Hawaii May Require Boaters to Take Safety Class

Hawaii may require skippers of power driven boats in state waters to complete a boating safety course.

Board of Land and Natural Resources Chairman William Aila says the oceans are increasingly crowded as people dive and paddle farther from shore. He says more and more fatal ocean accidents are occurring in Hawaii.

The board will consider a proposal requiring the safety course when it meets next Friday.

Aila says the experience of other states shows boating education saves lives and reduces accidents.

Seasoned boaters would be able to take equivalency exams under the proposal.

New boaters could take an online course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron organizations offer classes with more detailed instruction.