A Boating Home Study Brush Up Course Is Timely

Youngsters ages 13 and 14 who hope to operate a motorboat, jet ski or other personal watercraft with 10 horsepower motor or more this summer must have a valid motorboat operator’s safety certificate or be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

A Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate for youth and adults is available through a home study course, available free of charge at all FWP offices. The course includes a 71-page safe-boating manual, a handbook, test, and a registration card. Anyone 13 years of age or older who passes the exam will receive a certificate.

Young people 12 years of age or younger cannot operate a motorboat rated at more than 10 horsepower alone—an adult 18 years or older must be on board. Certification is not required for those 15 years of age or older.

After completing the home study course, students return the test, and registration card to the FWP headquarters office in Helena. A motorboat operator’s certificate will be sent back to students who earn a passing score. The boat operator must carry the certificate whenever driving a motorboat or jet ski.

Information on the FWP online course is available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.

On the Education page click Outdoor Recreation then Boating, Floating & Kayaking.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in several Montana communities also offers classroom courses.  For more information, contact Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940.