Operators license for boating

[Holdimhook]

Re: Operators license for boating

Here in Alabama, we've had mandatory licenses for a few years now. While my first impression was "Oh s##t! more beauracracy!" I've come to agree with them of late. The revenue raised from their sale has gone to fund more manpower and equipment for the marine police. Also, the ability to revoke the license has added a good bit more levirage(sp?) and ability to enforce the laws. Along with this at the same time, the DUI limit was established at .08%. The same as drivers on the roads.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Operators license for boating

I can only comment for my area, feel sorry for people cramped in a lake or small sound. The last thing we need is more certification, the water is the last place we can we can be alone without a hassel. I see children as young as 10 yrs old operating boats and barges alone. I would have no problem lending them my boats to rescue dad at the clam beds or for them to catch some dinner. Most DADS allow there youngsters to operate the boat as they set things up for fishing. Of course here it is a way of life. <br /> As for crowded waterways, slow down and let them pass. Dont expect me to come off plane if you are anchored in a channel. NO WAKE zones are NOT anywhere within 1000ft. of your boat. Assume everybody else but you has the right of way. Enjoy your time on the water and let others do likewise with out more regulations. just my views. fred

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Operators license for boating

If it aint in your state yet, it will be shortly. Just a more bloated, more bureaucratic mess to try and regulate idiots.. (plus the tax revenue can't figure in of course, right?)... that where raised by one parent who stuck them in a baby farm (daycare) in there formative years. 90% of the idiots in our marina are totally clueless, and should not even BE in a boat! How about the family in the bowrider, coming into the dock, dad can't see jack because the kids are in the front, and while he's jamming back and forth on the throttle of a 20 foot, multi horsepower boat, the 100 pound wife is sitting on the bow, her leg out againt the dock, to protect the boat when it crashes into the pier. I cringe when I see that stupid move. Anyway, it all started with the 10 Commandments, and we think we could improve on that. Has ANY laws made by senseless humans EVER did a damn bit of good? Stupid can't be regulated, crooks and outlaws don't care, but the headlines will say "80,000 new jobs created this month". Of course not a bad deal if you can get one of those jobs....riding around in a boat all day for money?. Hmmm......

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Operators license for boating

WOW robby6950, sounds like you just went a few rounds with corp of engineers, fish&wildlife, code enforcement,building inspection,marine patrol,coast guard. If you have not figured it out yet, you ( and me) are going to lose. Try to enjoy the water out there while you can, controls are coming for all of us. <br /> Take your children out on the boat, teach them how to operate the thing. Maby they will be able to get you to costa rica or belize when the time comes. Sorry, just a libertarian sitting out this storm with a few beers. Let people do there thing. regards fred P.S. the electric fuel pump question could apply to any boat with an engine.

 

[skipperjohn]

Re: Operators license for boating

One of the good things about having to be licensed is now you have something that you could loose if you act like an annul orifice on the water.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Operators license for boating

In favor of boat licensing or an endorsement on the vehicle driver's license. Too many people know nothing about the rules or safety, just get a boat and hit the water.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Operators license for boating

I would rather see manditory education, than a license! A license just creates a burocrocy, and will accomplish little except more fees to pay for more people. I drive a hundred miles a day, in the car, & see plenty of stupid things on the road, & I'll bet nearly all of those people have licenses. IMHO Joe

 

[Mark42]

Re: Operators license for boating

Originally posted by AJ168:<br /> (Remember that there is only one lake in NJ that allows gas engines so most of the boating is in saltwater.)

Actually there are a few, Hopatcong, Greenwood (half is in NJ), Budd, Cranberry, Musconetcong, Lauren, Sunset, and Deal just to name a few. But most (other than Hopatcong, Greenwood, Budd, Cranberry and Mustconetcong) are either too small to bother with (who wants a power boat on a 35 acre lake?) or are private and need a resident pass to launch. <br /><br />I had my fill of the two largest, Hopatcong (under 3000 acres) and Greenwood (under 2000) because of nutcase operators or weeds up the wazoo. The others are too shallow or too small for my likes (4ft mean depth). <br /><br />I support licenses for anyone operating a boat on the water. How many folks here know what the colors on the navigation lights mean? Apparently no one on Lake Hopatcong does. Yahoos abound on that lake.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Operators license for boating

In NJ...<br /><br />Boat License = Money grab by state <br /><br />Boating Safety Certificate = Boater education<br /><br />Too different animals.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Operators license for boating

RatFish,<br /><br />Yeah, the state is getting money for doing... well, nothing. Right now in NJ... "Any applicants born after December 31, 1978, must submit a certificate showing satisfactory completion of a boating safety course approved by the State Marine Police." in order to get a boat license. That means anyone under the age of 27 needs a certificate. Here is a link to the source of that info: <br /><br /> NJ DMV <br /> <br />This makes sense to me, and then only your drivers license with the boat endorsement is the only proof you will need of being properly educated. I guess they are going to let attrition weed out all the non-certificat boaters. Either that or change the cut off date.<br /><br />Right now my wife and I both have safety certificates, but only I have a license endorsement. And therein lies the difference of our priorities!

 

[Kopasetic]

Re: Operators license for boating

Interestingly enough, the Canadian boating licence is privatley run, even the Coast Guard does not have access to the boaters names etc, not sure whether that's good or bad, I know that when gov't gets involved things usually get over complicated etc.

 

[vranasaurus]

Re: Operators license for boating

I agree with most everybody here. I think it is really a lack of courtesy.<br /><br />I fish at a 700 Acre lake in southwest Iowa. I was fishing a tournament saturday night that started at 8. It was unbelievable. There were so many boats on the lake that people were tubing inside of the no wake buoys and there wasn't a DNR officer anywhere to be seen.<br /><br />I anchored my boat 100 feet inside the no wake buoys and my boat was being moved even with two 50# anchors. I was so pissed.<br /><br />I think they need licenses and use the money exclusively for more enforcement of boating laws.<br /><br />The boat license ought to just be an endorsement on your drivers license. That way if your caught BWI the state can pull your complete license.

 

[BULLWARKS]

Re: Operators license for boating

Ok here's my 2 cents.<br /><br />STUPID ME <br />I took the USPS Course and ASSUMED that everyone had to follow the rules.<br /><br />It's a RARE circumstance when right of way, anchored boat, passing and other rules are followed. Sometimes I think I'm the only FOOL who follows them.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the license requirement in an of itself will do nothing without enforcement. If we had consistant enforcement of the rules we don't need the license.<br /><br />Boy was I duped by the USPS into believing there are boating rules!

 

[BULLWARKS]

Re: Operators license for boating