Super User Boomstick Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Posted February 17, 2019 As some of you know, I've been wanting to buy a boat for some time now but hitting speed bump after speed bump. Well, last year I got a really nice raise and it looks like I can make that happen either this year or next year, although ideally next year which would allow me to get rid of my student loan payment and then I could replace it with a boat loan and throw a little extra at it and pay it off roughly when my oldest son starts college. What I can't figure out is the Vermont boat laws. I live in Massachusetts right across the Vermont border but most of my favorite fishing lakes are in Vermont. Vermont seems to require a NASBLA approved boating safety course, which a MA course does not seem to meet the requirements for, but in order to take the Vermont course, a requirement is I would need to be a Vermont resident. They don't seem to give much information as what courses I could take that would be considered acceptable to legally operate a boat in Vermont. Has anyone here ran into this issue? Quote
kjfishman Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 Sounds like they don't want people to come to Vermont. Try contacting the their Fish and Wild Life for clarification. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department 103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501 Phone: 802-241-3700. 1 Quote
kenmitch Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 Viewing the following site it doesn't look like a NASBLA approved boating safety course is state specific. Looks more like a one and done thing too me. https://www.boat-ed.com/blog/2013/05/30/can-you-use-your-boating-license-in-another-state/ Quote Do I have to be a resident to take the Maryland Boat Ed Course? You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to take this online course. Quote Is my Maryland Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted elsewhere? For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”) Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 17, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 17, 2019 35 minutes ago, kenmitch said: Viewing the following site it doesn't look like a NASBLA approved boating safety course is state specific. Looks more like a one and done thing too me. https://www.boat-ed.com/blog/2013/05/30/can-you-use-your-boating-license-in-another-state/ boat-ed doesn't offer a course for MA and won't let me take one for Vermont if I'm not a resident, which is why I'm confused. I might be able to take the New York course. I guess I will have to call and ask, but you think they'd do a better job of documenting this somehow. Quote
kenmitch Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 3 minutes ago, Boomstick said: boat-ed doesn't offer a course for MA and won't let me take one for another state if I'm not a resident, which is why I'm confused. You missed the hinted Maryland quote? Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 17, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 17, 2019 7 minutes ago, kenmitch said: You missed the hinted Maryland quote? MA is Massachusetts. Quote
kenmitch Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 8 minutes ago, Boomstick said: MA is Massachusetts. I realize that you live in Massachusetts. You can take the Maryland one which doesn't require you to be a resident of the state. It is valid in all states that require the NASBLA approved boating safety course according to boat-ed.com Other states don't require being a resident it looks like. Just pick one of them. Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 18, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 18, 2019 On 2/17/2019 at 3:00 PM, kenmitch said: I realize that you live in Massachusetts. You can take the Maryland one which doesn't require you to be a resident of the state. It is valid in all states that require the NASBLA approved boating safety course according to boat-ed.com Other states don't require being a resident it looks like. Just pick one of them. Okay thanks, I wasn't sure. I'll take New Yorks since I also live pretty much over the NY border. On 2/17/2019 at 3:10 PM, MN Fisher said: They list the states that have the courses and how long the licenses are good through. I saw this. MA lists boat-ed as expiring in 2018 however I don't need it for MA. MA does have a course you can take to lower your insurance or to drive a boat if you are under 18, but ironically Vermont doesn't recognize it. It looks like I can take the NY course and that will work. Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted February 18, 2019 Super User Posted February 18, 2019 I’m not privy to vermonts state laws requiring boating within their state but I can tell you as a resident of state ME with your boat registered in state ME you should be able to take your boat to any state and Canada to fish without worrying about conforming to their laws of residency. Usually their only requirements are safety related requiring USCG requirements. As long as your boat confirms to your state of residency requirements your are good to go. 1 Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 18, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 18, 2019 46 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said: I’m not privy to vermonts state laws requiring boating within their state but I can tell you as a resident of state ME with your boat registered in state ME you should be able to take your boat to any state and Canada to fish without worrying about conforming to their laws of residency. Usually their only requirements are safety related requiring USCG requirements. As long as your boat confirms to your state of residency requirements your are good to go. Thanks! I wonder if that's only for renting a boat? Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted February 18, 2019 Super User Posted February 18, 2019 16 minutes ago, Boomstick said: Thanks! I wonder if that's only for renting a boat? I’m talking about boat ownership. Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 18, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 18, 2019 15 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said: I’m talking about boat ownership. I know, I just mean I wonder if they only want the course if you rent one in VT but didn't clearly specify. Sorry for not being clear. Quote
CaptPete Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 Sounds like many states will work, but FYI you can take NY's online, takes a bit of time, but it's free and good info. Just do it. I have been checked in VT before, make sure you comply to their safety requirements (as far as stuff you carry). NY for instance requires less/different stuff. 1 Quote
LadiMopar Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 Here is the list of approved courses offered by the State of MA. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/boating-safety-course-schedule Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau Address PO Box 1325, Forestdale, MA 02644 directions Phone Call Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau at (508) 564-4961 Open M-F 9am-5pm Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 19, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 19, 2019 1 hour ago, LadiMopar said: Here is the list of approved courses offered by the State of MA. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/boating-safety-course-schedule Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau Address PO Box 1325, Forestdale, MA 02644 directions Phone Call Boat and Recreation Vehicle Safety Bureau at (508) 564-4961 Open M-F 9am-5pm I saw this but the MA courses aren't approved by Vermont, it's a different set of standards from most states. So I'm set in MA and I need to take the NY course, and then my kids will have to take both courses if I ever let them operate the boat before they're 18 (or MA's to operate it in MA etc). Confusing, isn't it? Quote
LadiMopar Posted February 20, 2019 Posted February 20, 2019 2 hours ago, Boomstick said: 3 hours ago, LadiMopar said: I saw this but the MA courses aren't approved by Vermont, it's a different set of standards from most states. So I'm set in MA and I need to take the NY course, and then my kids will have to take both courses if I ever let them operate the boat before they're 18 (or MA's to operate it in MA etc). Confusing, isn't it? I agree it's a tad bit confusing, leave it to Bassachusetts to be "different". I did notice on the Vermont State Police site (who would think they were in charge of boat courses?)that Vermont residents take the online class, but they also imply that there are "in person" classes too. Have you called the VT state police to see if it's true? Hmmmm... I'd be interested to know because I like to fish VT occasionally, and this year I'd be hauling the kayak up. 12.5 ft with motor drive. Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted February 20, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 20, 2019 11 hours ago, LadiMopar said: I agree it's a tad bit confusing, leave it to Bassachusetts to be "different". I did notice on the Vermont State Police site (who would think they were in charge of boat courses?)that Vermont residents take the online class, but they also imply that there are "in person" classes too. Have you called the VT state police to see if it's true? Hmmmm... I'd be interested to know because I like to fish VT occasionally, and this year I'd be hauling the kayak up. 12.5 ft with motor drive. I am going to try to call today or tomorrow. It's really hard for me to find time at work these days. Quote
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