ODNR expands their lifesaving boater safety training
ODNR is now offering the Ohio Boating Education Course online in Spanish.
Submitted
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is now offering its online Ohio Boating Education Course in Spanish, expanding access to boater safety training for Spanish-speaking communities.
“This is a significant step toward making boating safer and more inclusive for all Ohioans,” ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glenn Cob said. “By offering this course in Spanish, we’re breaking down language barriers and creating more opportunities for families to safely experience Ohio’s beautiful waterways.”
The Ohio Boating Education Course is a vital resource for boaters in the state. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, is required to complete a safety course before operating a boat or personal watercraft with 10 horsepower or more. Now Spanish-speaking boaters can access the same training to meet Ohio’s boater education requirements.
According to a 2017 study by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Discover Boating, Hispanic boaters represent a fast-growing segment of first-time boat buyers. The 2018 Hispanic Fishing and Boating Trends Study found 45% of Hispanic respondents said fishing and boating are part of their cultural heritage, 54% consider outdoor activities important for family bonding, and 82% believe it is essential to teach children to value nature and the environment.
ODNR aims to reduce barriers to boating education, promote safe boating practices, and encourage family-friendly outdoor recreation. The Spanish-language course provides the same education as the English version, covering topics such as vessel operation, navigation rules, emergency preparedness and Ohio-specific regulations.
There are multiple ways to meet Ohio’s boater education requirement including online, classroom, home study or proficiency exam options. Online courses including those offered through Boat-ed.com allow users to complete the training at their own pace. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate or card verifying their credentials. Ohio also accepts certificates from other states or U.S. territories, as long as they meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and U.S. Coast Guard standards.
Visit www.boat-ed.com/ohio/?language=es_US.
