Summeris upon us, and that means boating season is too. There are a lot of things about boating Imyself did not know and I am sure other did not either. Well I did some research in the hope toenlighten us all. Did you know there areover 2,000 miles of boat accessible and fishable waters in West Virginia? I also did not know that you have to take atest kind of like a drivers license to drive a boat if you were born afterDecember 31, 1986. It’s called theBoating Safety Education Course and one must complete this to be allowed todrive a boat. The class is mainly stufflike terminology, types of boats, how many people can ride on certain boatssafely, registration requirements and what safety equipment is required likelife jackets (there must be at least two on a boat but preferably one for eachpassenger), navigational rules, and preserving the marine environment. Therealso is no age limit on who takes the test. So for more information on the class just contact your local DNR officethey will be able to help you with that information.
Idid not know about the age restrictions, children age 12 to 14 may operate aboat, only if they have completed the course or accompanied by someone over theage of 18 or the boat has a 10 horse power engine or lower. It is law for you to carry the card verifyingthat you passed the safety coarse. Ifyou do not have this card, it could result in a fine.
ALLmotorized boats have to be registered. There are some boats that do not need to be registered like canoes,kayaks, rowboats and boats without a motor on them. To register a boat, one must complete anapplication for a certificate or title for a motor boat. Along with this application, you must includethe title if registered in another state. Here are a few tips for a safe boating experience. First, check out the boats engine and fluids,the bilges and fuel. Always make sureyou charge the battery the night before the trip. It is always good to check and make sure thelights work or make provisions to be back inland before dark. If you have boat you plan to be on for acouple days, or just plan to cook while out on the boat, make sure your cookingarea is well vented to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. There are a few things one should always haveon a boat and those things are items like a first aid kit. You must have no less than two life jacketsand if the boat is longer than 16 feet you must have life preservers, a hornthat can be heard up to a half mile, an anchor and dock lines. If you have a large boat, you must haveflares, flashlights and batteries and a fire extinguisher is always good tohave on board. It is also a good ideato carry a tool box along just in case something brakes down you could try tofix it. And one of the most important thingyou should do when going out on a boat is CHECK THE WEATHER on the day or daysyou will be out on the water and make sure no storms are coming.
Ihope this has help those of you who go boating stay a little safer while outthere on the water.
Happyboating!
Writtenby: Carrie Nicholas
