Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : April 17, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Sgt. James Vance, Law Enforcement Section (304) 924-6211 law@wvdnr.gov

Boater Education Course in Upshur County April 19-20

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will sponsor a Boater Education Course in Upshur County at the West Virginia Wildlife Center, I&E Building, on April 19 and 20 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. each evening. This is a seven-hour course and students must attend all sessions to be certified. Anyone born after December 31, 1986 , must pass this course or receive an equivalency certificate before operating a motorboat (including personal watercraft) on the waters of the state.

  The class is open to the public and free of charge. Anyone who completes the course will receive a certification card that is recognized in all 50 states. In some cases, completion of the course also will result in lower boat insurance rates. Students must be 11 years old to receive a certification card. A parent or other adult must accompany students under age 12.

  Subjects covered during the course are

•  Know your boat

•  Before you get underway

•  Operating your boat…safely

•  The legal requirements of boating

•  Boating emergencies…what to do

•  Enjoying water sports with your boat

  Pre-registration is required. Call 924-6211 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to pre-register for the course. Please bring your Social Security card to the class with you. For information about taking the equivalency exam, please call Sgt. James Vance at (304) 924-6211 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or contact your local conservation officer.

**DNR**