Making Waves – Get a License

Mandatory boater education for all ages is fast becoming a reality in New Hampshire. Under a law passed in 2000, any boater under the age of 31 needs to be certified if operating a vessel with any more than 25 horsepower. By 2008, all state boaters will need to be certified.
Fortunately, the state has also made it relatively painless to get that certificate. Candidates need only take a class, purchase a video, or elect an online study course to learn the basics. The end result, naturally, is a test, but once you pass you’re legal — and probably a whole lot safer PWC operator than you were beforehand.
Free Safety On The Net
Speaking of online-type courses, Kawasaki Motors Corporation, the Northwest Personal Watercraft Safety Project, and the United States Power Squadron have teamed up to produce a free boating safety course has been developed and placed on the Internet at PWCSafetySchool.com.
The only online course tailored to PWC enthusiasts, the course is approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, and can be used to fulfill various state’s boating safety education requirements. Content is based on the Power Squadron’s Jet Smart PWC program; the online course features a handbook and test with both multiple choice and matching-type questions.
“Kawasaki has supported boating education for years and is pleased to join the U.S. Power Squadrons to launch this PWC-oriented boating education course,” said Roger Hagie, director of public affairs for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. “I would encourage every Kawasaki JET SKI watercraft operator, as well as all other PWC operators, to take the free online course.”
Each state in the PWCSafetySchool.com program has its own folder with state-specific information. For the states where an online boating education course is accepted, those folders contain both the U.S. nationwide boating rules as well as the appropriate state-specific rules.
For states with regulations that call for classroom sessions or monitored examinations, the state “Welcome Page” provides the information needed to meet the specific state requirements.
Some states may charge a fee for the boating education certificate; information regarding the payment of such fees will be found on the individual state pages. Certain states will require submission of name, age or address to permit the state to issue an education certificate.
Jamboree Winner To receive PWC
With the 2004 AWA National PWC Jamboree just around the corner, PM Sports Marketing offered a little more incentive for riders to participate in the poker run. The winner will be offered the choice of one of four different PWC models as their grand prize, including a Honda AquaTrax F-12, Polaris MSX 140, Sea-Doo Gti, or Yamaha XLT-1200.
The three-day, family-oriented Jamboree kicks off May 2t at Nashville Shores Park in Nashville, Tenn. In addition to the poker run, organizers plan to include dinners, parties, demo rides, a freestyle show, and a collection of other fun events for all ages.
For more information log on to www.pwcfun.com or contact PM Sports Marketing at 586/598-2856.
Land’N’Sea Opens
New Distribution Center
Land ’N ’Sea has opened a new distribution center in Houston, Texas, its parent company, Brunswick Corp., reported in a statement today. The new 30,000-square-foot facility represents Land ’N’ Sea’s 14th location in North America.
The company said the distribution center provides dealers access to Land ‘N’ Sea’s selection of general marine supplies, boatyard items and Mercury and Quicksilver products.
Through a separate Engine Power Center agreement, Land ‘N’ Sea will also distribute new and rebuilt MerCruiser engines and drives from this warehouse, reported Brunswick.
“By bringing this new facility on-line, Land ‘N’ Sea is one step closer to fulfilling our goal of a coast-to-coast distribution network,” explained Randy Gray, vice president and general manager of the Brunswick Boat Group Parts and Accessories business.
Gulf Islands May Reopen
Gulf Islands National Seashore has added its name to the list of national parks that have, or at least appear ready, to once again allow PWC access to their waters. The park has completed the required environmental assessment (a whopping 263 pages in total) and has offered three alternatives, the preferred of which would allow PWC to return to the park. A period of public comment extended through May 18.
The catch? Though the “preferred” language indeed indicates renewed PWC acceptance, Park Superintendent Jerry Eubanks has indicated that by the time the process goes through several levels of approval, the summer season will again be past.
In addition, the PWIA is not supporting the language of the preferred alternative, noting that it unfairly singles out PWC from other boats, a conflict with Florida state law, and fails to adequately assess the negative economic impact the ban has had on the industry as well as local business owners. psb