Remember safety first when boating in Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the nation’s leading states offering recreational waterways, and most “Volunteer State” residents will at some time take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. To help keep your outing safe, enjoyable and “a day to remember” there are some things to consider before you go boating in Tennessee.

Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam.

No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.

If there is an adult on board (at least 18 years old, and if born after 1/1/89 possesses the certification) that can take immediate control of the vessel, this certificate is not required.

You must be at least 11 years old to take the exam. After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase, for $10.00, a Type 600 boating safety exam permit from any business (license agent) that sells hunting and fishing licenses (WalMart sporting goods, bait stores, marinas, etc.).

The receipt from this transaction is your “ticket” to take the exam. Try not to lose this receipt, it will admit you into an exam location and will also serve as a temporary certificate if you pass the exam.

If you do not pass the exam, this receipt/”ticket” can continue to be used to take the exam as many times as it takes to pass. Try not to lose it.

There are many avenues to study:

You may call 615-837-6013 or write to Boating Division, TWRA, PO Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204 and have study materials sent to you (free) and self study.

You may log onto www.boat-ed.com/tn and study online.  There are practice tests on this site that are a great study tool to prepare for the exam.

Once you have studied and taken the practice exam you need to find a testing location.  You can go online to www.tnwildlife.org and click on the boating link to find a test center or call your local wildlife officer to find a test center near you.  Lewis County residents can call Wildlife Officer Pete Geesling at 615-339-4704 for test study manuals and testing locations.