Boater competency

[magster65]

How many of you folks have challenged this test or have taken the power squadron training?<br />I have my competency card but haven't done the power squadron.

 

[Belchy]

Re: Boater competency

I have taken the power squadron course, and plan on taking the advanced piloting course in the spring. I would recommend it, becuase if you ever need to do any navigation with charts, it is good to know what all the symbols are. Also, it is a great way to pass the winter when you can't be on the boat. <br /><br />Belchy

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boater competency

New Jersey has recently required all boat operators between 14 and 25 (or so)and all PWC operators to pass a "Safe boating" class. My neighbor took this class to legally ride his PWC. He said the class consisted of writing the check ($85), and completing a multiple choice test for which they were given the answers.<br /><br />I completed the US Coast Guard Aux. "Safe Boating" course in 1967, when I was a kid. Although you do learn some useful things, there is no substitute for experience as well. I have also known some high-ranking Power Squadron members, who have taken all the advanced courses, but either do not have the experience or interest to properly use all that knowledge. They tend to come off as fools when they spout off about "what to do in certain situations".

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boater competency

Sorry about that last reply, I was just venting.<br /><br />I did think about one incident however with the Power Squadron however. I was 7 mi offshore fishing all day, and at the end of the day I went to a PS function. We motored into this quiet creek, (no wind at all and no wake zone)many miles inland of the inlet. We back into this slip with finger piers and tie up. The PS guy says that "You need at least 7 more lines to be properly tied up". A single bungee cord would have kept us in that slip that night.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Boater competency

I've taken the boater saftey, & the coastal navagation courses from the Coast Guard Aux., both were good courses. I believe in education, rather than a license, People who drive cars have a license, & I see dumb things on the road every day. IMHO, Joe

 

[phantoms]

Re: Boater competency

I believe in education, rather than a license, People who drive cars have a license, & I see dumb things on the road every day. IMHO, Joe

Boating is slowly being redefined as a privilege, not a right. Just like Driving has been done.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Boater competency

I took the course. A couple of nights in one week. Wife and I did it together and both have our certificates. I got my drivers lisence endorsed for Boat too. It's nice when my wife takes the wheel and I get to chill in back and watch the rear view knowing she knows what she's doing. Unlike when I let my brother drive. I prefer if he doesn't get the boat on plane...

 

[magster65]

Re: Boater competency

Hmm,<br />Congrats to you who have... I bet this thread has been viewed a lot and there isn't many responses here.<br />In Canada we require a competency card for those under 14 with a PWC. Next year there's more requirements and all the way to 2009 when everyone operating a boat needs a licence. I absolutely agree that experience is what makes a capable and intelligent boater, not a successful (written) test result.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Boater competency

Some stuff makes sense, but it has a hell of a lot more to do with revenue, revenue, revenue. Think motorcycle test. Last time I looked either you can ride one without falling over, or you can't. But ya pay bucks for stupid questions to answer.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Boater competency

People who are seriously interested in boating will learn whether they teach themselves or take a course. Those who have to take a course because the law requires it may or may not learn from it. I studied on my own and I took the USGC Aux. course in 1967. In 1984 I got my USGC passenger vessel operators license. I still refresh my knowledge from time to time of things I don't normally use very often. You can lead a horse to water by you can't make him a competant boater.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Boater competency

As for "boating slowly being redefined as a privilege not a right", I cry each time we lose a right. What's next, Bicycle licenses, or roller skate license, how about a running permit. That's not what I fought a war for. What about sail boat people, they don't need a registration, will they need a license? There are already rules in place, as always, if you get caught breaking them, you pay the penalty. What will license's change, except that you will now have a bureaucracy that looks at boaters as cash cows. For people who continually brake the rules, what regard do they have for licenses anyway? Educate people, maybe something will stick in there heads & they will become boaters or better boaters. Don't look to the gov't. to fix problems with a test and a card. Thanks for hearing my rant, I could go on. Just the way I see it, Joe

 

[BillP]

Re: Boater competency

I've done the Power Squad, USCG Aux and have three additional ratings from the USCG. Education is always better than no education but I want it left up to the individual. Keep the govt OUT of private boating. If people want to live risk free they need to find a little pond somewhere that limits use to only rowboats and boat there. Otherwise learn how to stay clear of idiot boaters.