Mandatory Boater Education Enforcement Starts Today

Māʻalaea Harbor, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Starting today, the state will be able to enforce a new rule requiring all boaters to take a boating safety class in order to operate a motorized vessel.

The law became effective in 2012, but provided a two year delay before it could be enforced to allow the state time to develop compliance methods, and give the boating community time to become compliant.

Currently, the state offers two Internet courses, multiple classroom courses throughout the state, and a home study course.

The fine for violating the boater education rule can range from $50 to $1,000, and/or up to 30 days in jail, and possible suspension of operating a boat in state waters for up to a month.

Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources say the new rule was endorsed as a method to reduce boating related fatalities in the state.

***Click here for full details on the new boating rule and education courses available.

***Details courtesy state Department of Land and Natural Resources.