RICHMOND, Va., December 13, 2010 – With a phase-in period that began last year, many Virginia boaters and PWC operators will soon be required to carry a boating safety certificate while operating a PWC or boat with motor having 10 or more horsepower. The catch is, to get the certificate, Old Dominion state boaters need to complete a boating safety course. The challenge for some, however, may be finding a nearby course that fits their schedule and their budget.

However, the new Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is now approved by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries which allows the state’s boaters to take the course at no cost in the comfort of their own home.

The online course and exam is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

“We’ve loaded the course with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “It includes videos that demonstrate important safety devices such as visual distress signals, how to get help in an emergency, how to prevent and extinguish fires aboard your boat, and the best way to fit a life jacket to a child so they will not slip out,” he added.

“The best part of all is the course is free and can be taken at home, and it’s designed so that you can stop and then continue at any time. I will guarantee you that everyone will learn something new,” said Edmonston. 

Upon finishing the course, boaters can print their own Certificate of Completion, including a wallet-sized card that can be cut out and laminated to carry with you on your boat.

To take the course go to www.BoatUS.org.  For more information about Virginia boater education, go to http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating. 

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About the BoatUS Foundation:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation .