PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (December 9, 2014) – The California Division of Boating and Waterways has approved US Powerboating’s Safe Powerboat Handling and Basic Powerboat Cruising courses. California becomes the 12th state to approve these courses that meet or exceed the requirements for safe boating education. US Powerboating is an affiliate of US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States.
Additionally, California will recognize US Powerboating’s course certification cards and there is no requirement to obtain a California operator card or submit a fee to the Division of Boating and Waterways.
“The approval of our Safe Powerboat Handling and Basic Powerboat Cruising courses significantly expands US Powerboating’s ability to offer, promote and deliver on-the-water training and education in the state of California,” said Timothea Larr, Head of the US Powerboat’s National Faculty. “This is a major step forward for US Powerboating and for boating education in the United States.”
In September, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that requires powerboat operators to successfully pass a boating education course. The new law will be phased-in beginning in 2018 and will initially only apply to boaters under the age of 21. Full implementation is scheduled to be completed in 2025 and will apply to all powerboat operators regardless of age.
Prior to the passage of this law, California was one of only five states that did not require powerboat operators to have successfully passed a boating education course. US Powerboating will continue to work with the state of California to reduce the number of boating related incidents and support the on-the-water training initiatives.
About US Powerboating
US Powerboating™ is organized to directly address the educational needs of powerboat owners and operators in the United States and is an affiliate of US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing. Its powerboat courses are offered through participating schools, community programs and clubs. These courses highlight on-the-water training for recreational powerboat operators, rescue boat operators, race support boat officials and instructor candidates, starting at the entry level and progressing into advanced boat handling, cruising, and applied piloting and navigation. The Certification Series of US Powerboating™ has established definitive national standards to validate knowledge and practical skills of operators of sport and cruising powerboats. www.uspowerboating.com