MANASSAS, Va. (July 24, 2018) – The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a leading catalyst for recreational boating safety, is the first organization to receive voluntary third-party verification for an on-water powerboating course based on the American National Standard for recreational boating skills.
“We are proud to be the leader in on-water powerboat training,” said Chris Stec, NSBC Board Chair. “Operator inexperience consistently ranks high as a contributing factor in boating accidents, and our course provides the boating safety instruction necessary to increase the confidence and skills of recreational boaters.”
NSBC’s on-water powerboating course, “Essentials of Close-Quarter and Open Water Boat Control,” is verified to meet the American National Standard for on-water skills entitled EDU-1 On-Water Power Standards and received the Verified Course power mark No. 2018-G152. The Verified Course mark means ‘The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.’
Under a national non-profit grant from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) provides voluntary third-party conformity assessment of on-water boating skill programs to verify a course meets American National Standards for power, sail, or human-propelled. This rigorous assessment identifies consistent products to be offered to the public and provides a method to ensure the ongoing integrity of a verified course is maintained.
“The NSBC course passed a rigorous assessment and is the first on-water powerboating course to receive this designation,” said Pamela Dillon, NASBLA Education and Standards Director.
Licensed boat captains can become certified in NSBC’s “Essentials of Close-Quarter and Open Water Boat Control” to provide instruction for the general public. Novice and experienced boaters with a desire to increase their knowledge and skill level are encouraged to contact the NSBC for course availability. For more information, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org/training or call NSBC at 703-361-4294.
About the National Safe Boating Council
Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
About the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. For more information about NASBLA verified courses, please visit www.nasbla.org/education/verified.