Young N.C. boaters need safety certification

Must boating safety class before piloting watercraft

A new North Carolina state law that requires all boaters 25 years old or younger to pass a Wildlife Resources Commission boating safety class will go into effect on May 1.

Known as Senate Bill 43, the law was passed last year. It reads that “no person shall operate a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on the public waters of this State unless the operator has met the requirements for boating safety education.” That would certainly include every PWC on the water and all but the smallest boats powered by outboard motors.

Watercraft operators 25 years old and younger, according to the law, will be required to carry proof of boat-safety certification. Operators 26 years old and older will be required to carry proof of age.

Despite the rapidly approaching deadline, courses are still being offered that should get young watercraft operators out on the water.