NEWS AND NOTES
Blue Water Sailing
JANUARY 2, 2010
New Florida boating education law started Jan. 1st
Effective Friday, January 1, 2010, Florida boat operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete and pass an approved boating safety education course to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more. The new law changes the age threshold for Florida boater education requirements; in 2010 it is to be based on whether or not boaters were born on or after January 1, 1988.
Boaters in this age group must have in their possession photographic identification (i.e. driver’s license) and a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The card is valid for life.
The following operators are exempt
- A person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.
- A person operating on a private lake or pond.
- An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.
- An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.
- A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another state.
- A person who is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel, provided they have available for inspection aboard that vessel, a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46(1), Florida Statutes.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers region-wide safe boating programs which meet the new Florida requirements. Upon successful completion of any course, the Auxiliary issues a handsome certificate and a form that participants use to apply for the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card from the FWC. Participants completing the course may be eligible for boat insurance discounts.
More information about FWC boating coureis available at:
