(a) The General Assembly finds and determines that:

(1) The regulation of boating and boaters in the state is the primary responsibility of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission under Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 35;

(2) Most boating accidents in the state are due primarily to the lack of training or the improper training of boaters;

(3) The establishment of a boater training and safety program in this state would greatly improve and facilitate boater safety in this state; and

(4) It is the purpose and intent of this section to authorize the commission to establish and operate a boater safety and training program in this state.

(b)

(1) The commission is authorized and encouraged to establish, maintain, and operate a program of boater training and boater safety in this state.

(2) The program shall include without limitation:

(A)

(i) A course of instruction designed to teach the safe and proper handling of motorboats, personal watercraft, and any other related matters determined appropriate by the commission.

(ii) The course of instruction under subdivision (b)(2)(A)(i) of this section may be administered through an online study course approved by the commission; and

(B)

(i) An online or written examination that shows the applicant's ability to have common knowledge to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motorboat and a personal watercraft.

(ii) The examination shall be administered in person at a time and place designated by the commission.

(3) The course of instruction may be offered in cooperation with schools, private clubs, and organizations and may be offered by the commission in areas where requested and where other sponsorship is unavailable.

(4) The commission shall also prepare and disseminate information on water safety to the public, including informational pamphlets, which shall be made available at popular tourist locations.

(c) The commission may adopt and enforce rules and regulations it shall deem appropriate and necessary to properly carry out the purposes and intent of this section.

(d)

(1) In order to operate a motorboat or a personal watercraft in Arkansas, a person born on or after January 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft shall have successfully completed a commission-approved safe boating course and examination under subdivision (b)(2) of this section to obtain a boater education certificate.

(2) The commission shall issue boating education certificates and furnish a copy of the state laws pertaining to the operation of a motorboat or personal watercraft or informational material based on these laws to persons successfully completing an approved safe boating course and examination.

(3) Valid boating education certificates issued by other states to nonresidents shall be honored by this state if the boating education course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.