I. The commissioner or designee shall issue a safe boater education certificate to a person 16 years of age or older who:
[Paragraph I(a) effective until January 1, 2026; see also paragraph I(a) set out below.]
(a) Passes a safe boater education course approved by the commissioner in accordance with the criteria of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. A classroom course shall provide a minimum of 8 hours of instruction. Passage of a safe boater education course shall require successful completion of a proctored examination approved by the commissioner. The minimum passing grade for the examination shall be 80 percent; or
[Paragraph I(a) effective January 1, 2026; see also paragraph I(a) set out above.]