Buyers will get a temporary exemption, valid for up to 60 days. Renters will be exempted but must complete a dockside safety check. Unlike a license, an education can't be revoked or suspended. More than 20 states now have some form of mandatory boater education, including Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Ohio and Texas. On a national level, Canada has a mandatory education program administered by the Canadian Coast Guard.
Many details still have to be worked out.
The Marine Board will develop a detailed program, with rules adopted no later than Dec. 31, 2000. Academy Bldg Rm 210. Contact Tim Kelley 289-2244. Tyee Yacht Club on Marine Drive. Begins March 16, 7-9 p.m. each Thursday night for five weeks.