DNR News
** Archived Article - please check for current information. **
May 26, 2015DNR offering virtual hands on boating safety classes in July
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be offering four virtual hands on boating safety classes to be held in July that will feature a new Boating Skills Virtual Trainer. The trainer is a partnership between DNR and Pioneer Boats in honor of National Safe Boating Week May 17-23. The purpose of Boating Safety Week is to teach people about safe boating and to give them the correct skills for being on the water.
Our Virtual Boating Trainer is a unique educational tool that allows the operator to maneuver a Pioneer boat in a virtual mode where there are no other boats, no water and no risks. The virtual trainer gives the operator a life-like experience for learning first-hand what it is like to captain a boat and is a valuable addition to DNR's boating safety courses. Steering, throttle and other controls are exactly like those found on a real boat. Additionally, the trainer has the ability to tailor the student’s experience by adjusting everything from wind and current strength to day/night scenarios. Students can even learn about and practice docking, mooring, completing pivot turns and more on a virtual waterway free from the hazards that can occur on the water.
DNR will hold a boating class utilizing the Boating Skills Virtual Trainer in Greenville, Charleston, Florence and Columbia. All successful participants in the boating safety course will receive a Boating Education Certification card as well as the experience of the Boating Skills Virtual Trainer.
Boaters under 16 years of age are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating, without supervision, a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a boat powered by 15 hp motor or more.
Class Dates:
* July 7 - 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Styx Classroom - 2762 Fish Hatchery Rd., West Columbia
* July 11 - 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. - DNR Office - 295 S. Evander Dr., Florence
* July 13 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Fort Johnson (Marine Resources) - 217 Ft. Johnson Rd., Charleston
* July 25 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Cabelas - 1025 Woodruff Rd., Greenville
To register for one of the free Safe Boating Virtual Training Classes or other Boating Classes near you please go to the online registration.
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