11/5/2009
Marine Patrol offers boater education courses
The Clark County Sheriff's Office, Marine Patrol Unit will offer two Adventures in Boating education courses for Washington boaters seeking their boater education cards. This eight-hour course will provide boaters the basics of safe boating that all recreational boaters should know. This course was developed specifically for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and is taught by officers who are certified by the agency.
There are two dates to choose from. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 and again on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009 at the Clark County Sheriff's Office, West Precinct, 505 N.W. 179th St. in Ridgefield. Seating is limited and families are encouraged to attend. The course fee is $10 and the Adventures in Boating Washington manual and exam will be provided at the class. Children under 18 are free with a parent.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, boat operators ages 12 to 30 years old will be required to carry a boater education card when operating a boat 15 horsepower or greater on Washington's waterways. The card requirement will be phased in through 2014, when all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1955, will be required to have a card. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt from this law. Cards cost $10 and are good for a lifetime. Oregon boaters are allowed to operate their vessel in Washington with their Oregon boater education cards.
Contact Info: For more information about this class or to reserve your seat in either course, please contact Deputy Todd Baker at (360) 397-2106 or by e-mail todd.baker@clark.wa.gov. For information on the Mandatory Boating Safety Education Program, visit online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/.
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