Do you love sailing? Have you ever thought about getting a boating license and taking out a boat on the sea by yourself?
Boating is a relaxing activity, one that’s proven by science to reduce stress. Check out our blog post, “The Science of Boating – How It Relaxes You,” to learn more about how this leisure water sport helps you battle depression and anxiety.
Now that we have convinced you to rent a boat and take it for a sail, you probably want to know more about that boating course.
Some states require you to have a boating license before they let you loose on the sea. Every state has a certain age.
In Texas, a 13-year-old is allowed to operate a boat with more than 15 horsepower on their own if they have a license. A person born before September 1993 is not allowed to operate a boat more than 14 ft. long.
One of the best things about completing a boater education course is that insurance companies offer you a discount on your boating insurance policy. So, what does the course contain?
It teaches you the basic information about how to boat and dock. The final test has several multiple choice questions, which you have to complete in a few hours. Once you have passed the course, your license will be issued online, from where you can print it and get on a boat.
Getting a Boating License
Evert state has different requirements when it comes to giving a boating license. As mentioned above, most states ask for a boating license if you want to operate a boat by yourself. Compared to the course for a driving license, a boating course is not that comprehensive
Here’s what you need to do to get your boating license:
- Research the requirements of the boater education course in your state
- Take an in-person or online boating education and safety course
- Pass the exam and successful test drive a boat
- Pay the course fee to get your boating license
- Print out your license and keep it on you at all times when on the water
If you live in a state where a boating license is not required, we recommend that you still take one to become familiar with the basics of boating. Some people assume that driving a boat is similar to driving a car. However, this is not true.
While driving, you are on a steady, straight road. You don’t have to take into account the wind or if there’s a rainstorm coming. On the other hand, when you are on the water, things like navigation, knowing the wind’s direction, emergency preparation, and more become essential.
Nowadays, most people prefer a motor boat over a sailboat because adjusting the latter can be tricky and is usually a two-man job.
If you have your boating license and are considering buying a boat, why not look into boat docks too? Visit the EZ Dock Texas website and browse their products section for floating docks and dock accessories. For more information, call on (800) 654-8168.
