On Nov. 10, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be able to enforce its new rule requiring all boaters to take a boating safety class to operate a motorized vessel. ADVERTISING On Nov. 10, the state
On Nov. 10, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will be able to enforce its new rule requiring all boaters to take a boating safety class to operate a motorized vessel.
That date will mark the second anniversary of the state’s Mandatory Education Rule for boaters becoming law. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the administrative rule Oct. 30, 2012. It became effective Nov. 10, 2012.
When signed into law, HAR 13-244-15.5 provided for a two-year delay before the rule was to be enforced to allow DLNR time to develop multiple compliance methods and give the boating community time to make use of those methods to become compliant.
Enforcement of the new rule will begin Nov. 10, after which boaters will be required to show proof on demand of successful completion of an approved boating safety course.
“Currently, there are two Internet courses, multiple classroom courses available throughout the state and the department’s own home study course available to boaters,” said William Aila Jr., DLNR director.
“Some of the compliance methods available are free. Surely, there is a compliance method that fits every boater’s schedule, budget and situation. The department has tried very hard to put information into the hands of boaters to reduce accidents and save lives.
“Those who have already taken a boating safety class approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators may also be considered exempt, can be made compliant or can take advantage of compliance classes that greatly shorten the certification process,” Aila added.
The Mandatory Education Rule is a part of the administrative rules under DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) and will be enforced by DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
Any person violating this rule shall be fined not less than $50 and not more than $1,000 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, for each violation.
The court also may prevent an individual from operating a vessel in state waters for up to 30 days.
Full details about the rule and compliance methods available is posted on the DOBOR website at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/mandatory-boating-safety-education-qa/.
Mandatory education for boaters has been endorsed as a method to reduce boating related fatalities by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, National Safe Boating Council and the National Transportation Safety Board.
