Firstmate Controls

Firstmate Controls was created to make the boating experience safer. Today, to help our boaters even more, we're highlighting some of the important boating laws in our home state of Missouri. Keep reading to learn the basic rules for registering, operating, and keeping your boat safe out on the water. Registration Requirements In the state of Missouri, you need to be issued a Missouri Certificate of Number and validation decals in order to operate your boat on Missouri waters. The only exceptions are non-motorized vessels, sailboats 12 feet or less in length, or vessels registered in other states using Missouri water for 60 consecutive days or less. Your Certificate of Number has to be on your boat at all times so that you can provide it to law enforcement if necessary. The validation decals have specific display rules to make sure they are easily identifiable from a distance. The number has to be on both sides of the boat, read from left to right, and meet other specific color an...

This week, May 16th - May 22nd, is National Safe Boating Week! Boating season is in full swing and the unofficial start to summer is this Memorial Weekend in several boating communities. Firstmate Controls produces the best boat lift controls and the best dock accessories on the market, all with the purpose to help keep you and your dock safe. Today we are talking about another important part of safety and boating... Becoming a licensed Missouri boater. Read on to learn whether or not you need to get a license and how to get officially certified. Who Needs a License? While anyone can take the official Boater's Education Course, it is only mandatory in Missouri for people born after January 1st, 1984. It's important to note that if you have a boater's license from another state, it will also be honored in Missouri. What is a License For? Some people think that you only need a Missouri Boating Certificate if you are driving a large boat. However, that ...

Everyone wants to captain a boat or personal watercraft at some point in their life.  With the waterways filled with boats and PWC’s in the warm months, it’s nice to know that Missouri requires some boaters to take the Missouri Boating Safety course.  Firstmate Controls believes in water safety for everyone who will be enjoying time on the water.  Below you will find out all the details of how to sign up and what to expect while taking the course.  Missouri Boating Education Requirements All operators born after January 1, 1984, must have the Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card to legally operate a motorized vessel or personal watercraft (PWC) on any Missouri lake. Motorboat or PWC operators must be 14 years of age or older unless under the direct supervision of a person 16 years or older.  There is no minimum age requirement to take the online course and you do not have to be a Missouri resident to register.  Taking the course ...