Law puts younger boaters in class

Beginning next year, all boat operators under 21 will be required by state law to take a safety course before they get behind the wheel on the water.

Gov. Bob Holden signed the bill last year, and the new law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2005. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1984, must take a boat safety course before operating a motorized boat on Missouri lakes, rivers and streams.

The law further requires that boaters, regardless of age, take the course if they are convicted of certain offenses, such as boating while intoxicated and reckless and negligent operation.

The course is free, but upon completion of the class, a plastic certification card will be issued at a cost of $15. The card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol must be carried on the boat by operators who fall under the requirements.

Sgt. Paul Kennedy, director of public information and safety education for the water patrol, said 90 percent of those involved in boating accidents have had no training in boating safety.

He said 321 accidents and 16 fatalities were reported on Missouri streams and lakes last year.

"We are always among the top of the list of states that have large numbers of boating accidents," he said. "We have a large number of registered boats and a large number of streams and lakes."

Not having the proper certification will be a Class B misdemeanor, which could mean up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail, Kennedy said.

There will be several different ways to take the course. It can be taken online, a home-study course can be ordered or boaters can attend classes. The water patrol also will accept courses from other states, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Power Squadron or any course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Dave Dodds, the owner of Cape Boat and Motor Inc., has a mixed reaction to the legislation.

"There are a lot of people over 21 who need a safety course," he said. "The boats are getting faster, and the people are getting stupider. At the same time, the government is getting too much control. It's getting to be so much control that you can't do anything."

bmiller@semissourian.com

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