§ 79. Courses of instruction. 1. For the purpose of giving such courses of instruction and awarding boating safety certificates, the commissioner may designate as his or her agent any person the commissioner deems qualified to act in such capacity, including, but not limited to, certified instructors of the United States coast guard auxiliary, United States power squadrons, the United States sailing association for a powerboating course or courses which are approved by the commissioner, American power boat association, boy scouts of America, Red Cross and other organizations. No charge whatsoever shall be made to any person less than eighteen years of age for the issuance of a boating safety certificate. Persons less than eighteen years of age may be charged a fee for instruction in boating safety, except that the office may not charge a fee when providing such instruction to persons less than eighteen years of age.

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2. The commissioner is authorized, at his or her discretion, to develop a method for approving internet-based boating safety courses as an appropriate and effective method for the administration and completion of training in the safe operation of vessels, including personal watercraft and specialty prop-craft, for the purposes of awarding a boating safety certificate pursuant to this section. All approved internet-based boating safety courses shall employ methods to ensure attendance of the student throughout the course.