Spring has sprung here in Mississippi, and for lots of people, that means it’s time to bring out the boats and get back out on the beautiful waterways of our state. But before you load up friends and family and head out to one of Mississippi’s lakes or rivers, make sure to brush up on those boater safety skills.
In fact, for those boaters born after June 30, 1980, a state-accredited boater safety education course is a requirement for anyone operating a boat, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Also keep in mind that proof of the successful completion of the MDWFP Boater Education Course must be in the possession of any person operating a boat or personal water craft on Mississippi waterways.
This required course will cover topics pertinent to the safety of boaters and participants in water activities of all types. Those topics include but are not limited to: Water safety, navigation rules, proper personal flotation devices, hypothermia, and engine cutoff switches.
Though the course might sound daunting, it is actually quite informative and even enjoyable for those who love boating and water activities. It is also a great way for MDWFP to equip Mississippians with safe boating practices, while fulfilling its statewide dual mission of conservation and public safety. And best of all, MDWFP offers two ways to complete the required safety course for boaters, via in-person or online courses.
Provided by outside vendors, the online course of Mississippi Boating Basics is approved and accepted by MDWFP and offers three parts: Boat-Ed, Boater Exam, and Boat US. The latter portion is free, but the two state-based portions do include a fee. Also, most insurance companies do accept successful completion of this course as a means of reducing insurance premiums. But please check with individual companies before taking the course.
The in-person classes run almost year-round and take place at various locations throughout the state. A calendar of those in-person events and subsequent registration information can be found online at education.mdwfp.com/web/Event/AllEventsByDate.
But for those who cannot find a satisfactory date, time, or place to attend the in-person Boater Education Course, MDWFP has six Boating Education Coordinators, each covering multiple Mississippi counties. The coordinator for your specific county can provide information on how to possibly have a boating instructor come to teach a group in your area. Call the MDWFP Education Desk at 601-432-2180 or 601-423-2181 for more information.
So, here’s the bottom line: The weather is great, and the water is calling your name. Just make sure to equip yourself with the educational information needed to make your Mississippi boating and water activities both enjoyable and safe.
