MrBigStuff
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2004
- Messages
- 497
Re: Unsecured Load
It seems that a lot of the states do not have any regulations on boating other than registration. Where I used to live, you didn't have to take any courses, tests nothing. Just buy a boat, register it and then it's off to the launch. No safety, basic boat operation or launch protocol instruction is required or encouraged. Only two states out of the half-dozen I've boated in require any form a safety instruction. None address how to launch and retrieve a boat.
Just look at the local launch that is uncontrolled. Where I lived previously, they invested significantly in the launch infrastructure. Separate ramp areas for preparing, launching and tie down after retrieve. And yet, half the people didn't comprehend the process and would end up blocking everyone.
Ignorance and self-centered behavior are commonly on display. Sadly, enforcement of laws or even common sense behaviour is on the opposite side of that spectrum due to the lack of funds for doing so.
It used to be that you had to have more disposable income to own a boat. Now, like most motor sports, the manufacturers have succeeded in mass producing their products and drawing in a much larger customer base. Perhaps the overall percentage of boneheads hasn't increased but more of them are taking to the water...
It seems that a lot of the states do not have any regulations on boating other than registration. Where I used to live, you didn't have to take any courses, tests nothing. Just buy a boat, register it and then it's off to the launch. No safety, basic boat operation or launch protocol instruction is required or encouraged. Only two states out of the half-dozen I've boated in require any form a safety instruction. None address how to launch and retrieve a boat.
Just look at the local launch that is uncontrolled. Where I lived previously, they invested significantly in the launch infrastructure. Separate ramp areas for preparing, launching and tie down after retrieve. And yet, half the people didn't comprehend the process and would end up blocking everyone.
Ignorance and self-centered behavior are commonly on display. Sadly, enforcement of laws or even common sense behaviour is on the opposite side of that spectrum due to the lack of funds for doing so.
It used to be that you had to have more disposable income to own a boat. Now, like most motor sports, the manufacturers have succeeded in mass producing their products and drawing in a much larger customer base. Perhaps the overall percentage of boneheads hasn't increased but more of them are taking to the water...
