inter is the perfect time to prepare yourself for the next boating season. One way to get ready is by taking a boater education course.

If you're new to the boating world or feel you could benefit from taking a refresher course, we have listed several resources below.

As of January 1, 2004, any motorboat operator (including personal watercraft) under the age of 18 must complete a Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Boating Safety Course and be in possession of a course certificate when operating a boat. In Nebraska, you must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or PWC.

There are many classes offered throughout the state. The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission lists classes as they become available on their website. You may want to check this site often as new classes are added periodically.

Many qualified volunteer organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron and others offer classes throughout the country. These courses offer many aspects of boating safety from boat handling to reading the weather. Basic classes have from 6 to 13 lessons and provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction.

For more information on several of these classes, follow the links listed here:

American Boat Operators' Course http://boatingcertificate.com  Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

Boat/U.S. Foundation Courseline http://www.boatus.com/courseline/default.asp  The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses around the nation.

BoatEd http://www.boat-ed.com  Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

BoaterExam.com http://www.boaterexam.com  Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

Boatsafe http://boatsafe.com  Offers an online Basic Boating Certification Course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and a Coastal Navigation Course.

PWC Safety School http://www.pwcsafetyschool.com  Offers online courses and certification for PWC operators in several states

PWC Watch http://www.pwcwatch.org  Website for the Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety

State Courses http://www.commanderbob.com/cbcourse.html  Many states offer boating safety courses. The National Association of State Boating Boating Law Administrators' online Directory provides contact information for state boating agencies.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html  Local flotillas offer a variety of safety classes, including basic/introductory boating courses and safety courses, navigation, sailing and personal watercraft safety, among others.

United States Power Squadrons(r) http://www.usps.org/e_stuff/Basic.html  Sponsors "The Squadron Boating Course," and a second course called "Boat Smart." Also provides information on home-study courses co-sponsored by USPS and the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary.