Montana: Boating Home Study Course Timely This Month

Youngsters ages 13 and 14 who hope to operate a motorboat, jet
ski or other personal watercraft with 10 horsepower motor or more
this summer must have a valid motorboat operator’s safety
certificate or be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or
older.

A Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate for youth and
adults is available through a home study course, available free of
charge at all FWP offices. The course includes a 71-page
safe-boating manual, a handbook, test, and a registration card.
Anyone 13 years of age or older who passes the exam will receive a
certificate.

Young people 12 years of age or younger cannot operate a motorboat
rated at more than 10 horsepower alone-an adult 18 years or older
must be on board. Certification is not required for those 15 years
of age or older.

After completing the home study course, students return the test,
and registration card to the FWP headquarters office in Helena. A
motorboat operator’s certificate will be sent back to students who
earn a passing score. The boat operator must carry the certificate
whenever driving a motorboat or jet ski.

Information on the FWP online course is available on the FWP
website at fwp.mt.gov. Select the Education page and click on
Outdoor Recreation.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in several Montana communities also
offers classroom courses. For more information, contact Liz Lodman
at 406-444-9940.