WAILUKU – The County of Maui reminds all ocean thrill craft operators that they must attend safety classes offered here on Maui through Windward Community College.

Both classes are scheduled in November at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus.

The “Recreational Thrill Craft Operators Safety Educational Course” will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, in UHMC Hale 218 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Enacted in January 2005, all recreational thrill craft (personal watercraft) operators must complete a certification class offered by an accredited institution of higher education on the safe use and operation of a thrill craft.

According to the law, operators should be familiar with local ocean safety principles and practices; historical, cultural and customary practices of Hawaii’s ocean users; and rules regarding protected species and thrill craft operation in state Administrative Rules.

The course fee is $109.

The “Ocean Safety Education Course” covers the legal and regulatory requirements for persons who participate in the sport of tow-in surfing in Hawaii; risk management principles; local ocean safety principles and practices; rules and laws pertaining to protected species in ocean waters in Hawaii; boating skills as they apply to the sport of tow-in surfing; and the historical, cultural and customary practices of Hawaii’s ocean users.

Everyone who participates in tow-in surfing in Hawaii must complete this certification course, which will be offered on Nov. 5-6 at UHMC Hale 218 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee is $139.

Register for either class with Windward Community College by calling (808) 235-7433 with credit card or visiting windward.hawaii.edu/Continuing_Education/OceanSafety/.