The
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is committed
to making Louisiana boaters safe, knowledgeable and responsible.
LDWF's Enforcement Division is currently offering a one-day
Boating Education Instructor Certification Course to persons
interested in becoming certified boating education instructors.
Organizations or governmental agencies with public safety
responsibilities can request courses for groups or staff members.
All persons
born after Jan. 1, 1988, must successfully complete a boating
safety course approved by the National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) prior to operating a motorboat
powered by a motor in excess of 10 horsepower.
In December,
LDWF certified deputies from the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's
Office. Participants in the one-day course received instruction
on presentation techniques, organization of topics, NASBLA
standards, policy and procedure and details of the "Boat
Louisiana" course. The deputies are now certified to
schedule and teach boating education in their communities.
"We're
interested in expanding this program to other qualified volunteers,
civilians and public servants," said Lt. Col. Brian Spillman.
"The instructors we certify assist the department in
its mission to create a safe and enjoyable boating environment
on Louisiana's waterways."
Anyone
interested in becoming a boating education certified instructor
will be required to submit an application and pass a criminal
background check. Applicants must have already successfully
completed a U.S. Coast Guard or NASBLA-approved boating education
course.
For more
information on becoming a certified boat education instructor,
contact Sgt. Rachel M. Zechenelly at LDWF's Baton Rouge Headquarters,
rzechenelly@wlf.louisiana.gov
or 225-765-2984.
