The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will conduct two Basic Boating courses in Erie County and one in Crawford County for novice boaters, future boaters, and experienced boaters.

Boating Safety Education Certificates are required for anyone operating a personal watercraft and anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, operating a boat powered by a motor greater than 25 horsepower.

The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. There is no charge for the course or materials, but advance registration is required.

The next course is April 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Corry Higher Education building, 221 N. Center St. To register, call Beth at (814) 664-9405.

On May 12, there will be a course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conneaut Lake Sportsman’s Club, 11861 Sportsman Road. Class size is limited to 40. To preregister, call Chad Foster at (814) 683-5126.

On May 19, a course will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room 112 of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive. Class size is limited to 75. To register, call Chad Foster at (814) 683-5126. Bring a lunch or plan to eat out.

Students who successfully complete the course may apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate issued by the Commission. The student must send a check or money order for $10 to the Commission. This course meets the mandatory education standards set by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for motorboat operation and is accepted in most states with mandatory education requirements.