Bill requiring testing for boaters is introduced..

[Alan]

Recreational Boaters of California is sponsoring legislation that would require a test and a certificate for all vessel operators in the state.The bill, AB 1458, was introduced into the state legislature Friday by assembly member Michael Villines. The intent is “to ensure that vessel operators have the necessary knowledge on the laws and regulations that apply to the operation of vessels, through certification, in order to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities,” said Lenora Clark, president of RBOC, in a statement.AB 1458 would enact a new section in the Harbors and Navigation Code, requiring boat operators to have a vessel operator certificate issued by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, after passing a test approved by the department. The certificate would be valid for the life of the individual.

 

[oreana123]

More Regulation?

This bill, if truly in response to so many fatalities, is probably primarily aimed at power boaters, as I don't hear of an awful lot of beginner sailboat fatalities. None-the-less, the great state of California will probably include sailboats in the legislation, providing yet another hurdle for people to try sailing. Will a sunfish require an instructor to be sailed? I have not read the bill, but I fear that many other states will fall in line behind California and require testing for all sailors.

 

[gpd955]

Already happened here

The State of New Jersey (in its infinite wisdom) already implemented a similar regulation. The "safeBoating Certificate" is needed for anyone operating any power driven vessel. Obvouisly sailboats without engines (in or out) are exempt, but that is it. The class is 8 hours and teaches you nothing that 99.9% of sailors don't already know. The legislation came about after the problem of personal watercraft came into the forefront and originally was only required for personal watercraft operators. There is no practical test or evaluation of the individuals skills, just a written test. IMHO, it's a money maker for the state. I guess having the highest property tax rate in the country doesn't bring in enough $$!I was going to get up on my *box but this is not the forum for it.

 

[Bob]

Boating test

Alabama has had this in effect for several years. Every boat operator must pass a boaters course or take a test. This license is good for your lifetime. I think this law was mainly driven by jet ski accidents. In my opinion it is a good thing, at least all boat operators know the rules of the road.

 

[RichH]

gpd955 .... question

How does the NJ law apply to non-resident boaters 'just passing through' NJ? The reason I ask is with most NJ laws 'there's always' a hidden surprise for the unwary. (I reside in adjacent Pennsylvania and we are currently experiencing *hordes* of 'tax refugees' fleeing from NJ)

 

[gpd955]

Rich

I will check on that and get back to you.

 

[gpd955]

OK. That didn't take long

Directly from the NJSP website Out-of-state residents are not exempt from the education requirement listed above; however, the law states that an out-of-State resident who is at least 16 years of age and who will be in this State for less than 90 days may operate a power vessel on the waters of the State of New Jersey if they possess a boat safety certificate issued by their state of residence, or if they possess written proof of successful completion of a boat safety course approved by another state, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators(N.A.S.B.L.A.) or the United States Coast Guard.

 

[Tom Spohn]

Washington

also recently passed this type of initiative. The requirement can be met in Wa. by taking and passing the one-day safety class offered by the US Power Squadron or the Coast Guard Auxiliary--It is the identical class. Wa. is a very boater oriented state with boats of all kinds in salt and fresh water. We have sailboats that are sure they have the right-of-way in all conditions including when motoring. Many have anchor lights on when under way at night. Power boats cross in front of sailors under sail, sometimes with with only a few feet of space and the wake? Well that's not their problem. The education has almost nothing to do with how to sail or how to operate a power boat. It is all about learning the colregs and what safety gear is required. I think this is a reasonable requirement and should be supported by the boating community. Also keep in mind it is a requirement of the state which, at least in Washington State, is doing a much better job of governing than the gang in the other Washington.

 

[RichH]

Soooooo It looks like I'll bypass NJ

... on my next trip north. Thanks. Is there 'anything' NOT regulated in NJ?

 

[Scott On Eagles Wings]

GPD about the NJ Boaters Safety Course

I took the class last spring with my wife and three kids. At the time 12, 15, 17 were the kids ages. The entire class was about power boats and in particular PWC. The small section of the book that was devoted to sailing the instructor skiped right over and did not even cover. I raised my hand and protested and he simply said this law is not aimed at the sailors. I sat back down and shut up. We had the last laugh however. My son and I tied for the highest test score a 98. My wife and another son tied for the second highest score of 96. And my youngest son got a 94. The next highest score was an 84. Several of the PWC folks did not even pass. I left frustrated at the entire class, learned nothing, paid my $65.00 per person tax and left with our certificate that was required for my 17 year old to get his boaters endoursemnt on his DL. By the scores the of the people who need the class the most, I do not think this class helped them at all. Boy I hope this ice melts soon. It's killing me not sailing. Fair winds Scott On Eagles Wings

 

[Ross]

Last year I didn't go to New Jersey

And this year I won't go to california and won't go back to New Jersey.

 

[Richard Bryer]

the land of the over tested!

Canada- especially Toronto. We have the Operators certificate which is Federal and requires a test and a fee, and in the Toronto harbour we have the Toronto harbour license which also requires a test and a fee. And you know what- there are just as many stupid boaters out there as there was before!!Call it what it is - Taxes

 

[gpd955]

Apparently

Government is not regulated, double dipping in my pension by politicians is not regulated, collecting multiple salaries from the taxpayer for the same job is not regulated...hmmm, what's the common denominator here. Oh yeah, trans fats are not regulated...but that will probably be changing soon. Maybe we'll have to take a class and a test in order to eat Big Macs. Fortunately, our founding fathers who bravely overthrew a tyrannical government centuries ago thought ahead and give us the opportunity to overthrow the government in a legal, non-violent and civilized way...Election Day. Unfortunately, nobody remembers the screwing we got when that day finally gets here. I think that the politicians put roofies in our drinking water!! Off the *box now because this REALLY isn't the place for it!Scott, you should come down to AC this year. I'll even let you drive...since you're legal and all!! ;D We're at Farley State Marina, C-72.The rest of you...we'll I'll just have to come see you since you're not coming to NJ anymore! Jack Mannings/v Victim of FateAtlantic City, NJ

 

[grigs]

FEES ::::::::::::

Is it only me or have others noticed that anytime a bill or law start out for your safty, it fast becomes a fee ( invol. tax ) .

 

[Doug_Meyer]

maybe not a bad idea

I hate the thought of more fees (taxes) and regulations! However, the upside is that it might keep some of the idiots off the waterways who don't have a clue about the rules of the road. There is virtually unrestricted access to boating these days, and anybody without an ounce of common sense can now be out on the water with a zero downpayment and $50 per month.Granted, there are also owners out there with big bank accounts and even bigger egos who share the same lack of knowledge. We all pay boater registration fees, maybe that fee should be inclusive of a test which must be passed to show qualification to operate a craft. It doesn't have to be a Capitan's license.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Somebody ought to send this to

Rec Boats

 

[Chuck Creel]

basic boaiting course

With out getting on a soap box, id like to add my 2 cents from a professional mariner's view. I couldnt tell you how many times I have almost killed pleasure boaters because they just don't understand basic rules of the road.Try stopping 3000 tons of barge with chemicals in when some one gets confused abt what the 1 whistle or 2 whistle passing arangment means. MAny times boaters have agreed to be on one side of the canal and wind up on the wrong side, or even worse , get alarmed and just STOP.example AND TRUE CASE;fRIEND OF MINE MET A PLEASURE BOAT IN OPEN WATER AND AGREED ON 1 WHISTLE PASSING.tHE BOAT OPERATOR WENT ON THE CORRECT SIDE, THEN SUDDENLY GOT CONFUSED AND CUT ACROSS IN FROM OF 4 BARGES LOADED TO 1400 TONS EACH.END RESULTS;2 passengers dead, 3 rd injured, Boat destroyed.the 3rd passenger was an 8 yr old boy, who survived after extensive medical stay at hospital.THE captain on the tugboat was a friend of mine with over 20 yrs experience.He was charged by the families attorney with 2 counts of homicied, 1 count ofinvoluntary manslaughter and his lic was suspended pending investigation for 60 days without pay.Charges were dropped in court and ruled accidental.IMHO EVERYONE should know what passing arangments are if nothing else.OK IM through now, thanks for lisstning and please be safe.Captain Charles Creel200 ton master power/ 50 ton SAiling

 

[Hugh4753]

I'm in favor

Gotta say I don't think it's a bad idea. Way to many people on the water with no clue about what they're doing. Heck, I might even learn something.

 

[Ross]

Maryland has a boater safety education requirement

for citizens born after a certain date. I think it is the mid seventies. I guess they figure if these old seadogs survived this long they probably know what they are doing.

 

[Brian D]

I too agree...

[Added - I'm confused... where is this Bill? I cannot find anything on the internet. Please provide a link. Thanks.]That this is nothing more that a ruse to collect more money. I am already certified. Been so for over 20 years. My wife just got her basic sailing certification last year or so. Now they are saying that we will have to take another "safe boating" course? As mentioned by Scott On Eagles Wings, no doubt that we sailors can run circles around power/PWC users any day of the week, any hour of the day, any minuet of the hour.There has to be a clause/caveat for this. Namely, the use of power boats greater than x feet excluding sail driven boats with internal/external combustible drive system.Now, say the state has passes the law, who is going to monitor and enforce the law? Will every boater be pulled over so their certificates can be checked and verified? Will this be for inland waterways and coastal harbors? Or on my trek to say, Catalina Island, some Barney Fife is going to pull me over for speeding and ask me for my License, Registration and proof of insurance.If I am exempt, then I am for it. However, if the state wanted to included professional boaters as most sailors and larger power boaters are, then I am opposed to the bill.