Bright sunshine and warmer weather means more people will be participating in outdoor recreation. In Maryland, that means boating in particular.

Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) Supt. Col. John W. Rhoads reminds the public that no one born after July 1, 1972 may operate a motor vessel on the state's waterways without first taking and successfully completing a boating and personal watercraft (PWC) safety course.

"I encourage anyone who will be boating, either as a captain or passenger, to participate in one of the many boating safety education sessions that will be conducted throughout this spring and summer," Col. Rhoads said. "Even those who have been boating for years can benefit from these courses by learning about new boating safety procedures and equipment and reminding of boating safety ideas and techniques that may have forgotten."

All courses are taught by Maryland Basic Boating Instructors or members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. Each course contains training in basic vessel navigation and operation, ‘rules of the road'/etiquette, safety procedures and equipment and weather detection. A complete unit on PWC operation, rules and regulations is also included along with information on other water sports like waterskiing and sailboarding. Cost of the course varies by location but is usually nominal.

Those successfully completing the course will receive a certificate of boating safety education that must be presented on command when requested by law enforcement.

The address below provides a listing of boating and PWC education courses being offered from May through July, divided by county, showing location of the course, dates to be held and contact telephone number:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/programs/boatpwc.html