Penalty for non-certification?

[Aquadeziac]

I have read a lot about the Safe Boater Certification Law but do not remember seeing what the penalty is for non-compliance. What does Marine Patrol actually do if someone is stopped and falls in the age group to be certified but have not been. Do they just slap your hands and tell you to do it sometime? Is there court or a fine involved? Do they impound your PWC/boat? Is it considered a violation or misdameanor? If you try fighting it are you known as "trying to pull a Littlefield"? Inquiring minds want to know. Skip?

[fatlazyless]

If you flunk the boaters test, the Marine Patrol will give you a B- in exchange for two suitcases of Busch Beer. It would take a serious dum-dum to flunk that test. I got a 96 in the winter of 2000, but it was all I did that winter!

[JohnNH]

Fatlazyless,

First you call Aquadeziac a Dum-Dum and then you brag about your 96.

Are you have another senior moment.

By the way, I doubt the Marine Patrol drinks Bush beer. If they are anything like the PD in my town they only drink confiscated imports.

John/NH

[parrothead]

I unfortunately know what the penalty is. The fine is $60 dollars. There is no attachment of your license or anything.

[Aquadeziac]

Actually less, I Aced the test in 2000, that was not the direction of my post. Parrothead seems to understand where I was headed. I was wondering, say if a 25 yr old got stopped and hadn't bothered to take the course, what the penalty was. Apperently its a $60 fine. Is there any penalty for a future offense outside of another $60? Can you say "Habitual Offender"? There ARE goobers on the Lake that would rather pay $60 each time IF they got stopped than prove how really stupid they are and take the test and flunk. I personally know of a couple of people that had to have bought their passing grade.
I think that boat registration should be tied to having taken the Cert. Course. When you get your boat registered, the computer will spit back that you are not certified and no reg for you. Then make the Cert. renewable every 3-5 yrs. THAT way you will be sure to know about Law updates. The computer will always know if you are up to date and pick it up when you reregister your boat every year.
Make it an endorsement on your license like CDLs have for Hazmat,Passenger, etc.
And for God's sake, if someone doesn't pass the test, make them study and retake it. You're undermining the purpose of Certification if you adjust the Standards so everyone passes.

[SPANKY]

aquadeziac, you bring up a good point by mentioning endorsements on your liscense. if i am correct, you are required to carry photo id along with your certificate card. if certain boating infractions are directly connected to your ability to drive any motor vehicle, then wouldn't it make more sense to have a "b" or "bt" endorsement on our liscences, just like we do for other classes of motor vehicles?

[SIKSUKR]

Ok,I must plead dum dum on this one.You are required to carry a photo ID on top of your certificate?I didn't know that.Was that on my certification test?I guess it makes sense cuz there isn't a photo and anyone could use my cert card.OK, what's the fine not carrying a photo ID?J.K.I don't really want to know.SS

[parrothead]

You are required to carry a photo ID. This I had so I don't know what the penalty for that is. What I found that was interesting in this whole situation was that, I was in the boat with a certified person. If I had been under 12 or 13? can't remember which I would have been allowed to drive the boat without penalty. I was steering at headway speed while the certified person went to get something in the stern. Not saying that it is an excuse since the MP officer couldn't tell that at the time. But how does this make sense? I was in the boat with a certified person that is supposed to know the rules of water, and since I am in my 30's not under 12 I can be fined? Huh? how does this make sense?

[BroadHopper]

I was at the beach bar last Saturday, and overheard a conversation from a guy who rented a jetski. He claimed he got pulled over for going too fast through a no wake and the MP told him he had to take the course. He got a warning.
I think this is serious. I think the rental agents should only rent to those with a certificate. I think the MP's should fine those who do not have a certificate. No wonder there are so many boaters out there it no certification!

[Boater]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I think the rental agents should only rent to those with a certificate.

They do! They have to follow the same rules as everyone else. They can not rent to anyone who is required to have a certificate without it.

I was at Anchor Marine last week and they have a computer on the counter just for that purpose. If a renter does not have the required certificate they must pass the test then and there before given the keys.

This is probably harder for the renters to pass than the rest of us since they don't have time to prepare and cheating is much more difficult.

My opinion is that although renters may be less experienced, many are also more timid and cautious. Most of the bad behavior I have seen over the years didn't involve renters. IMHO

[jrc]

Originally Posted by parrothead

You are required to carry a photo ID.

I've searched the NH laws, and as far as I can tell there is no law requiring you to have a photo ID. I think the general rule about photo ID is (more general than just boating) that if you have an ID and the police ask for it you must produce it. But you don't have to have an ID.

The law requiring possesion of your certificate is below. So you really don't even need to possess that as long as you can find it in 48 hours.

270-D:11 Possession Required; Penalty. –
I. Any person required to have a safe boater education certificate shall:
(a) Possess the certificate when operating a motorized vessel with any type of power motor in excess of 25 horsepower on the public waters of the state.
(b) Present the certificate upon the demand of a marine patrol officer.
II. No person charged with a violation of this section shall be convicted if, within a period of 48 hours, the person presents to the officer evidence that he or she held a valid safe boater education certificate which was in effect at the time of the violation.
III. Enforcement of this section shall be accomplished only as a secondary action when an operator of a motorized or registered vessel has been cited or charged with a violation or some other offense.
IV. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of $50 for a first offense and $250 for any subsequent offense.
Source. 2000, 52:3, eff. Jan. 1, 2002. 2002, 272:3, eff. May 18, 2002.

[Excalibur]

Since the phase in of when you are required to have a certification is by a persons date of birth. It make sense that another form of identification must be required. Since I am usually in my bathing suit, I may have issues

[dpg]

I understand you can now take the course on line. Has anybody done this, how's it structured? Can you go back and re-read things you do not understand? Thinking of having my kids do it.

[codeman671]

The online test is easy, it is how I got mine last year. It is not secure, you can have two browsers open and look up the answers as you take the test. I guess at least if this was done you either know the answers already or are taking the time to look them up and read the section that you do not know.

There must be a well of questions that it picks from, no two tests are exactly alike although some questions will overlap between tests. I saw my wifes test and many of the questions on hers was on mine, in different order. They also like to ask the same question a few different ways on the test in an attempt to trip you up. There is a practice test as well which is the same questions are the normal test. No charge for this.

It allows you to print your temporary on the spot and order your permanent card as well. IMO a better use of time than sitting through a class. If it is for kids though that are of legal boating age I would probably let them take the practice test online and put them through the class, that way you are certain they know what they are doing.

[Kamper]

Originally Posted by dpg

I understand you can now take the course on line. Has anybody done this, how's it structured? Can you go back and re-read things you do not understand? Thinking of having my kids do it.

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/

Here is the link. There is a pre-test if you want to test your knowledge.

FYI - Taking the on-lne course will not satisfy any requirement of a court order.

Good luck!

[Rinkerfam]

If I''m not mistaken, I believe there is another issue with taking the course on line. My understanding is that if you take the course other than in the classroom you are not covered in other states that recognize a NASBLA APPROVED course. On the back of the Cert. Card there is a space designated to "Certification Source". I believe that "Classroom" is the only designation that grants you reciprocation in states which recognize NASBLA. If I am wrong about this please let me know.

[Kamper]

In the above link, change "nh" to whatever state code you are interested in. If it comes back then I'd bet you have no problem. The materials for the NASBLA certification are all the same with just a different state logo since they are aproved by the USCG.

There is a charge for the on-line certification, $15.00. If you dont pay it the program will not allow you to print the temporary certificate and the company wont mail the permanent credential either.

The actual test for the class-rom course is on the back of the work book. You can get this free at many places. Get an extra copy because the instructor may ask you to give them the blank one at the start of the course so it can be used at the end of the course. If you want to you can "pre-test" with an open book using your own copy.

[Rinkerfam]

What I was refering to was if you were operating a boat in another state that recognized a NASBLA approved certification, and were carrying your NH safe boating card, you would only be covered if the back of your card stated that the source of your certification was marked Classroom. I think the cards state whether you were certified in the classroom, on line etc... I don't know how many of us would likely be operating in another state, but someone asked about it in my class and I'm pretty sure the instructor explained it the way I have.

[RLW]

My certificate states right on the front and I qoute "This is a NASBLA APPROVED course" & certication source on the back is BLANK
Guess that makes one wonder if it is or is not good in other states using the rules and or statment being made regarding classrom and/or internet. Not a argument just a statement as to what my certificate states.

[Rinkerfam]

RLW
That's interesting. I wonder if anyone else would be willing to check their cards to see what's on the back. I honestly don't know what the ruling is with respect to reciprocation. I was hoping that someone with more knowledge could shed some light on the subject for me (and others). I was just wondering if I remembered the explanation about reciprocity correctly or if I misinterpreted it

[Island Girl]

I had the same understanding... if you took the class then your certification was valid in other states that had reciprocity and that it is indicated on your card as mentioned. I believe that is stated in the study materials on line as well.

[Kamper]

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/nh_internet.htm

"The content of the Boat New Hampshire course is also approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as both a boat and personal watercraft (PWC) safety course and is recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard."

I read this to mean the on-line course is acceptable to all 31 states using the NASBLA curriculum. The states and territories not listed probably do not require certification right now.

[ Alabama ] [ Arkansas ] [ Delaware ] [ Florida ] [ Georgia ] [ Idaho ] [ Indiana ] [ Iowa ] [ Kansas ] [ Kentucky ] [ Louisiana ] [ Massachusetts ] [ Minnesota ] [ Mississippi ] [ Missouri ] [ Nevada ] [ New Hampshire ] [ North Carolina ] [ Ohio ] [ Oklahoma ] [ Oregon ] [ Pennsylvania ] [ Rhode Island ] [ South Carolina ] [ Tennessee ] [ Texas ] [ Utah ] [ Vermont ] [ Virginia ] [ Washington ]

Using the NH bouy system as an example, I would expect some variations between the states but enough of the information is the same that you would be a safe operator in "foreign" waters. A good suggestion might be to take the practice test for any state you intend to visit to see if you need to review any materials prior to going there. After you take the practice test you are provided links to review material for any questions you have missed.

[ghfromaltonbay]

What is the fine for an underage (therefore uncertified) driver of a PWC? There is a 15 year old (who looks about 12) at Sandy Point who is out every weekend alone on her family's PWC and it seems the Marine Patrol is never around when this kid goes out. They only stop people like my Dad who's 76 and has his certification. They've wrongfully stopped him and my brother (age 48) for being less than 150 from the spars (duh??) and Lighted Buoy 23 off Sandy Point, but they never seem to be around when this kid is flying all over the place on Saturday afternoons. Go figure. :

[Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Aquadeziac

Actually less, I Aced the test in 2000, that was not the direction of my post. Parrothead seems to understand where I was headed. I was wondering, say if a 25 yr old got stopped and hadn't bothered to take the course, what the penalty was. Apperently its a $60 fine. Is there any penalty for a future offense outside of another $60? Can you say "Habitual Offender"? There ARE goobers on the Lake that would rather pay $60 each time IF they got stopped than prove how really stupid they are and take the test and flunk. I personally know of a couple of people that had to have bought their passing grade.
I think that boat registration should be tied to having taken the Cert. Course. When you get your boat registered, the computer will spit back that you are not certified and no reg for you. Then make the Cert. renewable every 3-5 yrs. THAT way you will be sure to know about Law updates. The computer will always know if you are up to date and pick it up when you reregister your boat every year.
Make it an endorsement on your license like CDLs have for Hazmat,Passenger, etc.
And for God's sake, if someone doesn't pass the test, make them study and retake it. You're undermining the purpose of Certification if you adjust the Standards so everyone passes.

Aquadeziac - as one who volunteers to promote Boating Safety and Education, you have stated many of the finer points of refining the Boaters Certification that the organization in which I am involved with is preparing to present to legislation. If the Boaters Certificate continues to be 'just a piece of paper' that anyone with a computer can get, it will most likely never be taken seriously and does that not contradict the fact that the Certificate is to indicate the person took a safety course. Thank you very much for your post and I will share your comments with my colleagues.

[Outlaw]

Originally Posted by dpg

I understand you can now take the course on line. Has anybody done this, how's it structured? Can you go back and re-read things you do not understand? Thinking of having my kids do it.

Yes you can take the test on-line, but as Codeman671 says....

Originally Posted by codeman671

The online test is easy, it is how I got mine last year. It is not secure, you can have two browsers open and look up the answers as you take the test.

It is important for everyone to learn and clearly understand boating rules and regulations. Although you will retain some of what you learn on-line, with the ability to have more than one browser open, the amount of effort you dedicate could be equal to the amount of knowledge you gain, but a good studing tool as codeman671 pointed out. Having taken the class with an instructor and other participants, I can say first hand that there is so much more to be gained from a classroom like environment. The additional information you receive from the instructor and the interaction with the other participants is priceless and more than worth the time spent. I would strongly recommend, especially for children and first time boaters, to take the course with an instructor. They will be able to ask any questions, get clarification, see demonstrations -- all the things that an on-line situation can not offer (at least not at this time)

[Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Kamper

http://www.boat-ed.com/nh/

Here is the link. There is a pre-test if you want to test your knowledge.

FYI - Taking the on-lne course will not satisfy any requirement of a court order.

Good luck!

As Rinkerfam pointed out, it IS true that not all on-line courses are NASBLA approved or sanctioned in NH. I personally have had to inform some boaters that the Boating Certificate they received on-line, was from an un-approved source and not sanctioned by NH. Be careful when taking the on-line version of the course. But if you want to be certain that your efforts (and money) will be time well spent, check with your local Marine Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadron for sanctioned courses.

Here are some links for locating a course nearest you.
http://www.usps.org/d_stuff/locate.html
http://www.nh.gov/safety/ss/links.html

[SBC]

First offense: $60, subsequent offenses: $300 each.

Take the classroom course as it offers an experienced instructor to answer your questions, good interaction with other boaters and a hands-on approach. When you successfully complete the classroom course your certificate is honored by 35 other NASBLA states. You do want to boat in other states don't you? I rent one every time I go to FL.

The on-line course test is considered an unproctored test and may not be honored by those participating states-some will, some won't. Which ones? Don't know...

The point is: get the best-go to the class. It's only 7 1/2 hours out of your life, unless you choose to study ahead of time and it's only going to cost you $20. You only have to do it once as the certificate is good for life, unless your really bad and then it gets revoked.

That small investment could save a life, yours or someone elses. A good investment indeed.

SBC

[New Hampshire Native]

I just completed the online course with a 95%. The questions I missed, I misread (tricky sometimes). I am also taking the course at Lakes Region General Hospital in August. I have never driven a boat, never owned one. I wanted to do the safety training BEFORE doing either one. I plan on owning a boat by the end of summer. I have learned more from this forum than I could probably learn in either course, but I believe that the safety training should be mandatory like a driver's license for a car. When I was 15 and "practicing" for my car driver's license, I needed someone in the car at least 25 years old and had a driver's license already. But before I could drive the car on my own, I needed to have that license in my hand and completed all the training. I feel the same should apply to boats. From what I have read, most of the accidents and incidents (80%) happen with folks that have never been through the course. Sounds like logic to me.

[Tired of Waiting]

Originally Posted by New Hampshire Native

I just completed the online course with a 95%. The questions I missed, I misread (tricky sometimes).

The question missed????

"Where's the back of the boat?" Just kidding New Hampshire Native!!

Noticed you are new here and took an opportunity to jab you to give me a chance to:

WELCOME you to the forum. Lots of nice folks here, well maybe not me in your eyes now. Glad you joined us.

ToW

[New Hampshire Native]

One had to do with channel markers, was none of the above, but I misread the answer I picked. One had to do with an anchored boat, once again I misread (knew the actual answer, but my fault), another had to do with with PWC and rules they had to follow. I don't remember what the other one was about. I can take ribbing, but I can dish it out, too . I am glad to be a part of the boards and will frequent here.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by jrc

I've searched the NH laws, and as far as I can tell there is no law requiring you to have a photo ID....

WRONG!

Ok, it's a little silly dredging up an old topic and replying to my own post. But what I said about not needing a Photo ID is wrong. So I felt I had to correct it.

So here is the law, check 1(c), seems like you must have and produce positive identification.

270:12-b Disobeying an Officer. –
I. No person, while operating or otherwise in charge of a vessel, raft, or float of any kind, type, or character or an amphibian or pontoon aircraft under step speed shall:
(a) Knowingly refuse, when requested by a peace officer or agent of the director, to give his name, address, and date of birth, and the name and address of the owner of the vessel, raft, float or amphibian or pontoon aircraft of any kind, type, or character;
(b) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to sign his name in the presence of such officer or agent;
(c) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to produce some means of positive identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other document, or to verify his identity by some other means so that the identity of the operator or person otherwise in charge of a vessel can be determined with reasonable certainty by such peace officer or agent of the director;
(d) Knowingly neglect to stop when signaled to stop by any peace officer or agent of the director, who is in uniform or who displays his badge conspicuously on the outside of his outer coat or garment, or who signals such person to stop by means of any authorized audible or visual emergency warning signals; or otherwise willfully attempt to elude pursuit by a peace officer or agent of the director by increasing speed, extinguishing lights while still in motion, or abandoning a vessel while being pursued;
(e) Knowingly refuse, when requested by a peace officer or agent of the director, to:
(1) direct said amphibian or pontoon aircraft, vessel, raft, or float to shore or to any dock, wharf, or mooring designated by said officer or agent;
(2) follow any vessel operated or controlled by any peace officer or agent of the director to any point on shore, or any wharf or mooring designated by said officer or agent; or
(3) allow said officer or agent to direct or tow said boat, raft, or float to any point on shore or to any dock, wharf, or mooring.
II. Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of this section or provides a false name, address, or date of birth shall be guilty of a misdemeanor

[Skip]

Originally Posted by jrc

WRONG!

Ok, it's a little silly dredging up an old topic and replying to my own post. But what I said about not needing a Photo ID is wrong. So I felt I had to correct it.

So here is the law, check 1(c), seems like you must have and produce positive identification.

270:12-b Disobeying an Officer. –

...(c) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to produce some means of positive identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other document, or to verify his identity by some other means so that the identity of the operator or person otherwise in charge of a vessel can be determined with reasonable certainty by such peace officer or agent of the director; ...

Actually JRC, you were right the first time.

There is no requirement to produce a photo ID. If you carefully read sub-section c, in particular the section highlighted in red, you see the caveat.

The usual way to identify an individual without verifiable documentation is to ascertain the name, address and date of birth of the person in question. A license check will be run through the State the individual claims and the physical descriptors from the license data base will be matched against the operator's characteristics. In most cases, the officer can also obtain the social security number of the individual being claimed, and ask the operator for part of that number. Most agencies no longer give out the entire number for security reasons, but be expected to know the last four digits of same.

Believe me, with today's technology very few people slip through the crack.

On the not too distant horizon officers in the field will have access to photo and fingerprint data bases for instant "in the field" identification. Some departments in the State already are employing this technology at the police cruiser or command post level. In other parts of the country, this information is available on handheld palm pilot like devices.

Anyway, its a lot easier on both parties if a posive means of identity, preferably a driver's license, is always handy. But if caught short, you will not violate the law if you cooperate with the investigating officer and answer his or her questions on your identity honestly.....

[jrc]

Thanks Skip, I see the loop-hole.

But I'll still try to remember to bring the ID. Never was an issue on the boat, need the wallet to buy gas. But I never bothered in the canoe, just brought the fishing license.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by jrc

Thanks Skip, I see the loop-hole.

But I'll still try to remember to bring the ID. Never was an issue on the boat, need the wallet to buy gas. But I never bothered in the canoe, just brought the fishing license.

You raise a very interesting and timely issue with your observations.

Although I am digressing from the original intent of this thread (sorry Don) there is much debate in this country, especially post 9/11, about the requirements being placed on individuals within a free society to carry on their persons positive identification at all times, and the times, places and conditions placed upon them to produce such identification.

It is a tight rope walk that law enforcement officers in New Hampshire must walk each and every day as they interact with the public. Remember, New Hampshire is still very conservative in its approach to regulating individual rights and responsibilites. The "loop holes" placed by the legislature in the license producing requirements are just but a few examples where our legislative leaders err on the side of the individual citizen, and place the burden on the government.

Police officers in New Hampshire are taught to place great emphasis on observing the rights of the public they serve. Given todays realities, it is an obligation more important than ever to understand and uphold.

[SBC]

Police officers in New Hampshire are taught to place great emphasis on observing the rights of the public they serve. Given todays realities, it is an obligation more important than ever to understand and uphold.


Skip is so right and knows what importance is placed on respecting our citizens by NH's law enforcement folks. Occasionally you may hear of a discourteous officer but put yourself in their shoes...if you had to put up with some of the just plain stupid things that some people do you might get a little frustrated doing the job. Now think about that in the context of Marine Patrol and the various individuals they come in contact with.

[BroadHopper]

I took the safety course the first year that they were taught. I have a 8.5 by 11" peice of paper that says I pass the course. It is getting pretty faded and worned. When I had to present it to the MP a month ago during a VSC, the officer was cursing about the readability of the paper. I notice PWC operators have a plastic ID card that they put on their ket chain. Is this exclusive to PWC owners? It would be convenience to have such a card.

[Bear Islander]

The certificate is now a credit card size piece of plastic. I know you can get a duplicate from the marine patrol for a $10 fee. You can print out the form from the link below, there is also a phone number for questions. I don't see why they wouldn't honor your old one if they can read it.

http://www.state.nh.us/safety/ss/rep...yment_form.pdf

[Bubba]

Rinkerfam

My card is the same as RLW. I took it when the program started. (2000?) I am so old that I am not "due" until 2008 but figured to get it done.

Tangent - 150' more than ROW. Both are important, however a head on collision is a serious 150' violation. Should have stopped and argued the ROW.

[jetskier]

I actually took the online course several years ago and lost track of my certificate. I decided to take a classroom safety course last year (even though I have until 2008). The certificate is paper and not all that condusive to jetskiing. I made a color copy of the certificate and use that in my PWC. I assume that this is kosher and I am not violating any rules. Yes?

[DRH]

Originally Posted by jetskier

I decided to take a classroom safety course last year (even though I have until 2008). The certificate is paper and not all that condusive to jetskiing.

Your certificate is paper? We took the Marine Patrol safe boating course in 2003 and our certificates are plastic, like drivers' licenses but without photos.

[New Hampshire Native]

You have to pay $10.00 and apply for a PERMANENT plastic card. The paper certificate expired 45 days after you got it.

[Cruiser]

The Coast Guard Aux and The Power Squadron issue Paper Certificates that are valid for ever. If you wish a plastic card you may take the certificate to the Marine Patrol and get a plastic card for $10.

[New Hampshire Native]

I was referring to the temporary paper license you get for taking the course online. This is taken from the first page of the Boater Safety Course online.

A few easy steps is all it takes for you to comply with the law and save money:
Study the Boat New Hampshire online course material in each chapter and then complete the chapter exercises.

Compare your answers to the correct answers for that exercise. Re-study any material you may have answered incorrectly.

Continue in this manner until all six boating education chapters have been covered.

Take the Practice Test as many times as you like—free of charge—to ensure you've mastered the information. A different set of questions is presented each time you take the boat safety test.
Then if you wish to receive your New Hampshire Boater Education Certificate, take the Certification Exam. There is a $15 charge when you complete the certification exam that will be collected online, payable by a valid credit card and collected via a secure transaction using Verisign Secure Server Digital ID. This fee is collected whether you pass or fail. Follow the directions found at the beginning of the certification test. You must be at least 16 years old to take the online exam and to be eligible for your New Hampshire Boater Education Certificate. NOTE: If you are required to take a boating safety course because you have received a boating citation, you must take a classroom course.

If you pass the online boating test (achieve a score of 80% or better), you will be able to immediately print out a temporary New Hampshire Boater Education Certificate that will be valid for 45 days. If you pass, you will also be able to purchase your permanent New Hampshire Boater Education Certificate online, which will then be mailed to you by the New Hampshire Marine Patrol before your temporary certificate expires.

Passing the New Hampshire boating safety course will also make you eligible for a discount on your boat or PWC insurance with many insurance providers.Send a copy of your New Hampshire Boater Education Certificate to your boat insurance agency and start receiving your insurance savings!

[PROPELLER]

I received the paper certificate the night I passed the classroom test. I was mailed a laminated plastic one a few months later & it was free, not $10. The 2 night class was also free.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by PROPELLER

I received the paper certificate the night I passed the classroom test. I was mailed a laminated plastic one a few months later & it was free, not $10. The 2 night class was also free.

We were charged $10 each for the MP classroom course in 2003. We got paper certificates immediately after passing the test, but we then had to mail in a form and pay an additional $10 each for the laminated plastic certificates. According to the Marine Patrol's web site, those are now the standard fees.

[PROPELLER]

Either they changed it since I received mine or they made a mistake. Mine was free.

[New Hampshire Native]

That is correct. The course is now all day or 2 nights for $10 either way for a temporary certificate, then mail another $10.00 for permanent card. Why not just charge $20.00 for the course and mail the permanent card.....the paper only lasts 45 days. Seems like a waste of time to jump through hoops for the permanent card.

[kunamola]

When I took the course last year there were no hoops to jump through. If you wanted a permanent card you paid for it by filling out a form, after you passed the test, with the address which you want the card mailed. That way people who do not pass the test do not have to pay for the plastic card. Or people who are temporarily in the state and wish to operate a boat and do not need the plastic card do not have to pay for it.

The state has contracted with a company that issues the card and the information and card issue fee go forward to that company to mail you the card. It would take a lot of fancy equipment for the instructor to issue a card the night you took the class, thus the temporary paper license.

[SBC]

The manufacture of the cards is handled by an outside contractor so there has to be seperate paper created to order the card. Still seems like it should be a no-brainer to order on anyway but hey-the state runs on paper and duplicity.

Does anyone know if the plastic card floats?

[New Hampshire Native]

..the paper one does

[SAMIAM]

All of the questions in the test are very similar in all of the states.I took the NH test and then Florida right after.Only difference was a few questions relating to the Intercoastal....navigation and markers etc. piece of cake.