Learning to operate a boat is much like learning to drive a car. The basics of navigation are fairly clear, but many lessons are learned simply through observation over time. It’s as much about teaching a new operator what not to do as anything.
For youngsters beginning the transition from childhood to young adulthood, there’s a tremendous urge to take part in the operation of the boat they’re on, to know starboard from port, to take an occasional turn at the tiller or the wheel and to contribute to the enjoyment of the day. By capitalizing on this urge, you can keep them safer while teaching them more than they’d ever imagined there was to know at the same time.
Boat operators in Mississippi who were born after June 30, 1980, must earn and carry a boater education card, the course and test for which can be completed online at mdwfp.com.
There’s no minimum age for the test, though captains 12 years old and younger must have at least one passenger 21 years old or older along when they’re operating a boat. Learning what they’ll need to know to put the course in perspective can best be started through a few basic rules and samples of knowledge that will keep them safe along the way.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, youngsters should:
- Be shown how to shut down and stop a running boat, as well as the very basics of the boat’s operation pretty much as soon as they’re physically able to perform them, in case they should need to do so in an emergency situation.
- Help the captain by watching for other boats that might be crossing their boat’s path, and by looking for floating objects as well as submerged logs and rocks.
- Let the captain know if they hear a horn or other alert noise coming from another boat.
- Wear their personal flotation device at all times, especially while the boat is underway.
- Remain seated while the boat is in motion.
- Never drag their feet or hands in the water while the boat is moving.
- Know where the fire extinguisher and first aid kits are kept and learn how to use them.
- Let the captain know if they see bad weather, rain or lightning heading their way.
- Help at the boat ramp when launching or loading by standing clear and helping watch for others.
- Let others know when they’re getting on or off the boat, then learn to do so safely by keeping their center of gravity low and moving smoothly.
- Always get out of the boat while it’s being refueled.
Beyond learning the nomenclature of the water and memorizing the particular rules about crossing another boat’s path, almost everything else has a firm basis in logic that can be pointed out or demonstrated.
By learning to be aware of what’s going on and what other boat operators are doing and are likely to be about to do, your youngsters can take their first safe steps toward operating the boat on their own, opening the way to a lifetime of enjoyment on the water.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
