NASBLA Roundtable

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  • 1.  Standards for boater safety tests?

    Posted 08-06-2025 04:42 PM

    I'm looking for info whether there is a NASBLA standard on how testing must be conducted for a basic boater safety course. 

    Does NASBLA have a position on whether in person classes must be closed book tests? Or are open book tests permitted? 

    Purely online courses are NASBLA compliant. Online class providers do nothing to make their online testing a closed book test. 

    So, is open book testing permissible for in person classes? 

    Or, is this not a NASBLA issue, rather one that is left to the states? 




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    Robert Rice
    Rice and Associates PC
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  • 2.  RE: Standards for boater safety tests?

    Posted 08-07-2025 10:34 AM

     

    Hello Robert,

    I hope you will find the information in the NASBLA Policy for Course Delivery Platforms and Student Assessments for a Boating Safety Education Course helpful. Section 9 will provide you with the answers to your questions. In addition, some states require an in-person test regardless of the learning platform.

    If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

    Take care,

     

    Mark Chanski

    Education Director

    1020 Monarch Street, Ste 200

    Lexington, KY 40513

    859-225-9487

     






    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Standards for boater safety tests?

    Posted 08-07-2025 10:42 AM

    Mr. Rice,

    From Section 9 NASBLA Policy for Course Delivery Platforms and Student Assessments for a Boating Safety Education Course:

    All student knowledge assessments, regardless of course delivery method, must:
    • comply with the prescribed test weights,
    • begin with written or verbal directions regarding the examination process, conditions, and how to
    respond to the questions,
    • be completed by the person taking the course, without the assistance of any outside informational
    resources (electronic or human),
    • be closed book, unless state guidelines allow open book exams, and use the specific guidance based on
    examination delivery methods described below.



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    R/C J. David Haddox
    Chair, Basic Public Education Committee
    America's Boating Club® | United States Power Squadrons®
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    Original Message