Published: October 16, 2008 02:55 pm      

OHP offers free boating safety class

ADA — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will be conducting a free Boat Oklahoma boating safety class on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Pontotoc Technology Center located at 601 W. 33rd Street in Ada, Oklahoma.

The six hour class will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with a break at noon for lunch. to pre-register, phone Becky McKenzie at 310-2267.

The Boat Oklahoma course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and includes information on navigation rules, state boating laws, safe vessel operation, equipment requirements, boating courtesy and other boating safety topics. A multiple-choice examination is given at the end of the course.

Those passing the exam will be issued a card as proof of course completion.

Since Jan. 1, 2007, in Oklahoma, anyone between 12 and 16 years of age will be required to complete a NASBLA-approved course before operating any boat powered by a motor in excess of 10 horsepower or any sailboat 16 feet in length or greater.

Many insurance companies offer discounts to boat owners that complete the course.

According to OHP Trooper Darrell Richardson, all but five US states require some form of education prior to operating a boat.

“Boater education requirements vary from state to state. Anyone planning on boating in another state should check with NASBLA at www.nasbla.org or contact that state’s boating safety agency to see what requirements apply there,” said Trooper Richardson