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.A North Dakota boating
graduate card is recognized in other states as well. However, some states
have different age criteria. 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 premium discount on boat
insurance.
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.
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.