Who is required to take a boating safety course in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, individuals born after June 30, 1980, are required to complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized vessel on public waters. This requirement is in place to ensure that boat operators are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the waters safely and responsibly. The intent is to reduce accidents and enhance overall safety on the water by instilling fundamental boating principles, regulations, and safe practices.

The rationale behind this specific requirement is to target those who may not have had any prior training or experience, as individuals born before that date are typically assumed to have been exposed to boating education standards that were prevalent before that cutoff. Thus, the law focuses on newer generations of boaters who might not have had the same level of experience or education, thereby creating a safer boating environment for everyone.