Certified boater training now available online

Press release

Certified boater training for Tiber and Canyon Ferry Reservoirs can now be done online at http://www.cleandraindrymt.com.

Watercraft owners who primarily recreate on either Tiber or Canyon Ferry Reservoir can received the certified boater designation. The online training course provides participants with information about the invasive mussel threat; how to appropriately clean, drain and dry watercraft; and why it’s important for everyone to take responsibility in protecting Montana’s waterbodies.

Certified boaters are expected to do a self-inspection every time they exit the waterbody to make sure their boat is clean, drained and dry. The program is designed to decrease volume at decontamination stations and allow a focus on boats traveling elsewhere. Certified boaters sign an agreement pledging to go through decontamination before leaving their designated waterbody to launch in another waterbody.

Certified boaters must stop if they encounter an inspection station where they will be expedited through after a brief interview.

The certified boater program is open to Montana residents who live east of the continental divide and who boat primarily on Canyon Ferry or Tiber Reservoir. As proof of certified boater designation, the watercraft owner will receive two decals to place on each side of the back or stern of their boat, and a third decal to place on the boat trailer.

Starting April 23, watercraft owners unable to access the online certified boater training can visit Fish, Wildlife and Parks office to complete the training in person.

For more information on invasive mussels, maps of inspection and decontamination stations, and the certified boater training, visit http://cleandraindry.mt.gov or http://www.cleandraindrymt.com or call 406-444-2440.