Mandatory Boater Education

[eeboater]

Normally, I'm not a fan of "big government" but I am going to have to side with the government on this one. I've always held the opinion the we should really have a "boaters license" to be able to operate a vessel. Too many people on the water don't know their patoot from the drain hole in their vessel. There are areas that government should not stick its nose and there are areas they should - I personally feel this is one of those areas.<br /><br />Wisconsin is considering forcing anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989 to take a boating safety coarse and get licensed.<br /><br />Some of the arguments against are stating that it's stupid to force younger boaters, but not older boaters. In some ways I agree with this - but I think it is setting a precedence for the younger boater to become more educated, causing safer waters in the future. <br /><br />Yeah, its possible that the education will not do anything - but at the very least they are learning the proper way to navigate waterways... communicate on the radio... etc.<br /><br />Who knows, if the kid is going to the class, perhaps the parent will join them.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=407504&date=3/10/2006 <br /><br /><br />Sean

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

I think its great. Anyone who has never taken a boating course WILL LEARN something from one of these classes. I got my first boat when I was in the 6th grade. Taken a boaters safty class and gotten by captains license. Ill be the first to say there is still alot to learn.<br /><br />Mandatory classes are a great idea.

 

[alden135]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

1. Given the number of idiots I see with boats I think the training is a good idea. NH requires the training. <br /><br />2. I think that those of us with naval or other professional maritime training should be exempt from the requirement. I was a fully qualified boat coxswain. I should be able to send my records in to the state and get a pass.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Been that way for years around here. I think anyone born after 1972 has to at least take a safety course.

 

[QC]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

I am on the fence, because I want less regulation period, not more. The fence comes from boating where first timers with more money than sense (let alone boating sense) often get their first experience with a 100+ MPH boat . . .

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

If my memory serves me correctly, no option down here. Everyone with a boat with an engine over 6hp has a licience. It is included in your car (vehicle) licience.<br />The two are one of the same. <br />eg. you get pulled over in the boat and breath-a-lized for drinking, and fail, not only do you loose your boat licience, but your car too.<br />We have a point system for traffic offence. Once you reach a certain number, that's it, licience gone for a period. The points from your boating misdemeanours count.<br />That dosn't mean to say licienced boater are excellant boaters, but at least at one point they knew how to read a channel.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

I hear ya QC. But it just seems as though stupidity bounds on the water. Few know the proper way to yield right of way or much else for that matter. Its like most run around in their own little world and dare you to land there. And those Jet Fleas, OMG!!!<br /><br />Not to group anybody, but everyone would agree that a day out on the water without an incident of some sort is practicly unheard of.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

nomore regulations wanted here.

 

[Pony]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

<br /> nomore regulations wanted here.

To anyone else that thinks that way, what is your reasoning. Just curious.<br /><br />I dont see how a simple liscence requirment is going to be such a hassle. Yeah we all hate regulations.......but its a little nieve to make that the only reason for being against boating clsses. Especially when you start looking at the fact that in the long run this will most likely save some lives. But hey, if thats not important.............

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

True story, the perfect PRO-licensing testimonial...<br /><br />Working at the local marina, a guy comes roaring in with a 20' Baja / 200 Merc behind his shiny new SUV. Comes running to me and asks "Where does this thing go?". It was a bailer plug. "Does this need oil and where does it go?" YIKES!!! <br /><br />This obviously rich guy may never have been in a boat in his life. He bought a 60+ mph boat off the side of the road with cash enroute to his Uncle's cottage or something. He was heading to a small but popular and crowded lake where that boat couldn't possibly get anywhere near full speed before he got to the other side. He has no clue how to operate the boat and is totally clueless about navigation norms. Do you want to be anywhere on that lake when this clown backs in? (The Launching musta been something to behold! )

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Not too sure on this one. But I would endorse that anyone ticked for any moving violation be required to take a safe boating course before getting back on the water. This to include the driver and the boat.<br /><br />This might bring about discipline with the jet ski crowd.<br /><br />How to enforce this? I don't know.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Just another way for the guv to squeeze some more $ out of the public......<br />Not necessary, IMHO.....JK

 

[QC]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

I like Pointer's idea. If you screw up, then you'll have to go to a course, pay a fine and prove you went to avoid an even bigger (read BIGGER) fine.<br /><br />No question, I see the Willy thing every weekend we boat. I understand Pony's question, but sometimes you have to take a stand. This is a lot like registering guns to me. Makes sense on the surface, but where does it end?<br /><br />JK, there you go again, revealing your soft, conservative underbelly . . .

 

[heycods]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Whats the difference in buying a car that will run 120mph, that you dont know how to drive, and dont have a license to operate. Or buying a boat that will run 70 mph, that you dont know how to operate and has no brakes. In both cases you are turning an uneducated fool loose on the public. It is not legal with a car. Why should it be with a boat?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

The point here is enforcement.<br />Don't know about everywhere else, but around here the F&W people have their hands full with poachers and the like.<br /><br />Sure, you can get them out on the lake for 1 day and stop and check, but that is 1 day out of 7, what about the other 6 days?<br />Enforcement is the hitch to this whole matter.<br /><br />Then you have the politican that wants to let his 16 year old use the boat for the week end with his pals.<br />What ya think will happen to the local F&W person that makes that kid park the boat or gives him a ticket?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Actually I like Pointers idea too...HC, the difference is that with even a shred of common sense & using your good eye you should not run over anyone or hit another boat...Safe boating is using common sense, IMHO....QC ....JK

 

[bayman]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Every boater should be educated, if they can do that themselves then so much the better. I say, if they can pass a good quality test then they don't need the mandated education. If they can't pass it, then have them take a course.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Originally posted by P.O.N.Y.:<br />

<br /> nomore regulations wanted here.

To anyone else that thinks that way, what is your reasoning. Just curious.<br /><br />I dont see how a simple liscence requirment is going to be such a hassle. Yeah we all hate regulations.......but its a little nieve to make that the only reason for being against boating clsses. Especially when you start looking at the fact that in the long run this will most likely save some lives. But hey, if thats not important.............

Next thing you know pony you're gonna need a permit to rob a bank, and take a class before you get in a high speed chase with the Feds. No thanks I'm already regulated to death. You may feel the need to have everybody licensed, permitted and regulated, that's fine but don't impose your rules on me, as I have enough already.

 

[QC]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Originally posted by Chief 100:<br /> Next thing you know pony you're gonna need a permit to rob a bank, and take a class before you get in a high speed chase with the Feds.

LMAO

 

[roscoe]

Re: Mandatory Boater Education

Have taken 2 courses offered/blessed by the state and Coast Guard.<br /><br />They did NOT teach boat operations, common sense, boat limitations, radio operation or protacol, courtesy, etc.<br /><br />Spent lots of time learning about PFD's, bouys and channel markers, and commercial traffic, etc.<br /><br />Have never encountered commercial traffic on the water.<br />Have never seen those beautiful green and red bouys on the water. Can only think of 4 waterways in WI that have them.<br /><br />Just how do you plan on teaching compliance, common sense, and courtesy to a block head or crack addict?