A bill that requires boating safety classes for young boat operators cleared the House.
The House changed the Senate bill to exclude anyone 26 or older from the requirement. The Senate version would have grandfathered boaters who are now 24. Eventually the Senate version would have required safety classes, or passing a test, for everyone.
The House version now returns to the Senate which can agree with the House changes or send the bill to a conference committee.
The House version applies to vessels with at least a 10-horsepower motor, including personal water craft. The House bill allows a young boater to skip the classes if he or she can pass a test.
"It's about safety education," said Rep. Arthur Williams, a Washington Democrat.
Rep. Marilyn Avila, a Raleigh Republican, said the bill didn't do enough.
"We're asking people to go online and take a test and get the right to put a vehicle or vessel or personal water craft on a lake or in the river that is in some cases horsepower equal to a Mustang GT," she said.
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Re: Boating classes bill sails through House
So, ain't talking about me. Skeet, skeet! If they had the common sense God gives upon arrival, they would have old sailors teach the class. Because they lived through it. Honestly, I was too young to get a skippership from Camp Morehead, but I loved sitting through class. It is very rewarding in the long haul.