The Missouri State Water Patrol has changed the guidelines for distance learning. So, the old Boat Missouri boat and PWC safety course and test was discontinued on March 16, 2009.

• Take the NEW Boat Missouri Online Course!

The course material below remains as a resource for all who boat on Missouri's waters—particularly experienced boaters who need a refresher.

Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely
Summary

You've completed the material of Chapter 3 of the online boating safety course!

You should now:

• Be able to cast off and dock under different wind and current conditions
• Know three major responsibilities of a vessel operator
• Know what to do when encountering another vessel
• Be able to use and interpret sound signals
• Know types of night navigation lights and how to interpret them
• Know what to do when encountering Lateral System buoys and markers
• Understand dangers inherent in boating near dams, locks and bridges and effects of tides and currents on vessels
• Be able to anchor correctly
• Be able to operate PWC safely and courteously
• Be strongly aware that power is required for steering control of PWC
• Understand how ignition safety switches work

If you haven't already completed the Chapter 3 review exercise, follow this link to take the Review Questions for Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely. Or, go through the interactive Flash animation below.