Operators license for boating

[txswinner]

What are the thoughts on requiring boating license. I have never been in great support but the lakes and rivers are getting crazy. I ran a small jon boat with a 3 hp motor with my buddies when I was only 12 but knew the rules (do not bother grown up boaters) and knew my dad would enforce them. Anyway how about it, pass test to get license to operate a boat or not?

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Operators license for boating

Already the law here in Oregon and I wholeheartily agree with it.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Operators license for boating

I also agree with the need to have a license. As boating becomes more and more popular, our lakes and rivers are becoming crowded. Just like on the highway, it's good to know that the person coming at you has, at the very least, a minimal education of basic boating safety. That being said, I am still amazed at what I see when I go out on the water. Here's an example. Yesterday while dockside I overheard a mother asking if she could hold her baby (about 8 months old) in her arms while in an inner tube being towed behind a boat. Neither had a life jacket on. Thankfully the operator refused.<br /><br />I made sure I took an accredited Canadian Coast Guard safety course when time came to get my license.<br /><br />Here is a link to answer some of the questions for us Canadians regarding licenses. If you're from elsewhere, take a look and read up. These rules might be heading your way.<br /><br /> http://www.boaterexam.com/faq_ca_en_rules.html <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Sublime]

Re: Operators license for boating

I agree with it as well. I do hate to see the govt get involved, but believe it's for the better. By 2006 all boaters in N.H. will be required to take the boat course and be licensed. Very basic course, I felt. Simple stuff covered, the three Rs, boat classifications, #of PFDs, distance from other boaters and docks.<br /><br />I an a God at sea!

 

[BF]

Re: Operators license for boating

it's the law canada wide now (being phased in)... the problem I have with it is the content of the course and test. Spent most of the time talking about harbour buoy's and channel markers which 99% of the people boating here (on small lakes) will never encounter. Spent 0 time talking about safety issues about people in the water around boats, safety concerns about tubing/skiing etc, or even what a wake is or how it can affect moored boats! About 1/2 people in the class were like me, and had boated for years, but now need to meet the new requirement. Other 1/2 were spouses/kids etc (the kind that are usually passengers, not drivers) but who didn't actually know much about boating to start with. The ones that knew what they were doing and the "rules of the road", still knew 'em after, the ones that didn't at the start, still didn't after. They could ID the buoys though! (I could for about 3 days afterwards, then I forgot most of 'em). <br /><br />It would be easy for a new boater to get 100% on the test, get a license, and still be completely oblivious to how to safely operate a boat. That's my beef with it. The "power squadron" type thing sounds much better.<br /><br />anyway, that's my $.02... Maybe we just picked a bad instructor.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Operators license for boating

Good point BF. I remember taking the in class lessons and being worried I wouldn't pass the test with all the buoy markers etc. And you're right, most of them we will never see while on the water. I found a great plastic reference guide that fits in a binder that I keep tucked away next to the pilot seat for those "just in case I forget" days. I found some of the most important things were right of way rules and regulations. Especially when it came to knowing right of way with sail boats... seeing my first water way after buying a boat was the heavily "sailed" Ottawa river. <br /><br />Oh, and the test ... it was soooo easy it scared me to think just what kind of boater could fail it. ...sorry if any one reading this failed it... :|<br /><br />Jeff

 

[Sublime]

Re: Operators license for boating

BF:<br />It's not just safely operating a boat that I hear complaints about in iboats forums,(jet fleas, fishermen, ect.) it's "courtious" (lack of) operation that I hear most complaints about. There appears to be more and more people out in the world (on the roads, on lakes/rivers, on the trails) you name it, that think their time and enjoyment is more valuable and important than yours or that of others. I've done my best to compose and take all with a grain or spoon full of salt. My GF still wants me to take anger management class tho'. Years ago, if someone deserved a good pop in the mouth, so be it, and they would be humbled by it and learn a lesson. Now adays, do that and you wind up in litigation/court (trust me, I know this first hand).<br /><br />Ya, sure there are still times I wish I had a .50 BMG mounted on deck of my boat or hood of my truck, but instead I try to think of these people as deprived of basic common sense.<br /><br />Just my .02 worth.<br /><br /><br />I am a God at sea!

 

[txswinner]

Re: Operators license for boating

Guess courtesy and gentleman (sorry ladies) behavior are not priorities when in time most needed!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Operators license for boating

I guess I agree with the idea although, most accidents are not caused by someone not knowing the rules. Accidents are caused by someone being stupid and getting a licence won't fix stupid. As my kid grows up I will want to get him at the helm at an early age to teach him the ins and outs of boating and how to be a responsible boater. It would be a shame if licence requirements prevented us from doing that.

 

[BF]

Re: Operators license for boating

I hear you about the lack of courtesy... but mandating a license doesn't change that. Yes, just look at how courteous the roadways are these days!<br /><br />Yes, I agree with you. All that's happened is that the "it's all about me and I'm oblivious to anyone else" attitude is happening everywhere, including the waterways and launches. I'll admit, it's less of a problem in these parts than it sounds like it is in other, busier places. I tend to stay away from the really busy lakes. Too many "yahoo's". I much prefer smaller places where everyone still waves "hello".<br /><br />I would have liked it if the boating course I took had spent some time discussing the "rules of the road" (which often have a root in safety)..... problem is that they are based in elusive "common sense" instead of written down as law, so they aren't discussed.

 

[AJ168]

Re: Operators license for boating

Here in New Jersey an operator's license is required if you were born before a certain year. The course was actually very good, going over everything from safety to trailering. And the test was hard enough that you actually had to pay attention in order to pass. The one thing that I don't agree with is the law that until you're 16, you can't use a boat that has a motor larger than a 9.9. (I just turned 16) But before now, what I could use was very limited. I can see the intent of this law but it made it much harder for me to be a boater. I was afraid to travel out into the bay. (Remember that there is only one lake in NJ that allows gas engines so most of the boating is in saltwater.)

 

[txswinner]

Re: Operators license for boating

AJ: Sounds like you are a young man who should move to Texas.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Operators license for boating

By the way... How is the boating in Texas?

 

[AJ168]

Re: Operators license for boating

I'd love to move to Texas. Can't stand NJ.

 

[BillP]

Re: Operators license for boating

Florida has a license for kids but not for adults. Basically I'm against licenses and would rather take my chances. Idiots are idiots regardless of a license. I'd rather fund for more marine patrol units and let them take care of it. I do wish we could do something to control the crazy pwc drivers...they keep running into docks and getting hurt.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Operators license for boating

Texas boating is great as always, getting crowded some places but most boaters are courteous, with a few jerks mixed in. But remember we can carry weapons so jerks need to use caution. Actually Texas offers every type of water from tanks (small ponds)to rivers, big and small lakes, great fishing, warm water for water sports. Course it is really hot right now which makes being on the water even better. Heck come on down we would love to have you all.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Operators license for boating

I'm hooking up the trailer now and loadin' the boat up!

 

[Booner]

Re: Operators license for boating

Boating operators license is bureaucratic BS. <br />But then aging just the other day when I was on the lake some guy was in a bayliner pulling his kids on a tube and passed about 50 yards in front of my boat while I was under way. If one of those kids had fallen of it would have been a real bad accident. So maybee just a reqierment for Bayliner owners.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Operators license for boating

...hey now....

 

[swist]

Re: Operators license for boating

It can't happen soon enough for me. People are piloting conveyances on the water much bigger and heavier than a lot of land vehicles. No one would ever think of not licensing drivers. What the hell is the difference?