JoLin
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2007
- Messages
- 5,146
It's the time of year when iboats sees numerous rookie boaters question practices that are addressed in the most basic rules of boating. Nothing wrong with asking, but the OP's should be aware that if this is what you're concerned about, you're simply clueless as to how much more you need to learn.
Ignorance is not bliss- it's extremely dangerous for everyone out there, including you and all the loved ones aboard your boat. Neither is ignorance shameful (we all started out that way). it's an easily correctible condition.
Now's the perfect time to correct that ignorance, before the boating season begins for many of us. My US Power Squadron chapter (and chapters across the country) is starting up our boater safety classes within the next few weeks. Same applies for those conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement. While an online class is better than nothing, I suppose, it's so much more valuable to attend a class conducted by people who are experienced with boating in the same waters, and under the same conditions, that you will.
http://www.usps.org/
http://cgaux.org/
The classes are cheap- in most cases you pay only for the materials. In addition, USPS offers free vessel safety checks- yours for the asking (I think CGAUX does too- but I'm not certain). We insure that all safety-related equipment is aboard, current and operational. There's no downside. If something isn't up to par, you're simply informed of that fact and advised to correct it. Could save you a hefty fine if law enforcement stops you first.
Please, please, PLEASE take advantage of what's available for the sake of you, your passengers and all the other boaters out there.
Thanks.
Ignorance is not bliss- it's extremely dangerous for everyone out there, including you and all the loved ones aboard your boat. Neither is ignorance shameful (we all started out that way). it's an easily correctible condition.
Now's the perfect time to correct that ignorance, before the boating season begins for many of us. My US Power Squadron chapter (and chapters across the country) is starting up our boater safety classes within the next few weeks. Same applies for those conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement. While an online class is better than nothing, I suppose, it's so much more valuable to attend a class conducted by people who are experienced with boating in the same waters, and under the same conditions, that you will.
http://www.usps.org/
http://cgaux.org/
The classes are cheap- in most cases you pay only for the materials. In addition, USPS offers free vessel safety checks- yours for the asking (I think CGAUX does too- but I'm not certain). We insure that all safety-related equipment is aboard, current and operational. There's no downside. If something isn't up to par, you're simply informed of that fact and advised to correct it. Could save you a hefty fine if law enforcement stops you first.
Please, please, PLEASE take advantage of what's available for the sake of you, your passengers and all the other boaters out there.
Thanks.
