West Virginia Wildlife Federation

Online boating safety course now available on any mobile device, recognized by West Virginia Division of Natural Resource Law Enforcement

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must successfully complete a Boating Safety Education Course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft upon the waters of West Virginia. Free Boating Safety classes are offered across the state by Natural Resources Police Officers of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. In recent years, boaters also have had the option of taking an online course on a computer. Now, that online option is available on any mobile device by connecting to the newly revamped www.boat-ed.com. Access to the course structured for West Virginia can be accessed by visiting www.boat-ed.com/westvirginia .

"With half of all adults in the U.S. now owning smartphones or tablets, and with e-readers gaining in popularity, it makes sense for boat-ed.com to be mobile ready," said Edward Cossette, user experience manager for Kalkomey, parent company of boat-ed.com. "The pages at boat-ed.com are automatically resized according to the device used, from a smartphone to Internet TV and everything in between, no app required."

The training at boat-ed.com is state-approved and covers the same material that's taught in the classroom. The new mobile-ready site features detailed illustrations, interactive animations and videos.

Regardless of what device students use to take the boater safety course, they'll learn safe boating skills such as casting off and docking, understanding traffic laws on the water, dealing with emergencies and more.

Students who must receive their boater education certificate or boating license pay a one-time fee, which is due only if they pass the course. After passing the course at boat-ed.com, students in most states can print out the temporary certificate and immediately begin enjoying safe boating.

The recognized leader in boating safety, Boat Ed® is an official provider of print and Internet boating safety courses for 49 states, plus the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. For more information, visit www.boat-ed.com.

WVDNR offers free classes in many areas across the state. Boaters can find the next class offered closest to them by visiting the WVDNR website at http://wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Boater_Ed/Classes.htm