Dave R wrote:
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I would normally tend to agree but the statistics show improved safety so the online test seems to be working. I took the test online, but I knew the rules beforehand so it was very easy, not that there are many rules to know...
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I understand what you are saying, however taking an open book test does not educate anyone. On line means boaters just trying to get documented without the studay can look up the answers or reading them from the book, get their certificate and still not have appropriate knowledge.
I would say that the improved safety on the water is coming from more folks taking safe boating courses than from the people just looking up the answers online.
Allowing online testing compromises the certificate program and calls into question how many boaters just did it online by looking up the answers and still don't have knowledge of the rules.
That is why I would advocate doing away with the certificate portion of the online test, use it as practice. I took the online sample test and without ever cracking open a NH regs book or looking anything up I scored an 88, it's not that hard to begin with.
Skipper of the Sea Que wrote:
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The NH boater Education Certificate is (and I thought always has been) NASBLA recognized and approved. You can double check on NASBLA approval on the NH Boater Ed page BoatEd NH .
What did change a few years ago is that NH does NOT recognize some NASBLA approved course certificates. Most notably the BoatUS Foundation on-line course (also not accepted in CT or NY). Here is the NASBLA site which shows what courses are accepted and any state restrictions NASBLA course listings .
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As I said, the NH course may well be recognized now.
I know in years past it was not recognized and was not valid in other states that require a certificate.
When it was first passed the NH Marine Patrol website stated that it was valid only in NH and not recognized by other states, so perhaps that has changed. If so, all the better!
On-line courses should NOT be recognized by any state for a boating certificate.