Kayaking in DC water - renters do NOT need a saftey cert, but owners do

[Slackdaddy]

Sooo,
Just got off the phone with DC MPD Harbor Patrol Unit at (202) 727-4582
If you paddle your own kayak, you need a safety course cert on you,, if you rent a kayak you do NOT need a safety course.

Seems to be a well thought out and safety driven plan, not guided by money

Slack

[nhunter344]

Is this for DC residents or anyone who brings a kayak to DC?

[Slackdaddy]

my understanding anyone who pilots ANY water craft in DC needs a boaters safety cert card on them,,,,
Well unless you are a tourist from out of town, never been on the water and rent a kayak/SUP ,, then you do not need one.
I was told the rental facilities show you how to put on the PFD, and where to paddle, so the renters do not need to take the course.

[Big Mike]

Another reason to stay out of the district.

[Slackdaddy]

Yeah, but they have snakeheads and no "Night Stalker" bow shooters

Another reason to stay out of the district.

[Slackdaddy]

I received an email from the DC harbor masters office confirming this is true.
I guess they have determined that a tourist visiting from Indiana who has never been on the water is a naturally safe boater, while a local who owns their own kayak with 20 years experience needs an 8 hour safety course.

Slack

[jet]

there are online boater safety classes that are MD approved

[Slackdaddy]

The online courses are "timed" they make you spend a min of 6 (?) hours on the course as to comply with the USCG safety course guidelines.
The point is why do I (an experienced paddler) have to sit through a 6-8 hour safety course, while a tourist/renter does not?

Slack

there are online boater safety classes that are MD approved