Man I hate to see more regulation because it will turn into a way for states to raise more revenue.

However I see a need for some type of education............I haven't a clue of what though.

I think PWC users should be the first in line for classes.....pwc accounts for about 20% of all water craft and are involved in about 85% of all incidents. (read that somewhere)

I would only agree with a licence if the new law had a provision dealing with "saftey inspections". If they are going to require a licence than the athorites should NOT have the right to board me under the pretences of saftey. If I am licenced and made to pass a class and test on safe boating operation than I should have the right to be left alone unless I am breaking the law. I am already safe because their test says so. They should need some cause for pulling someone over just as in an automobile.

I have a 100 ton USCG Master Capt. License.
I thought I knew it all but while studying for the test years ago, I learned things that I use constantly.
For example, lights on tugs & freightors for pushing or pulling and how far infront/behind the tow is (important at night!), weather systems, navagation and simply enough, rules of the road (you would be surprised how much there is to know).
How about we start a new section & have a weekly quiz? You just might learn something!!

In jersey it cost 5 dollars to put it on your drivers license no test


mike

DJD,
That would be a great idea. Some thing we could all use to brush up once in a while...!!! Good idea! A "Rules of the Road" section...

Mike,
I remember that from my time in Jersey...Unfortunately, it's about the money, not our educaion.

How about a "road test" or water test there are some people who just cant handle boats when they get to the dock
Im sure I got some looks my first time

I'm sure I did too... I'm sure we all did! It's the people that have been doing it for years and still can't seem to get the trailer back and the boat on or off without a Three Stooges act that get under my skin.

I'm sure some of the Stooges' acts are the result of beer ingestion which is a whole 'nother fear in itself. If they can't maneuver at idle, what happens when they hit the highway???

The quiz section is a great idea!! :

I'm not sure if a license is the way to go. The states probably wouldn't use the money for anything boating-related. I think there needs to be more/better education. The Power Squadron's long (8 week) course is excellent on theory and there should be some sort behind-the-wheel training too.