Required boat safety course

[Stephen Glassic]

Has anyone used the Boat US course, which is free to members. Is it easy to navigate with the ability to continue another day? Or is there another free course that is better?

[John Jarosz]

I'm about ready to take the plunge into the Boat US Course. All I know about is some comments posted on social media & what I've been able to get off the Boat US Course. Here's what I found out:
1. You'll be able to get in & out of it at your leisure (or un-leisure)

2. There is study material available, get in & out of the site as you wish & eventually take the test. The test costs you nothing

3. you can print a copy of the cert for free.

4. If you want a logo on your driver's license or a laminated card, it'll cost you 

5. A friend took it & it took him a good 8 hrs (over 2 days) to get thru it

[Stephen Glassic]

Thanks John. I am also wondering about the logo on the driver's license. Mine is up for renewal in May. I was also wondering if I should get the enhanced driver's license. Does that still work to go back and forth to Canada? Or is there a tariff each way.

[John Jarosz]

I know the enhanced driver's license will cost you more. I don't have the enhanced but if I need to travel to Canada or fly, I'll take my passport along. If I decided to go to Canada, I would just take my passport card, which is always in my wallet.

My understanding is that the passport card is not valid for flying but a passport is or enhanced driver's license are. I just don't feel like giving NYS anymore $$ than I have to.

As for tariff policies, that changes by the day.

[John Jarosz]

I stopped into the DMV last Fri to renew my boat trailer registration. It was packed(!!) Normally, it's not busy & I can be out even before my appointment time. There are usually five chairs for waiting, service is excellent & the staff courteous & helpful.

That day there were 12 chairs & all were filled (plus two people at the window). All had clipboards & manilla folders with whatever documents they needed. Fortunately, I had made an appointment for a simple transaction, the clerk at the incoming window took care of me & I was in & out in less than 10 minutes. The clerk was also "frazzled."

I gave her the paperwork for registration & she asked "Can I have your license?", to which I asked "My driver's license?", to which she immediately answered "NO, YOUR FISHING LICENSE!"

I completely understood and apologized. She was having a bad Friday after probably a real bad week. She took care of my paperwork, I wished her a good, relaxing weekend & was out in 10 minutes. Lately, the DMV offices are crowded. Be sure to make an appointment & have all your paperwork in order before you go in.

[Stephen Glassic]

Yea, this time of year it can get busy. people are registering trailers (including camping rigs), boats, jet skis, motorcycles, etc. that they use in the warmer months.
John Jarosz said:

I stopped into the DMV last Fri to renew my boat trailer registration. It was packed(!!) Normally, it's not busy & I can be out even before my appointment time. There are usually five chairs for waiting, service is excellent & the staff courteous & helpful.

That day there were 12 chairs & all were filled (plus two people at the window). All had clipboards & manilla folders with whatever documents they needed. Fortunately, I had made an appointment for a simple transaction, the clerk at the incoming window took care of me & I was in & out in less than 10 minutes. The clerk was also "frazzled."

I gave her the paperwork for registration & she asked "Can I have your license?", to which I asked "My driver's license?", to which she immediately answered "NO, YOUR FISHING LICENSE!"

I completely understood and apologized. She was having a bad Friday after probably a real bad week. She took care of my paperwork, I wished her a good, relaxing weekend & was out in 10 minutes. Lately, the DMV offices are crowded. Be sure to make an appointment & have all your paperwork in order before you go in.

[carl schenk]

Just completed the BoatUS course. Time consuming but it can be done in pieces. Probably took 5-6 hours. Glad that’s over with..