New boaters law in NC

[thefairlaneman]

I just saw that in NC we now have a law that says anyone under the age of 26 MUST take a boat safety course in order to operate a power boat..I bet that stops alot of drinkers from using boats which is ok with me but I cant understand why its 26...I would think 21 would be ok.

 

[JustJason]

Re: New boaters law in NC

Living on a border town with 2 different sets of rules in 2 different states... I will say that I think obtaining some sort of boaters/seamanship license is a good idea. But you got me on the age thing... I would think the age requirement would be the same or similar to an automobile.

 

[kend301]

Re: New boaters law in NC

I saw that too , was wondering about 26 myself. I personally think all boaters must attend at least a seamanship course to learn the rules of the water and what you need to have on a boat to go out safely. I do agree with getting the "I'm old enough to operate a boat and here is the throttle" people off the water . Who knows perhaps NC spent our tax dollars to determine when "common sense" kicks in in life

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New boaters law in NC

they are getting the up and coming generation. the just out of college kids, that get the good job and splurge on a boat. these are also the ones that like "go fast" boats and jet ski's.

i personally think all states should require all boaters take the course, work it over the next 5 year, give them time to get it.

 

[lowkee]

Re: New boaters law in NC

26 does seem odd. I do know, when renting a car, 25 is the cut-off point for paying an added "under age renter" tax. Maybe they took some cues from that cut-off, which I'm sure is based on accident claims filings by age.

 

[timdan94]

Re: New boaters law in NC

I agree with the having to take a boaters safety course. But it shouldn't just be mandatory for people born after a certain date like here in pa. It should be for everyone just like a drivers license. I have seen some pretty dumb stuff done by people much older than myself. I also see that no one knows or follows the rules on the water. I got my certification 2 years ago and went over the practice test and material again this year and I learned even more.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: New boaters law in NC

I agree that everyone should be required to take a boater course. I was grandfathered in, but I still took an online class just to make sure I knew what I thought I knew.

 

[JB]

Re: New boaters law in NC

My guess is that they studied "accident" (events of premeditated carelessness) statistics and found operators up to 26 the most deadly.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: New boaters law in NC

JB, while that is a good thought, you're assuming the legislation put that much time and effort into it. This is the same state government that takes a day of recess just for the NC State vs ECU baseball games. lol

 

[shortyg]

Re: New boaters law in NC

Hey guys ! Yep we got some new laws on the books this year and it,s going to be interesting how they work out .I,ve been boating in NC for over 30 years,4 boats 12-23ft,4 pwc 650-1100 supercharged. We,ve needed this for a long time! Having talked with an official at the WRC,there are a lot of questions& challenges expectted. There are alot of fellow boaters who are not even aware these laws came in on May1,2010. Boy are they gonna be surprised when they get checked. It,s gonna be hard to explain to 14year old kid fishing for crappie along the shoreline at granddad,s lake house in a 10ft jon boat why he gets a ticket and the guy out there on the 25ft cruiser with a boat load of yahoo,s creating havoc don,t! Welcome to NC. Don,t get me wrong, water safety is a top priority with me, but this needs to be refined a little.

 

[skargo]

Re: New boaters law in NC

I agree that everyone should be required to take a boater course. I was grandfathered in, but I still took an online class just to make sure I knew what I thought I knew.

Same here. In MD, is you were born AFTER 1972 you are required to take the course, I was born in 1967, but took it anyway.

I've seen fools on the water from 8-80, so everyone should take it.

 

[dave11]

Re: New boaters law in NC

Should be for all.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: New boaters law in NC

I think you are right, every boater needs it. Before I put my boat back in the water last year I took a few minutes and reviewed the safety rules about passing and what certain caution signs were for and I am well past 26 years of age. I think the new law will have the most effect of the young jet ski crowd which is a good thing.