Boating Education and Publications

Boating Publications

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Boater Education and Training

The boating safety education program has two components - public education and law enforcement training.

Boater Education: Classes and remote learning

Many organizations and government agencies offer education courses or short presentations in proper boat operation. These include the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron, and several county sheriff's departments. In most cases, boat owners may receive a reduced insurance rate on their boat for completing an approved course.  Classes are designed for teen and adult audiences.  Check the class list below for more information on courses in your area. For information on the Boat Idaho online course,  call 1-800-830-2268 or visit http://www.boat-ed.com/id/index.htm. 

Other online vendors include BoaterExam and BoatU.S.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation also offers free brochures and the "Boat Idaho: Your Guide to Responsible Boating" home study workbook to the general public, a video library for safety and boating presenters, and other teaching curriculum for use in public schools at both the elementary and secondary level.

In addition, the department also trains school teachers, marine deputies, and other volunteers to become boating safety instructors. Over 50 instructors have been certified through our 8-hour workshops and serve in their communities. For their efforts, instructors receive a teacher's kit as well as the knowledge they are helping make Idaho waters safer.  If you are interested in becoming a Boater Education Safety Trainer (B.E.S.T.), contact the Boating Education Safety Coordinator.

Idaho Paddlesports Classes

The Idaho Boating Program is now offering a class geared towards those who enjoy paddlesports.  So, get your friends together and call 208-514-2417 or email Kim Jackson to learn more and set up a class before you head out on your next adventure!

Current Classes

BOAT IDAHO: Your Guide to Responsible Boating

This ONE-DAY FREE safe boating class is being offered through Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. The subjects covered are:

• Know Your Boat, Before You Get Underway
• Operating Your Boat
• The Legal Requirements of Boating
• Boating Emergencies
• Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat

Locations and times are:

• Boise: Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation Headquarters (9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) - 5657 Warm Springs Ave.; Boise, ID 83716
• Coeur d'Alene: Idaho Dept. of Parks and Recreation North Region Service Center (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) - 2885 Kathleen Ave. Ste. 1; Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
• Eastern Idaho:  Set according to interest

Dates (Beginning in January 2012):

• Boise and Coeur d'Alene - Third (3rd) Saturday of every month
• Idaho Falls - Please contact Kim Jackson at 208-514-2417 or via email for exact dates and locations.  (Times and dates set according to interest).

Registration:  Please fill out the registration form provided below.  If you would prefer to call and want to attend a class in Coeur d'Alene, please call 208-446-2250.  If you would like to attend a class in Boise or Eastern Idaho, call 208-514-2417.

The online registration for Boat Idaho courses housed on the Boating Program education webpage is down. If you have registered for a class using the form and have not heard back from us, please call 208-514-2417 to confirm. Thanks! 

Boat Idaho Classes in other areas:

Mountain Home, Idaho

When:  March 24, 2012
              9:00 a.m.
Where: 2261 E. 8th N.; Mountain Home, ID
Contact: Call 208-573-5964 for more information and to register

Emmett, Idaho

When: April 7, 2012
              9:00 a.m.
Where: Gem County EMS Building
                330 E. Main Street, Emmett
Contact: Dep. Donnie Wunder for information and to register


 

Boating education classes offered by other groups or organizations 

Contact the class sponsor for more information.

NOTE:  These classes may have a fee. 

None known at this time

Required Education in Idaho

Personal watercraft rentals

Click here for more information on Idaho's personal watercraft rental education program.

Alcohol and repeat offenders

In addition to penalties, boaters are required to attend a boating course if they are found guilty of operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boaters who are repeat offenders of any boating law or rule are also required to attend a boating course.

Learn more about boating safety by clicking here.

Would you like to view our award winning television public service announcements on boating safety, or new boating safety video clips? Just click on the links below. If you do not already have a Quicktime Player, download for free.

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