Boat operator certification

Boat operator certification is now a reality. We have been hearing about it for so long that most of us have taken a wait and see attitude. The big hang up was the question of insurance liability and that has been taken care of.
Insurance is in place, the first passport kits for inland navigators are in stock and ready to ship...you have all heard what the qualifications are to become an Inland Navigator...the only thing missing is for someone to sign off that the qualifications have been met.

This is the reason for my message today. We need to get at least one BOC certifier trained in each squadron. FAST!! There are 2 levels of certifiers. The basic certifier who will check to see that the candidate has successfully completed all the classroom and land-based skill qualifications...and the advancer certifier who will verify the on-the-water skills. Before anyone can become an advanced certifier, they must become a basic certifier.

After they become a basic certifier, a master certifier will come to our district, conduct another seminar and test the candidate's on-the-water skills in handling a 23 foot vessel.

There are three requirements that must be met before anyone can become a certifier:
1. Qualifications: be a USPS member, hold the grade of AP or above, be a current USPS certified instructor, be actively boating, have substantial and verifiable on the water experience, have passed the course or seminar they are certifying, have internet access and an email address.
2. They must be nominated by the SEO or DEO and approved by the regional certifier
3. They must attend a 6-hour seminar.
I'm asking you to look at your list of public boating certified instructors and identify the 1 or 2 people in your squadron who you think would be willing to observe skill demonstrations.

I have attached a copy of the nomination form. Have them fill it out and email back to me. I will get it to the regional certifier with my recommendations.
Bob Potter has agreed to conduct a BOC certifiers seminar on the Friday prior to C&R July 25. (the seminar would be held on the 24th). We are tentative planning to have it in the Administration Building at North Point Marina. We were originally thinking about having it on Saturday, but logistically that won't work. We planned it around C&R hoping that all squadrons will have a representative in attendance.

This is important and time is of the essence. I need your candidate's nomination form back to be by 10 June so we can get them to the regional certifier for approval before C&R.

Contact Cmdr. Wayne Toberman for more info.