Ohio Boating Education Course Now Available Online in Spanish
ODNR expands access to life-saving boater safety training
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now offering its online Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) in Spanish, expanding access to critical boater safety training for Spanish-speaking communities. This milestone reflects ODNR's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of language, has access to life-saving boating education.
“This is a significant step toward making boating safer and more inclusive for all Ohioans,” said ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft Chief Glenn Cob. “By offering this course in Spanish, we’re breaking down language barriers and creating more opportunities for families to safely experience Ohio’s beautiful waterways."
The Ohio Boating Education Course is a vital resource for boaters in the state. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, is required to complete a safety course before operating a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) with 10 horsepower or more. Now, Spanish-speaking boaters can access the same comprehensive training to meet Ohio’s boater education requirements.
According to a 2017 study by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), and Discover Boating, Hispanic boaters represent a fast-growing segment of first-time boat buyers. The 2018 Hispanic Fishing and Boating Trends Study found that:
45% of Hispanic respondents said fishing and boating are part of their cultural heritage.
54% consider outdoor activities important for family bonding.
82% believe it is essential to teach children to value nature and the environment.
ODNR aims to reduce barriers to boating education, promote safe boating practices, and encourage family-friendly outdoor recreation. The Spanish-language course provides the same high-quality education as the English version, covering critical topics such as vessel operation, navigation rules, emergency preparedness, and Ohio-specific regulations.
There are multiple ways to meet Ohio’s boater education requirement, including online, classroom, home study, or proficiency exam options. Online courses, including those offered through Boat-ed.com, allow users to complete the training at their own pace. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate or card verifying their credentials. Ohio also accepts certificates from other states or U.S. territories, as long as they meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and U.S. Coast Guard standards.
For more information about Ohio’s Boating Education Course and how to register for the Spanish-language option, visit this link.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/obec-spanish
