New Hampshire Department of Safety Services
A Message from the Director

Welcome to New Hampshire's waterways. New Hampshire has more than 1,000 lakes and ponds, as well as a heavily used tidal water area. Safe, responsible boating on our waterways is every boater’s responsibility.

Our hope is that by completing the Boat New Hampshire safety course you will join the family of responsible boaters who enjoy our waterways. Whether you own or rent a boat, completion of this course will enable you to handle many of the problems that could potentially arise. Currently, there are about 130,000 boats using New Hampshire's waterways for recreation. The need to become an educated boater has never been greater. Your participation in this course will help prevent accidents, injury, and death. As our waterways get increasingly busier, remember that boating is safer and more enjoyable for everyone when those who share the water are properly prepared.

This Boat New Hampshire course material has been sponsored by the Department of Safety, Safety Services, and is intended to provide boaters with advice and information on safe and proper boat handling. Understanding this text and successfully completing the examination should improve your boating skills substantially and ensure that you are familiar with the standard rules of the waterways and equipment requirements. Additionally, it is our hope that it will help create a positive attitude toward safety on the water and initiate you into the safe boating fraternity.

Director
Division of Safety Services
Department of Safety