As of May 1, boater education certification will be mandatory for those younger than 26 in North Carolina.
Beginning in May, anyone younger than 26 operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on a public waterway must meet the requirements for boating safety education.
"Those boaters must take and pass a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved course before taking the helm or otherwise be in compliance," said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator, in a statement.
All vessel operators may be asked by law enforcement officers to present a certification card or proof of compliance.
