Whats the difference between mandatory education and boater licensing?
Unlike a license, an education can’t be revoked or suspended. A license is more of an enforcement tool; this focuses on education and boating skills. Q. Has this been tried anywhere else? More than 20 states now have some form of mandatory boater education, including Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Ohio and Texas. On a national level, Canada has a mandatory education program administered by the Canadian Coast Guard. There is support for mandatory education from NASBLA, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, National Transportation Safety Board, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association and almost every national boating organization. Q. What if I have more questions? Many details still have to be worked out. The Marine Board will develop a detailed program, with rules adopted no later than Dec. 31, 2000. Meanwhile, you can mail comments to the Marine Board at P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309-5065. For Internet access, check the agency web page www.osmb.state.or.us; e-mail comments to marine.
