South Dakota Safe Boating Course
CHAPTER 9: Boating Education Practices
9.1 IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Boating laws and standards are ever changing. Boats are finally being treated like automobiles in many States. In recent years, states like Alabama, New Jersey and Connecticut have required ALL boaters to be certified in order to operate a vessel in state waters. Some other states have mandated Boating Certification through the successful completion of a Boating Safety Exam; for example: New Hampshire, Ohio and Oregon are phasing in Boating Safety Course requirements with different age-groups each year. In New Hampshire: ALL boaters must pass a Boating Safety Course by 2008 to operate a vessel on state waters. The point is simple: Boating Education is a continuous process. Be sure to check with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks before each boating season to note any changes in boating laws and standards.
The state of South Dakota will continue to emphasize to the public the importance them volunteering to attend boating safety education classes/seminars or reading up on the issue.
South Dakota Safe Boating Course