The Knox County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the ODNR Watercraft will be offering the Ohio Boating Education Course at the Apple Valley Administration building located at 113 Hasbrouck Circle, Howard, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on April 16. There is no fee for the training.

The class covers the fundamentals of state and federal laws concerning safe boating: state-required equipment, watercraft laws, navigation Rules of the Road, basic safety and risk management, and aids to navigation. Classes are enhanced with videos, slides, overheads, handouts, and other visual aids.

Vessel Operating Requirements: This course is approved by the NASBLA and meets Ohio’s boating education requirement, which became effective January 1, 2000. The law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to successfully complete either a NASBLA-approved boating course or a proficiency examination before operating a boat great than 10 horsepower. The course also may qualify boaters for a discount on boat owner’s insurance.

Boaters who pass the course will receive a wallet card to show as valid proof of course completion.

To register for the April 16 training, please contact Capt. Jay Sheffer with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office at 740-399-3902.

Staff report