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For those interested, Montgomery College is offering the MD boater safety program at the Gaitherburg Bus Training Center, wherever that is, this weekend. I signed up via MC's website because I am a student there but I think you can also go to the campus registrars office. Its $40 bucks and is on Friday from 6:30pm-9:30pm and saturday 9:00-2:30. there are only a few seats left so get on it if you need it. The next class is late March.

MD BASIC BOATING CERTIFCATION - SFT 037 - 4 Associated Term: Spring 2008
CRN: 35135
Assigned Instructor: Wesley E. Sullivan
Grade Mode: Non Credit (Continuing Ed)
Credits: 0.800
Level: Non Credit
Campus: GBTC
Scheduled Meeting Times Type Time Days Where Date Range Schedule Type Instructors
Class 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm F Gaithersburg Bus Training Ctr 404 Feb 08, 2008 - Feb 08, 2008 Lecture Wesley E. Sullivan (P)
Class 9:00 am - 2:30 pm S Gaithersburg Bus Training Ctr 404 Feb 09, 2008 - Feb 09, 2008 Lecture Wesley E. Sullivan

I took it from Captain Sullivan, he was real good!! I recommend it for everyone.

Does this course give you the certificate needed to fish DC waters?

Do you need a seperate certificate for DC waters? I believe a boaters safety certificate allows you to drive a boat anywhere.

DC will accept any Coast Guard or NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Administrators) approved course from adjacent states, or you can take the course from DC harbor patrol. You would just need to call the number given at the meeting the other night and they will tell you when they offer it..

I understand that the Maryland course is now on-line.

My son Zack and I took the course in a class at Garrett Comm. College on a Saturday.

http://www.boat-ed.com/md/index.htm

The Class Danny is taking is fine, DC accepts it. I dont think DC accepts the on-line courses.... But sometimes I am wrong.

I personally learn better and faster if I have an instructor. I hate studying online at home, its distracting. It is cheaper however but if you take the test and fail you have to re-pay to take it again.

Boat US has an online course. It is valid in DC and Va, but not in MD for some reason. If you are a new boater with all that is involved (Boat, Equipment, Injury/Life) it is more than a good idea to take an instructor lead course. I have taken different couses maybe five times over the last 25 years and always am reminded of at least one thing I had forgotten. The Coast Guard taught courses always seem to be excellent.

This post was last modified: 02-07-2008 12:54 PM by ScottyG.

If you look at the Md. DNR site online and go to Boating safety Requirements you will find,You are exempt from the Maryland safety course if you have a certificate from anywhere approved by the National Assn. of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) You will know because certificate will have a logo on it .(ships wheel with NASBLA above and Approved under) BUT only applies if you were born prior to July 1 1972. The Boat US certificate is approved by NASBLA and carries the logo in upper right corner and if your DOB is prior to July 1 1972 it is valid and legal for operating in Md waters. But you can never get enough training and review which you can do thru online study guide DNR site or go take course in person and make new friends.Its all good!