New Hampshire Classroom Course for Boating Education

[Winnisquamer]

For the record if you do not pass please stay away from me on the lake it was honestly one of the easiest test I've ever taken after sitting through eight hours of a guy telling you what the answers were.. Just my .002

[Knomad]

Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate.
New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:
1.A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
2.A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
3.A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
4.An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.
5.An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire.

Both the Classroom Courses and the Proctored Exams are offered at a number of locations around the state.

Most of the Classroom courses are on Saturdays from 9:00 - 4:30 and they fill up fast. The State proctored examination is included with the classroom course and is given during the last hour of the class. If you pass, you will receive a temporary certificate good for 45 days. Your permanent certificate will be sent to you in the mail.
Registration for the Classroom Course is now on-line at:
https://register-ed.com/programs/newhampshire/174

If you prefer to take the online course go to:
https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

Upon successful completion of the online course, you must register and successfully pass a proctored exam before receiving your certificate. After completing your course online, register online for your proctored exam:
https://register-ed.com/programs/newhampshire/175
Most of the Proctored Exams are on Friday evenings starting at 4:00 or 5:00.

Persons between the age of 15 and 16 may also take the course or exam but will not receive their certificate until their 16th birthday.

[persistence]

Hi, can someone tell me if the NH class / test is geared for more for the lake and navigation? Looking to have a 15 year old take it, but she may also take a CG aux power squadron class in MA. As I understand it, that would allow her to take the NH exam, or be reciprocal to NH. But I'm wondering if there is Lake info in the class that she would be better off with. And if so, she may wind up doing both

thx

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by persistence

Hi, can someone tell me if the NH class / test is geared for more for the lake and navigation? Looking to have a 15 year old take it, but she may also take a CG aux power squadron class in MA. As I understand it, that would allow her to take the NH exam, or be reciprocal to NH. But I'm wondering if there is Lake info in the class that she would be better off with. And if so, she may wind up doing both

thx

The NH class will go over this state's unique way of marking nav hazards and NH specific laws.

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by Knomad

Everyone 16 years of age and older who operates a motorboat over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must have a boating education certificate.
New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:
1.A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA approved.
2.A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.
3.A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
4.An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.
5.An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New Hampshire.

Both the Classroom Courses and the Proctored Exams are offered at a number of locations around the state.

Most of the Classroom courses are on Saturdays from 9:00 - 4:30 and they fill up fast. The State proctored examination is included with the classroom course and is given during the last hour of the class. If you pass, you will receive a temporary certificate good for 45 days. Your permanent certificate will be sent to you in the mail.
Registration for the Classroom Course is now on-line at:
https://register-ed.com/programs/newhampshire/174

If you prefer to take the online course go to:
https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

Upon successful completion of the online course, you must register and successfully pass a proctored exam before receiving your certificate. After completing your course online, register online for your proctored exam:
https://register-ed.com/programs/newhampshire/175
Most of the Proctored Exams are on Friday evenings starting at 4:00 or 5:00.

Persons between the age of 15 and 16 may also take the course or exam but will not receive their certificate until their 16th birthday.

Interestingly, the New Hampshire commercial boat license (see item #5 above) does not require any classroom or online course completion. Just sign up for and take the test. Study materials are available online, and the test itself is not difficult to pass. The license costs $15 and is valid for five years. You never have to retest, unless you let the license lapse.

[Closetzguy]

my two cents.......I did the on-line "Ohio" version couple of years ago for I was under a time constraint and no local classes were available. Ohio lets you do the 6 hours on line study and the final exam is also online. You then print out your certificate and a NASBLA card shows up in the mail a couple of weeks later.

2 weeks ago I did the class room (one day) class at the Windham Fire Department because my wife and daughter needed to get their licenses for the jet skis....(PWC's)

So as someone who has done it both ways I would say you would retain more doing the study work on line....you can take your time, the videos are outstanding and you just spend more time on the basic material.

The 'in-class" method offers a more social experience, but there is more opportunity to get off topic for too long. The instructor had lots of Lake Winni experience so that helped.....where the online does not have any local info.

As a side note....I asked the instructor if marine patrol has any issue with the Ohio NASBLA card....he said "not really" but stated that there is no way to prove the person actually took the test themselves.....and they just want to make sure people have the best education they can get.

Either way, the test is very passable. 25/25 passed the in-class test. Hope this helps.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by Closetzguy

Ohio lets you do the 6 hours on line study and the final exam is also online. You then print out your certificate and a NASBLA card shows up in the mail a couple of weeks later...I asked the instructor if marine patrol has any issue with the Ohio NASBLA card....he said "not really" but stated that there is no way to prove the person actually took the test themselves.....and they just want to make sure people have the best education they can get.

According to the law, boating safety education from other states must "meet or exceed" the NH requirements. Since NH requires a proctored test, boating safety education from other states would also have to include a proctored test.

However, several years ago the Marine Patrol stated that their officers couldn't be expected to sort out the details of the requirements of 50 different states and that they would accept all NASBLA approved course certificates. As far as I know that is still their policy.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by webmaster

According to the law, boating safety education from other states must "meet or exceed" the NH requirements. Since NH requires a proctored test, boating safety education from other states would also have to include a proctored test.

However, several years ago the Marine Patrol stated that their officers couldn't be expected to sort out the details of the requirements of 50 different states and that they would accept all NASBLA approved course certificates. As far as I know that is still their policy.

That is exactly the issue..... they can't know the requirements in all 50 states.... For this system of basic knowledge to work, as long the course is NASBLA approved reciprocity must exist... This was a case where NH was trying to be the leader in this effort, and made a law based on what was believed to be the direction a NASBLA certification was going.... As it turns out NASBLA didn't decided a proctored exam was mandatory.... much like some states don't have a driver perform a 3 point turn....

Much like NH had to finally accept the boat registration format of the other 50 states, so will they have to provide reciprocity for the NASBLA approved courses....

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by webmaster

According to the law, boating safety education from other states must "meet or exceed" the NH requirements. Since NH requires a proctored test, boating safety education from other states would also have to include a proctored test.

However, several years ago the Marine Patrol stated that their officers couldn't be expected to sort out the details of the requirements of 50 different states and that they would accept all NASBLA approved course certificates. As far as I know that is still their policy.

With all due respect, the determination of what type of certificate "Meets or Exceeds" NH requirements is made by the State of New Hampshire, not individuals.

In any event, NH recognizes NASBLA certificates from other states.

From the NH Boating Guide

A Safe Boater Education Certificate
may be obtained by persons 16 years of
age or older only and must be carried on board.

New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:

A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA
approved.

A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.

A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.

An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New
Hampshire.

If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and
you do not have any of the above certificates, please visit our website
boatingeducation.nh.gov, or call us at 1-888-254-2125

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

With all due respect, the determination of what type of certificate "Meets or Exceeds" NH requirements is made by the State of New Hampshire, not individuals.

In any event, NH recognizes NASBLA certificates from other states.

From the NH Boating Guide

A Safe Boater Education Certificate
may be obtained by persons 16 years of
age or older only and must be carried on board.

New Hampshire accepts the following boating education certificates:

A boating certificate issued by another State agency and NASBLA
approved.

A boating certificate issued by the US Power Squadron.

A boating certificate issued by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the US Coast Guard.

An unexpired commercial boating license issued by the State of New
Hampshire.

If you wish to operate a motorboat on New Hampshire waters and
you do not have any of the above certificates, please visit our website
boatingeducation.nh.gov, or call us at 1-888-254-2125

Isn't the NHMP a "representative" of the state in regards to boating laws and their enforcement??....

[JTA]

I am a 71 year old boater (40 On Winni) years ago I took the US Power Squadtron course in Connecticut and was given the CT Boater safety card which I still carry assuming that it covers my boat operation in NH. I received the CT prior to being needed in NH as I was grandfathered for a while when the NH Licensing went into effect. I've always assumed I'm good in NH. Right or wrong?

[dpg]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamer

For the record if you do not pass please stay away from me on the lake it was honestly one of the easiest test I've ever taken after sitting through eight hours of a guy telling you what the answers were.. Just my .002

I know someone that didn't pass first time. It was taken in Concord and the instructors really didn't "answer" test questions straight out. It does depend where you take it, when given in our association in the past the instructors basically "try very hard" to not let you fail. It does depend where you take it and who your instructor is.

[Winnisquamer]

Originally Posted by dpg

I know someone that didn't pass first time. It was taken in Concord and the instructors really didn't "answer" test questions straight out. It does depend where you take it, when given in our association in the past the instructors basically "try very hard" to not let you fail. It does depend where you take it and who your instructor is.

The test isn't made to fail anyone. Calling it a proctored exam in my opinion is also a joke just to make it sound official. Yes by definition it is proctored but lets get serious there wasn't more than 4 questions on the test that required more than 10 seconds thought.

I'm not one of these people who's been boating on Winni since 1961 either so I don't have years of experience of the rules and lakes and etc so its not second nature to me. The questions were worded straight forward with no trickery. And someone correct me if I am wrong, cant you get 11 questions wrong and still pass? If you get 12 wrong you shouldn't be allowed on the lake for that season. Sorry, that's embarrassing.

Like someone else stated this isn't even a "licence" test this is basically I am proving to you I have the mental capacity to read a packet of papers, or sit there and listen like I did, on boat safety and general navigation then regurgitate how to operate a boat safely and which side of the boat you keep a black or red bouy on via multiple choice answers. Pretty important to demonstrate an understanding of the material for what we are all looking to do on the lake.

[Knomad]

JTA

Your Power Squadron Certificate is good in NH. Other State issued certificates approved by NASBLA are also good in NH.

If you don't already have one, pick up a New Hampshire Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. This will give you information on the laws and rules unique to NH. The latest version is the Seventh Edition.
Unfortunately the copyright is 2013. Some of the laws and rules have changed since then. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call the Marine Patrol at 877-642-9700 or 603-293-2037.

[jeffk]

My wife took the course on July 23. She got only one question wrong on the test. She got her official card in the mail today!

[Rich]

A friend just did this so I know it works.

If you can't make one of the NH "Proctored" exams in person, the MD boating NASBLA certificate can be completely completed online, there is no need to show up in person to take the exam.

Now, this may be controversial (and I'm sure it will be), but it's allowed and the MD boat-ed certificate is NASBLA certified and is therefore allowed in NH.

start here:
https://www.boat-ed.com/

Then click MD:
https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/

Pay your fees, learn the material, then pass the final exam.

Note that I would strongly recommend that you also review the NH material to be familiar with the NH specific rules. This may also be a good idea for anyone that wonders what the exams are like, or if you would like to refresh yourself:
https://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

Good luck!

[AC2717]

I am curious
can someone that is under the age 16 take the test and if pass get their license, or do they have to be 16 no matter what? so I guess I have a couple questions

1) can someone under 16 take the test and get there license?

2) Does it matter if they pass if they are still not allowed to drive anything over 25hp because of their age?

3) if they do pass and #2 applies does that mean once the day they turn 16 it is ok for them to start driving anything over 25 hp?

[Rich]

I don't know, but I would assume 'no you must be over 15 years' or the certificate won't be valid. They take your age into account and probably won't allow one to take it if you're not old enough. If you mis-represent the age of the applicant, then that is a different issue which would also make it invalid.

From the study guide:

Who May Operate a Vessel

A vessel powered by 25 horsepower or less does not require the operator to have a Safe Boating Certificate.

A “ski craft” (motorized vessel less than 13 feet long that is capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour and has the capacity to carry no more than an operator and one other person) may be operated only by persons who are 16 years old or older and who have a valid Safe Boating Certificate.

A vessel powered by more than 25 horsepower (other than a “ski craft”) may be operated by:
• A person under 16 years of age only if he or she is accompanied by a person 18 years old or older who has a valid Safe Boating Certificate. The accompanying person is responsible for any injury or damage caused during operation of the vessel.
• A person 16 years of age or older only if he or she has obtained a Safe Boating Certificate.

FYI, it's not a license and as such never expires, but it is a certificate of having taken the safety training and having passed the exam showing you "know" the material presented in the class.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Rich

I don't know, but I would assume 'no you must be over 15 years' or the certificate won't be valid. They take your age into account and probably won't allow one to take it if you're not old enough. If you mis-represent the age of the applicant, then that is a different issue which would also make it invalid.

From the study guide:



FYI, it's not a license and as such never expires, but it is a certificate of having taken the safety training and having passed the exam showing you "know" the material presented in the class.

so what I am alluding to now I would say is why couldn't a 13 or a 14 year old take the class and pass it and have their certificate and when they turn 16 it becomes valid?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by AC2717

so what I am alluding to now I would say is why couldn't a 13 or a 14 year old take the class and pass it and have their certificate and when they turn 16 it becomes valid?

If they take the Maryland online course they can! Here is what it states...

"There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course."

Dan

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

If they take the Maryland online course they can! Here is what it states...

"There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course. You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course."

Dan

so what is to stop a 13 year olr or any kid for that point from taking a test from MD and the day they hit 16 in NH they are legal???


also another reason why non of this makes sense

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by AC2717

so what is to stop a 13 year olr or any kid for that point from taking a test from MD and the day they hit 16 in NH they are legal???


also another reason why non of this makes sense

Nothing is stopping them except the certificate won't be valid in NH until that person turns 16 and whats wrong with that??

What doesn't make sense?...if the state (NH) accepts the MD exam what difference does it make at what age they passed the test as long as they pass?? While it may be frowned upon, it is completely legal and in all honesty do you really believe the certificate makes someone an instant Captain??

Heck I know a dozen or so island kids under the age of 15 that could navigate a boat way better than many adults I see attempt it on weekends!

My wife aced (100%) the online exam when it first came out but there was no way in hell she was going to get behind the helm of a boat without hands on instruction and lessons which she has been taking dilligently!

Dan

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Nothing is stopping them except the certificate won't be valid in NH until that person turns 16 and whats wrong with that??

What doesn't make sense?...if the state (NH) accepts the MD exam what difference does it make at what age they passed the test as long as they pass?? While it may be frowned upon, it is completely legal and in all honesty do you really believe the certificate makes someone an instant Captain??

Heck I know a dozen or so island kids under the age of 15 that could navigate a boat way better than many adults I see attempt it on weekends!

My wife aced (100%) the online exam when it first came out but there was no way in hell she was going to get behind the helm of a boat without hands on instruction and lessons which she has been taking dilligently!

Dan

couldn't agree more, I was being sarcastic. I was directing my remarks to how a test makes people legal but doesn't mean they are good boaters, although some may think so. I should have made it clearer

[Rich]

I don't think *anyone* has said that passing the exam makes them a good / safe / nor knowledgeable boater.

Where is this coming from? I have never seen anyone that has said this.

All it proves is that you read the materials, and passed the exam. It doesn't mean you can remember the information, nor does it prove that you follow the practices presented in the course.

After passing the exam and after boating for a few years, I still am trying to learn everything that I can. I'm the last person to say that I know what I'm doing. Most people that I know will also say the same thing, that it is a continual learning process that never ends.

[NoBozo]

When I took the NASBLA exam in RI, (Proctored) there was a young girl leaving the test room ahead of me in Tears. She had been completely overwhelmed by the content of the exam. She "looked" to be 14 or 15. I asked one of the proctors about it and he said it really didn't matter how old the person taking the exam was because in practice, it would be unlikely someone under 14 or so would be able to Pass the exam.

As to the Maryland question, what would prevent a fully prepared adult from taking the exam On Line "For" the child..or anyone else? No proctor to verify the identity of the person actually taking the exam. NB

[NoBozo]

Something else I noticed about the Maryland website. There was a NASBLA Logo "shown"..along with the Coast Guard Logo, up in the right hand corner of the front page.

No Where.. on the website did I see Any Words... saying that the Maryland boating safety program is approved by NASBLA. Did I miss something..or something..? NB

[Rich]

I can't say if you're splitting hairs.. but this page implies that it is a NASBLA card:

https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/boating_card.html

[arch13]

In NH you are allowed to sit for the proctored test if you are 15, and the ID card will be mailed to you on your 16th birthday.

Anyone under 16 is allowed to operate a vessel only if they are supervised by someone 18+ who has a boating certificate. (Weirdly once you turn 16 you lose the option of operating under the supervision of someone else, and you must have your own boating license.)

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by Rich

I can't say if you're splitting hairs.. but this page implies that it is a NASBLA card:

https://www.boat-ed.com/maryland/boating_card.html

I just called Maryland. If you vote in NH you are required to take the NH Boater Safety Course. If you live in a state other than NH you will need to call them at 1-800-830-2268. I was curious because I am a member of the Lakes Region Power Squadron and we teach the course for a boating certificate here in NH.