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Originally posted by Rander7823
Is there anything like Driver's Education for Boaters? You know someone who knows what they are doing takes you out and teaches you while you drive?
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Yes and No.
I recently had a conversation with the Commander of the local US Sail and Power Squadron at a meeting and he informed us, much to the dismay of a number of directors on the board, that private companies that provide that kind of service are NOT approved in NH regarding the boater certification law.
So while yes, you can enroll in a class run by private companies that will employ classroom and on-water training. The certificates they issue, even if they are NASBLA approved, are not recognized in NH.
I confirmed that information with the NH Marine Patrol the following day.
The following is a portion of an E-mail sent to me by the NH Marine Patrol when I asked about the US Sail and Power Squadron Commander's comments:
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NH does not recognize any certificates issued by private agencies. The people you need to contact are the Boater Education office in Belmont. Their numbers are 888-254-2125 or 603-267-7256. They are open M-F from 8:15 to 4:15. I hope this has been helpful.
Dispatcher Bruce Klinger
NH Marine Patrol
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What to do?
If you have the time and want recognized classroom and on-the-water boating experience and training I'd recommend contacting your local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla or US Sail and Power Squadron and joining one of them. Both have training programs on and off the water that are NASBLA approved and internationally recognized. (Yes, even in NH!)
Is that something that you can do and get trained on water before your vacation this summer? No.