A for effort and definitely a step in the right direction but you can't fix stupidity. Awareness is a key factor however execution in an uncontrolled environment is impossible.

In an ongoing effort to promote boating safety on America’s waterways, B.A.S.S. is making a proactive change to a part of their Official Rules of Competition that recommends tournament participants successfully complete a boating safety course.



As of January 1, 2025, any angler who wishes to compete as a boater in any B.A.S.S. event (except High School and Junior events where competitors do not operate a boat) must submit proof of completion of an approved Boater Safety course. As of 2024, 36 states now require some form of educational requirements for operating a boat. And for B.A.S.S. anglers, the submission of proof of a completed course is a simple, one-time process and is valid for life.



Boater safety courses are beneficial to both new boaters and seasoned operators. For those new to boat operation, a safety course can provide confidence while navigating waters. And safety courses are a simple refresher course for those with years of experience under their belt.



A boating safety course educates boaters on safe operation, avoiding potential accidents, navigating in inclement weather, boating in different types of bodies of water and how to react in emergency situations.



Approved Boater Safety courses include those provided by BoatUS Foundation (free state courses at BoatUS.org) or any other course that carries an endorsement by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or NASBLA.



Proof of approved Boater Safety courses is reciprocal in all states that require mandatory boater education. So, take the short informational course once, and you’re set for life – a little preparation goes a long way on the water!



Anglers should visit the appropriate site below to provide B.A.S.S. proof of boater safety course completion.



Boater Safety Course Certificate/Endorsement - Bassmaster College Series

College Series


Boater Safety Course Certificate/Endorsement – Opens

OPENS



Boater Safety Course Certificate/Endorsement - Elite Series

ELITES



Boater Safety Course Certificate/Endorsement - BASS Nation

NATION

OK... I guess... Unless it's an in person sit down class with a fee and test given during and after the class before you're given your certificate it's worthless... Online boating classes are a joke... Dan

“Rule” and “recommends” are two completely different things.

“BASS recommends that one take the course”. Ummmmm yeh. Does it pay bonus weight, because it isn’t a rule.

I've been running boats since the Navy. Not happening.

I think the rule change is replacing the recommendation with a requirement
I also think BASS recently sponsored a boaters safety course

Yeh. I had to reread that to understand. I’m a [censored]

Don't most states require this anyway?, I believe for texas anyone born 1993 or later must have it to operate a boat.

1993? No one on this forum is under 40...

In most states their new rule will only affect the older guys who have been running boats for decades. All the younger guys already have the certification because of state laws. Therefore, it looks like BASS is targeting the older anglers.

I don't think this is a bad idea, it can't hurt. Mostly though, this looks like a PYA rule for BASS. The more requirements like this they put into place the better defense they have from a liability standpoint should something bad happen in terms of boating accidents at one of their tournaments.

I like the idea of having this and it probably wouldn't be a bad idea for me to take it myself, especially because I want to go to the Gulf of Mexico and it's costal tributaries and do some fishing for Red Fish and Speckled Trout. I figure that is going to be a whole different ball game than what us land locked anglers are used to and I'll need some more educating to navigate that properly.

A boater safety course will make zero difference in how people operate a boat or behave in the water imo. Like most things this is taught at home from a young age. It’s the equivalent of checking a box- like a kpi for a salesman.

The worst person on the water is someone that thinks he knows, and maybe he does, but expects everyone else to know. Still its a good idea. I think alot of tournaments should go ahead and say in in 2026 or 2027 this will be required.

I disagree. I think the worst person on the water is are the people that know better but break the rules while endangering others because they are selfish.