Boating Safety Education Bill

Becomes Law
 

What does this mean for you?

On April 17, 2000, Governor Jeanne Shaheen signed HB 449, the Boating Safety Education bill, into law. This bill was the initiative of the New Hampshire Lakes Association in response to large increases in the numbers of boats on NH public waters, giving rise to renewed concerns about the safety of these waters. It is a major NHLA accomplishment of this legislative session.

What is the intent of the law?
The law aims to reduce accidents and increase the pleasure of the lake experience for all lake users.

What does the law do?
The law requires that boaters on the public waters of New Hampshire, while operating a motorized vessel having power in excess of 15 horsepower, carry a safe boater education certificate. The certificate can be obtained by successfully completing a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators' (NASBLA) approved eight-hour course and passing an examination with a minimum grade of 70%, or by waiving the course and passing a safe boater equivalency examination with a minimum grade of 80%. Certificates will be valid for the lifetime of the holder.

When must boat operators be in compliance?
The safe boating education law will be phased in over a period of seven years. As of the date indicated below, boaters of the age indicated are required to carry the certificate. (Any boater may obtain a safe boater certificate prior to their respective compliance date.)
 

AGE                            DATE
18 years old and younger 1/1/02
25 years old and younger 1/1/03
30 years old and younger 1/1/04
37 years old and younger 1/1/05
42 years old and younger 1/1/06
49 years old and younger 1/1/07
All boaters                     1/1/08
 

What Should You Do?
You can call The Marine Patrol at  (888) 254-2126, there are State sponsored classes being held throughout NH.
  
Bad News: Due to scheduling conflicts, The Little Island Pond Association will no longer be holding classes for the boater certification. Sorry

Good News: You can take the test on-line ($15.00) by Clicking Here

Or you can take a practice test by Clicking Here

We are sorry for any inconvenience