Boating Education
Commitment to safe, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning the use of Kansas aquatic resources
KDWP Boating Education
Any person born on or after January 1, 1989 must complete an approved boater safety education course in order to operate a motorboat or sailboat on public waters in Kansas. This requirement does not apply to a person accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a person over 17 years of age who either possesses a certificate of completion of an approved boater safety education course, or is legally exempt from the requirement. Boating safety courses that are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the United Sates Coast Guard shall meet these educational requirements. Out of state boaters who boat on Kansas water must comply with the education requirements. All states provide a NASBLA approved course that will also be acceptable in Kansas.
Boating education in Kansas is dedicated to assist all individuals in developing awareness, skills, and commitment to safe, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning the use of Kansas' aquatic resources. Courses are organized and conducted by volunteer instructors in many communities across the state. To maintain U.S. Coast Guard recognition the states course must be a minimum of eight hours in length. The goal of the program is to reduce boating accidents and violations while promoting legal, courteous and responsible boating practices. Boating safety and responsibility are stressed throughout the course. Additional topics include ethics and courtesy, accident prevention, general information about boats, safe operating procedures, required safety equipment, boating laws and general boating safety concerns.
Courses are offered in three different formats: traditional classroom, home study, or internet based. Traditional instruciton is provided by trained volunteers, KDWP Natural Resource Officers, and members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Home study and online internet course work is provided by approved agents of the State of Kansas.
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