EPHRATA - The Grant County Sheriff's Office Marine Program will host a boater education course from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday April 14, at the Grant County Public Works meeting room, 124 Enterprise St. SE, Ephrata.

The course is offered at no charge and is required for boat operators of vessels of 15 horsepower or more, including motorboats and personal watercraft.

Deputies will present the state's curriculum which includes navigation rules, required equipment and boating laws. This year, boat operators age 40 and younger are required to complete the course. Violators may be issued infractions and have their voyages terminated.

Eventually, all persons born after 1954 and who operate vessels with 15 horsepower or more will be required to have completed this course.

Pre-registration is required by 12 noon on Apr. 13. Contact Bobbee Beissner at 509-754-2011 x 468 or email bbeissner@co.grant.wa.us.

Persons who need the course but are unable to attend this class can find both the home study course and internet versions of the course on Washington State Parks web site. The home study course is free. Many of the internet courses charge a fee.