Safety Classes Required for Maui Thrill Craft Operators

Tow-in surfers brave the waves at Jaws, Maui. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Since 2005, the County of Maui has required ocean thrill craft operators to complete a certification class offered by an accredited institution of higher education.

The law was established to familiarize recreational thrill craft (personal watercraft) operators of local ocean safety principles and practices, historical and cultural practices in Hawaiian waters, and rules regarding protected species.

The County of Maui has announced the availability of two classes, being offered next month at the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) campus through Windward Community College.

The first session takes place on Saturday, November 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at UHMC, Hale 218.  The Recreational Thrill Craft Operators Safety Educational Course focuses on general rules and regulations for recreational thrill craft operators.  The course fee is $109.

A separate Ocean Safety Education Course takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at UHMC, Hale 218.  This course offers the certification required for those who participate in the sport of tow-in surfing in Hawaii.  The course fee is $139.

Registration for both courses is through Windward Community College (808) 235-7433 or via their website at: http://windward.hawaii.edu/Continuing_Education/Ocean_Safety/.