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Boating is one pastime that any individual can enjoy. Just imagine you and your loved ones out in the water on a decent boat enjoying the moment. What a life! Any person can take a boat for a cruise in Missouri. But it does not mean that you should, especially if you do not know what you are doing. That is why the state has boating safety courses available for the taking. So today, we will tackle the state’s boating safety course and everything you need to know about taking it.
Missouri Boating License
The state requires an individual to have a boating license if they wish to have any boating activities in the area. You can get one after finishing a boating safety course online. Boating education is a must for those who were born after January 1, 1984. The same rule applies to any person who wishes to boat around any Missouri river or lake.
A Boating Safety Course?
It is a must for any boating enthusiast. As boating can get quite complicated, especially for the common folk who have no proper knowledge or training. You need to consider a plethora of things as you take to the waters – weather conditions, safety, boat conditions, and so on. Such a course will prepare you with the skillset and knowledge to become a proficient boating individual. Plus, you will land yourself the state’s boating license.
What Is It About?
The safety boating curriculum comprises a total of six units, each tackling a set of subjects. Check the units out below:
- Unit 1: Before getting underway
This unit covers the basics of boating: learning about the parts, boat troubleshooting, and so on.
- Unit 2:Getting out of the water
This portion includes docking, casting off, waterway traffic laws, etc.
- Unit 3: Navigation and safety operation
Unit 3 of the course handles navigating and safely operating your boat. It also covers what to do with dams, locks, bridges, and so on.
- Unit 4: The state of Missouri’s legal requirements for boating
This part of the course is all about the legal aspects of boating in the state. You will learn about laws, rules, regulations, and other related information.
- Unit 5: Boating emergencies
The boating emergency part of the course is one of the most important ones. You will learn about what you need to do in an emergency scenario.
- Unit 6: Enjoying water sports
The last unit covers activities, including snorkeling, paddle craft, tubing, and so much more.
Taking The Course
The best way to have the course is through online means. This aspect means you will have access to live-action videos, instruction courses, and other subjects. The state of Missouri has the accreditation of most online boating safety courses, so you do not have to worry about their authenticity.
What you will have to do from this point would be:
- Study all the course materials
- Take the examination
- Print your online course completion document
- Prepare to board!
To add to the information, here are some things to take note of overall:
- The course is something you can take at your own pace
- You do not have to complete it all at once
- The class takes about a total of three hours to finish
- Quizzes and examinations may take more time
- You can retake the course quizzes and exams if you should fail one or more
- You do not have to be a resident of the state of Missouri to take the online course
- There is no minimum age requirement to take the course
- You have the option to take it any time of the year
- You can take the course on any sort of mobile device, including iPhones, Android phones and tablets, and so on.
How Much Would The Boating Safety Course Cost?
Several people mention that you have to spend a fortune to take the course. That is not the case. In reality, you can take a Missouri boater safety course that’s not a burden to your wallet. It is only $24.70. Plus, you will pay an additional $17.00 as a state fee. That’s about it. It is quite a neat amount to pay for to have a permanent opportunity to boat around the state’s rivers and lakes.
Once You Get To The Waters
It will be nothing but smooth sailing from this point onward. But you still have to keep in mind some things as you enjoy a cruise. Here are some of them:
- It is paramount that you keep your license on board at all times. It would be best to put it in a place that is accessible at any moment.
- You have to check your boat to see if it is in the proper condition to head for a cruise.
- Find out about any weather anomalies before you head out. Doing so will save you from the trouble of boating in stormy weather and unruly waters.
