Boating Home Study Course Available

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This is the season for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ home-study boating course. The course, available free at all FWP offices, consists of a 71-page safe-boating manual, a workbook and test, and a registration card.

The course helps families comply with the state law requiring youngsters 13 and 14 years old to have a motorboat operator’s certificate while piloting a motorboat without an adult on board. This includes operation of all motorboats, as well as personal watercraft, like a jet ski, with a motor greater than 10 horsepower.

No one 12 or younger can operate a motorboat alone rated at more than 10 horsepower. An adult, 18 years or older, must be on board. There are no certification requirements for youth age 15 or older.

  After completing the home study course, students return the test, workbook and registration card to the FWP Helena headquarters office. A motorboat operator’s certificate will be sent back to students with a passing score. The boat operator must carry the certificate whenever driving a motorboat or jetski.