must meet the applicable boating safety education requirements of your state.

NC: Demonstrates that he or she is not a resident, is temporarily using the waters of this State for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets any applicable boating safety education requirements of the state or nation of residency.