Do You Need A License To Operate Your Boat???
 

It is going to happen sooner or later, just curious what you all think about a "mandatory" test to operate a boat? Fatal accidents on the water DO NOT happen nearly as much as they do on the highway, BUT, it seems that "these people" (whoever they are) want to eliminate our hobby, or at least "reduce" the pleasure. Should we be tested to get a license, or NOT?

lisences wont help it will just make people think they know what they are doing!!

I'm not at all a fan of regulation, certification, over-leglislation, whatever you want to call it, but...


...I think it would be helpful if there was a way to mandate some sort of basic education for boating. Even if it's nothing more than a few hours of class or a little test--sort of like the ones you can take online now to save a few bucks on insurance.

I think if we can at least take some of the navigationally-challenged land-lubbers and first-timers and give them some basics of the "rules of the road" like which vessels have the right of way, what to do when overtaking, being overtaken, channel crossing, what's required at night, etc...It could be a safer place out there!

When I was in sixth-grade, we had a week-long boating seminar in grade school about boating safety(I might even have my certificate) having police officers and CG present. It would be cool, to make something similar available to new boaters.

Operating A boat
 

I agree with Baja Daze as far as boating being regulated.on the other side, how many people do you see that have no idea as to how to run a boat in a somewhat of a safe manner? Some time just sit at a busy launching ramp and watch the show, Its better than TV!!;) ;)
I myself, think that some sort of qualification card would be in order for crafts that go over a certian speed. also all PWC!!!:p :p
But what do I know?
eliminator219

I'm with "Baja Daze" and I'm nor for excessive regulation, but I think it would help. They would have to include personal watercraft in the regulation!

Seeya, good thread! Why don't you go back and add a poll to your orginal thread. I think it gives you that option! I'd like to see the results, plus I have been wondering how the "poll" thing worked!

Re-reading my post, I realized it was a little ambiguous!

To clarify, I know that all those classes are already out there now and readily available to anybody who cares to better themselves, but it's completely voluntary.

My point is, that at time of purchase of a new boat(or change of ownership of a vessel) and when registering it would be nice if a basic test would be required or a show of successful completion.

It's the only way to get the message across. Too many people simply sign and ride with no prior experience or introduction. :cool:

I am not a big fan of new regulation....BUT. Maryland passed a law a while back that anyone born after 1972 had to pass an 8 hour course and get a card to run a boat or PWC. Since it has been in effect injuries and fatalities have gone down every year while the number of boats has increased. It does seem to work. In fact most of the schools offer the course as an elective so the kids can get it there. The course is not rocket science by any means(my oldest passed at 10) but it does give the basics.

How about a license to back-up a trailer and load/unload the boat before you even consider a license to drive!:p

No Way! That's where I go for most of my entertainmment. :)

In Connecticut, anyone that wants to operate a vessel needs to take an 8 hour CG course and a test to get certified. It's basically a boater's license. The same is true if you operate a PWC. The course covers the operation of both and when you pass you are certified for both PWCs and boats. It also teaches navigation and the "rules of the road". I think it's a great idea. I do wish the course covered proper use of launch ramps and docks though. While it may be entertaining at times to watch the people at the ramp that don't have a clue, it can also be very frustrating when trying to launch/retrieve your own boat.

Ted

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! :p 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???:eek:

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.