MSHP to Participate in ‘Spring Aboard’ Campaign for Boaters

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate in the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Spring Aboard campaign.

The MSHP says the campaign was developed by NASBLA, and is produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The annual Spring Aboard campaign is a way to educate boaters and help prepare for the boating season by providing information on how to enroll in a boater education course. The campaign emphasizes enrollment in approved courses which meet the national boating educational standard.

The Spring Aboard campaign is also a way to encourage boaters to register for a certified boating educational course during the week of March 18 - 24. The Patrol says that 49 states and U.S. territories require some form of boater education.

Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes, to possess a certified boating safety education card and photo ID. This includes personal watercraft operators.

Boaters can sign up for a certified course in a classroom or take an online course by visiting the Patrol’s website. Look under Training on the Patrol’s homepage for the “Boat Safety Education & Certification” link. The classroom courses provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol are free, but registration is required and the boater ID card costs $15.00.

“The primary boating season is right around the corner in Missouri,” said Col. Karsten, “and our many beautiful waterways provide the opportunity for all types of boating activities. The Patrol encourages those who have not already taken a course to sign up for a boating safety class now. This ensures you’re ready to boat safely when the boating season arrives.”