boating safety certifications by state

[ragsman]

I live in Georgia and my boat is registered in Georgia, but I fish in Tennessee and Alabama. I also have a 13 yr old that wants to drive the boat all the time (kids!). I have a 60 HP boat.

Researching boating safety requirements has lead me to these conclusions:

1. I do not need a safety course in Tennessee since I was born in 1967.
2. I do not need a safety course in Georgia at all.
3. I do not need a safety course in Alabama IF I am there less than 45 days in a year, otherwise I DO need any certified safety course from ANY state.

My 13 year old needs:
1. Must complete any certified safety course to operate the boat in Tennessee, no caveats.
2. Does NOT need a safety course in Alabama (since I'm with him), or he needs a valid course in Alabama after 45 days (same requirements as myself)
3. Cannot operate the 60 HP boat in Georgia at all.
4. He can only operate the boat as long as I'm with him.

We both will take a safety course and get the certification (especially him), but it appears to me that any state course will be fine.

Does anyone know if I'm wrong in these conclusions?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

From what I understand i think your right. I didn't have to take the Tn course but I did just to save money on my boat insurance. I think it saved me around $130.00 a year. It was worth it to me, and since I was born a long long time ago I was able to take the home study course at no charge in the back of the study giude. But you may want to contact the TWRA on thier website for the best answers.