A beginner needs to know several things before he/she start boating. You can’t expect to learn everything after your firsthand boating experience. An educational course is necessary for boaters. During this course, you can learn so much by practicing everything. There are some frequently asked questions with their answers. See these quick answers to learn about boating.

1. Can A Teenager Operate A Boat Independently Without Any Supervision?

Each state has different legal restrictions to determine who is eligible to operate a boat, with/without any supervision. A person younger than 17 years can’t operate any boat without supervision. Make sure to check the boating laws of your state for specific regulations. If you caught operating any boat without your certification of a boating safety course, you have to pay a fine.

2. Can I Download Marine and Fishing Charts oftheUSA?

Yes, an average boater can download these charts with a Garmin GPS. Physical maps help you to enhance your boating experience. My Topo may help you to print and customize maps or use your mobile device to download charts from Navionics. The NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) allows you to download maps for Great Lakes and U.S. coastal regions.

3. Is There Any Kelly Blue Guidebook Correspondent for Boats?

Yes, NADA guides are available for prospective owners of vessels. They can access thousands of useful listings. Expansive catalog of NADA covers over 100 makers of boat trailers, outboard motors, personal watercraft, powerboats, and sailboats. Choose the features and size of the board to get suggestions of average and low retail price from NDA.

4. What to Do When My Boating Certificate Expire?

You will get certification from aceboater.com/usa/ohio after completing your boating safety course. This card remains useful for you unless the legislature of your state makes some changes in the law. If your card is lost, visit the page of your state to find out the way to request another card.

5. How Much Time Do I Get to Make Payment for A Course?

A person, who takes the educational course for boaters by Boat Ed, can make the payment any time after completing this course. The period can be two weeks or over five years. They will save your progress until you officially become a certified boater.

6. Do I Need Special Life Vests? How Many Are Requiredon My Boat?

It is essential for boat operators to keep several life jackets on their boat to save passengers on the boat. Even a USCG-approved special life vest is necessary for people on Jet Skis and tubes or water skis.

If you are not restricted by your state to wear life jackets (because of experience or age provisions), Boat Ed strongly recommends you to purchase a well-fitted life jacket and wear it continuously in water. Even an expert swimmer needs a high-quality life jacket to save his life.

7. What Is the Right Time to Report A Boating Accident?

In case of an accident, the witness or boat operator is responsible for reporting an accident instantly to the nearby law enforcement organization. Accidents are reportable in these cases:

• Cause destruction to a boat or any other property surpassing $200 – $2,000, based on your state
• Cause wounds to a human/pet that needs instant medical attention elsewhere first aid
• Causes disappearance or a death

Even if you can’t judge an accident by these requirements, make sure to report it immediately.

8. Do I Have to Carry My Identification Cards on Board?

Yes, boating operators must carry their certificate of boating safety course in the boat. Moreover, consider the laws of your state to keep other identifications.

9. If I Have A Boat in My Possession for Over 20 Years, Do It Need A Boating Certificate?

Boating laws of your state determine the requirement of boating certificates. Some boaters may not need a course because they were born afore 1980. Regulations vary in each state, so check boat laws and rules of your country.

10. Do I Need A Vessel Safety Course Even After 25 Years of Boating?

It depends on your age and the laws of your state. Your state may not require you to take this certificate. Sometimes, you can save money on insurance after taking this course. A certificate can help you to enjoy boating in other states. Verify the education requirements for boaters in your state.

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