I've taken the boating safety course given by the Coast Guard Auxiliary here in Massachusets. It was great and I learned a lot about rules and safety. I totally recommend it. I have never owned a boat, but took the course to prepare myself to buy one someday. I left the course wondering if there were any courses that taught more about boat operation. Something like auto driving school. Any suggestions or did everyone just learn by doing or from a parent or friend?

7 hours ago, Crankin4Bass said:

 Any suggestions or did everyone just learn by doing or from a parent or friend?

Honestly, it's like when you first start driving a car. You go out with someone experienced and rack up time on the water until you feel comfortable. 

 

Just like driving a car except there's no brake...?

45 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

You go out with someone experienced and rack up time on the water until you feel comfortable.

 

I've never taken a boater safety course for this very reason.  I've been around boats for 25 years before I bought my own.  We had one growing up that I spent a lot of time in.  Then I worked for the DNR as a surveryor and we used boats regularly as a part of that job.

 

If the very first time I had ever been in or operated a watercraft was when I bought my own then I would have likely taken it simply out of safety reasons.

Required in NC as well.  However, haven't noticed any improvement in the "stupid" factor on the water as yet.

9 hours ago, Meowmicks said:

A boater safety course is something I've been looking into.

Recently got my 1st boat and here in MA no certification is required. However if i want to go fishing in NH, CT, or VT I'd need a certification to operate my boat there.

 

I wonder are the online tests good for all states that require a certification?

 

 

Boat ed course is recognized nation wide. It’s also recognized in Canada and is Coast Guard approved.