State agencies offer free boating safety classes Published March 31, 2010 KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two state agencies, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are teaming up to sponsor boat and water safety classes starting this month through August. The free classes are taught in Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties and are open to all ages. Preregistration is required. Biloxi -- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 10 and May 15, taught by MDWFP; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, taught by DMR marine patrol. Courses are taught at the Bolton State Office Building, 1141 Bayview Avenue. Pascagoula -- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 3 and June 4, taught by MDWFP at the Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area Headquarters, 816 Wade Vancleave Road. Gautier -- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 31 and Aug 28, taught by DMR marine patrol at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Estuarine Education Center, 2300 Highway 90. Kiln -- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22 and June 26, taught by MDWFP at the Kiln Public Library, 17065 Highway 603. Bay St. Louis -- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 24 and Aug. 14 by the DMR marine patrol at the Mississippi Power Co. Auditorium, 300 Highway 90. To register for a free boating safety class taught by DMR Marine Patrol, or to bring a class to your school, call DMR marine patrol dispatch, 1-228- 523-4134. To register for a boating safety class taught by the MDWFP, call 1-601928-3720. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit the DMR Web site at www.dmr.ms.gov. The courses introduce topics such as boat registration, navigation rules, trailering, first aid response and weather watch into a comprehensive one-day class. Students learn the history of boat and water safety, the duties of the DMR's Marine Patrol, what to expect in the certification course and why certification is necessary. "In 2009, we saw a significant increase in boating accidents, while enrollment in regularly-scheduled boater safety classes was down," said DMR Marine Patrol Lt. Richard Cooley. "Participation in the class can be a very effective tool for boaters." In order to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Mississippi, those born after June 30, 1980, are required to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and to have a certificate of satisfactory completion in their possession while operating the vessel. In Mississippi, it's against the law for anyone under 12 years old to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft unless they possess a certificate and are accompanied by a parent, guardian or other person who is at least 21 years of age. A wearable type life jacket is required onboard for all persons on boats in Mississippi waters. Anyone riding or operating a personal watercraft in Mississippi waters must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved type 1, 2, or 3 personal flotation device. Anyone who hasn't reached their 13th birthday must wear a PFD at all times when underway in a vessel under 26 feet in length.