New
Education Requirement for Boaters
Posted:
9/17/03
A new
boater education requirement going into effect on January
1, 2004 requires all persons born after January 1,1988 to
complete a boater education course and carry proof of completion
in order to operate a motorboat in excess of 10 horsepower.
The requirement targets youths operating motorboats.
Failure
to provide proof of completion of the course if stopped by
enforcement officer can result in citation for a Class I offense.
Those cited will have one year to complete the course and
present proof in order to have the case nullified. If not,
fines may be levied. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries (LDWF) is responsible for enforcing this new
requirement.
“With
the recent increase in two-boat collisions, this is a step
in the right direction to help promote safer boating,”
said to LDWF Lt. Colonel Charlie Clark. Earlier this month,
the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission also ratified
a list of boating rules that can facilitate enforcement of
safe boating practices.
"We
are trying to keep Louisiana waters safe for everyone,"
said Clark.
"The required education classes and the rules of the
road for our waterways will help greatly."
A list
of boater education classes can be found on the LDWF website
at http://www.wlf.state.la.us,
under the "Boating Information" heading. Online
boating classes can also be accessed from this site.
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