MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information, please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
2152018-5 (573) 526-6115

February 15, 2018
EMPHASIS: Boating Season Is Coming ... Spring Aboard!

Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the Patrol will participate in the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Spring Aboard campaign. Developed by NASBLA, and produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the annual Spring Aboard campaign informs and motivates boaters to prepare for the boating season by providing information on how to enroll in a boater education course. The campaign emphasizes enrollment in approved courses which meet the national boating educational standard.

The Spring Aboard campaign encourages boaters to register for a certified boating educational course during the week of March 18-24, 2018. Forty-nine states and U.S. territories require some form of boater education.

Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess a certified boating safety education card and photo ID. This includes personal watercraft operators.

Boaters have the opportunity to sign up for a certified course in a classroom or take an online course by visiting the Patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Look under Training on the Patrol’s homepage for the “Boat Safety Education & Certification” link. The classroom courses provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol are free, but registration is required and the boater ID card costs $15.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the boating accidents where the level of operator education was known, 77% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction. In contrast, only 13% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator possessed a nationally-approved boating safety education certificate.

“The primary boating season is right around the corner in Missouri,” said Col. Karsten, “and our many beautiful waterways provide the opportunity for all types of boating activities. The Patrol encourages those who have not already taken a course to sign up for a boating safety class now. This ensures you’re ready to boat safely when the boating season arrives.”

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

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