Date: 1/04/11
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

NDOW BOAT REGISTRATION RENEWALS

Another year has come and gone, and that means it is time for Nevada boat owners to renew their vessel's registration. While that may be the last thing some boat owners want to think about in January, those who choose to register their boat before Feb. 1 could win a three-day houseboat trip on Lake Mead or Lake Mohave.

"Though you must have current registration and validation decals to legally operate a motorized boat on Nevada's public waters, many boaters wait until the weather warms up to register their vessels," said Nick Duhe, boating education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). "In some cases they wait as late as the week before Memorial Day weekend and then become frustrated with the resulting long waits and long lines."

In an effort to reduce lines and waiting time, NDOW has teamed up with Forever Resorts to offer procrastinating boaters an incentive for registering their vessels earlier in the year. Every boater who registers their vessel on or before Feb. 1 will be automatically entered to win one of several prizes. In addition to one three-day houseboat trip on lakes Mead or Mohave, early registrants will also have the chance to win one of two rafting trips below Hoover Dam, one of five $50 credits at participating marinas or a life jacket. Complete rules are available online at www.ndow.org.

Here in the Silver State boat registrations are valid from the date they are issued until Dec. 31 of the same year. Boaters who choose not to register their boats, or simply put it off, risk receiving a citation if they operate the vessel with expired registration. The certificate of number, or registration card, must be on board the boat whenever it is operated.

"This is also a good time for boat owners who have moved since their registration was last renewed to submit a change of address," said Duhe.

Both new vessel registrations and renewals can be taken care of at NDOW regional offices in Reno, Elk and Las Vegas. Renewals can also be completed online at www.ndow.org.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.