Boating Home Study Course Available

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Recent tragic boating accidents in Montana have raised concerns about boating safety. One step boaters can take to increase their ability to avoid accidents is to ensure that they, and anyone who recreates with them, takes the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ home-study boating course.

The course is free from all FWP offices. It includes a 71-page safe-boating manual, a workbook and test, and a registration card.

The course also 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. The law applys to the 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 that is 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, return the test, workbook and registration card to the FWP Helena headquarters office. A motorboat operator’s certificate will be sent back to those with a passing score. The boat operator must carry the certificate whenever driving a motorboat or jetski.

Fore additional information visit FWP’s Boating Education web page.