Boaters in North Carolina can learn how to operate their vessel safely and legally without leaving home through an online boating safety course recently approved by the state.
BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water announced Wednesday that North Carolina is one of more than a dozen states that “now have a convenient free online course option that meets their state-specific boating education requirements.”
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The course available at no charge on the website teaches navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies and protecting the environment.
“Expanding into 15 additional states means more boaters can access boater safety education at no cost,” said Lynne O’Hearn, BoatUS Foundation program manager. “We believe cost should never be a barrier to learning how to boat safely, and these new state-approved courses help ensure more people have the education they need before they leave the dock.”
Designed to be completed in two to four hours, the self-paced course offers five interactive lessons that immerse students in a virtual boating experience, guiding them through different destinations while tracking progress.
The curriculum includes video-based learning, and concludes with a 60-question final exam with unlimited retake opportunities that can be completed at the student’s own pace.
Upon successful completion, most states issue a printable certificate that can be used immediately, though requirements and validity may vary by state.
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For more information about BoatUS Foundation’s additional free boating courses, visit the website.
