Though it may not seem like it right now, boating season is right around the corner. It will get here eventually — I hope. Along with the basics when it comes to boat safety, life jackets for everyone and all that, the state requires those ages 12-15 to successfully complete a boating safety course.
The requirement is in place for the legal operation of a boat with at least a 10 horsepower motor or for personal watercraft, like personal watercraft. The course is available for home study through the Game and Fish Department or can be taken online.
The home study course is offered free but there is a fee for the online version and the provider of the online class receives the fee. The course covers legal requirements, navigation rules, getting under way, accidents and special issues like weather, rules of the water, laws, life-saving and first aid.
More information is available from Nancy Boldt at the Game and Fish Department; by email at ndgf@nd.gov; or calling 701-328-6300. Boaters and others taking to the water this year will have a few new regulations to keep in mind regarding aquatic nuisance species.
There are times during normal boating situations when traffic can get stacked up on boat ramps as folks load and unload their vessels. And sometimes, the waiting can be a source of irritation for people. With the new regulations requiring boaters to check their vessels and trailers for weeds or other potential ANS hitchhikers, it could mean longer waits.
Checking the boat and trailer does not have to be done right on the ramp, but it has to be done in the immediate area. In the meantime, boaters can help speed along the process by remembering some basic boat ramp etiquette.
Before backing down take the time in the parking area to make sure your plug is in, the coolers, tackle and other items you will be taking along on board are loaded. The same goes for removing tie-down straps used while transporting the boat down the road. And there are times when you will encounter a boater who may be out on the water alone.
It’s OK to offer some help whether they are loading or unloading the boat. It speeds up the process and many people will welcome the help. Looking outside it still looks a lot like we are living inside a snow globe. But the sun will come out tomorrow. Leastwise that’s how the song goes.