The following is from a Maine Maritime Museum email today. WTF is this? Do we need to get certified (or is it the politicians who are 'certified')?

"A boating safety course certificate, which is required to operate a boat in most states and Canada ..."

Become a better sailor in Sailing Skills & Seamanship, March 6-22; certificate exam proctored if desired

Improve your sailing skills by enrolling in the Sailing Skills and Seamanship course taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The course runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings, March 6 through 22 (six sessions), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Designed for both experienced and novice sailboat operators, the course covers a broad range of subjects such as how a boat sails, reaching and sail adjustments. Maneuvers from tacking and jibing to anchoring are addressed, as are aids to navigation and rules of the nautical road. A boating safety course certificate, which is required to operate a boat in most states and Canada, is provided to those who successfully complete an optional exam at the end of the course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to boat owners who have a certificate.