Last year, boat sales hit an all-time high. Boating has become enormously popular, with over 87 million Americans hopping on boats each year. It’s easy to see why: boats offer fishing, water skiing, and hanging out with friends.
Joining the world of recreational boating isn’t as simple as buying a boat and getting on the water, though. Before you can hit the waves, you’ll likely need a boating license.
Different states have different laws regarding boating education, but nearly every state requires a boating license of some kind. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with your local boating license law.
Once you do, there are several benefits to getting your boating license. Read on to learn about them.
Keep Yourself Safe
The most important part of obtaining a boating license is that it teaches you boat safety. There are a lot of dangers on the water, from bad weather to other, less careful boaters.
By taking the necessary courses for your boating license, you’ll learn important boating rules that will protect both you and your passengers.
Learning boat safety isn’t just good for your physical health; it’s good for your mental health, too. It provides you with peace of mind. After all, you don’t want to spoil your fun day by worrying about crashing your boat!
Renting Boats
Not everyone who loves boating can afford to buy a boat. Even if you do have your own boat, it’s not always feasible to take it everywhere. There are many times when renting a boat is your best option.
In states that require a boating license (which, again, is nearly all of them), you won’t be able to rent a boat without a boating license.
Think of it like a car. You wouldn’t be able to rent a car without your driver’s license, right? Boats work the same way. Thus, a boating license opens up many new opportunities for a boater.
Take Your Boating License Anywhere
One of the best features of a boating license is that it applies anywhere in the United States. If you move across state lines, there’s no need to get a new boating license; you can keep using the one you already have.
In other words, boat safety rules don’t change based on location. You only have to get your boating license once, and then you can use it anywhere in America.
Legal Coverage
In addition to keeping your physical body safe, a boating license can keep your wallet safe. You can face steep fines for boating without a license, as well as other penalties.
If a boating accident occurs and you don’t have a boating license, things could look even worse! It would be hard to argue that you weren’t the cause if you haven’t taken boat safety courses.
Enjoy the Open Water
A boating license gives you the freedom to hit the water where and when you want. It also provides you with peace of mind, equipping you with the knowledge to keep yourself and others safe.
Of course, a boating license isn’t just a good idea: it’s the law! Check our blog for more legal advice and information!
