While some say power boaters and sail boaters are like Mars and Venus, we all share the water together. All boaters have a common responsibility for safety afloat. Yet we all have had a number of “events” -- with both sail and power boats -- that have endangered our boats and crews. Many of these events have even caused us to issue forth a non-endearing verbal epithet about the skills of the offending skipper. What's the answer? Should all boaters be required to take some sort of boating safety course? Should it limited to boats of a certain type or size? Would mandatory licensing improve safety afloat? What are your thoughts about who should, and should not, be allowed to operate a boat? Tell us about your experiences afloat and and don't forget to take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Quick by Warren Milberg)
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Depends
I think that should be a county decision, because it doesn't make sense to require somebody who runs his boat in a non-traffic area, verses somebody who runs in heavy traffic area. I used to sail in the St. John's river years ago and I hardly ever even saw another boat on the water, but now I sail in the Galveston Bay and go in and out of maybe one of the most traffic and narrow passage-ways in the country. We have all kinds of boats going in and out at the same time. Once in a while I'll hear somebody blasting another for some reason or another. With that many people out there, your going to have problems, but I'm also not sure if a license exam will change anything. Not so sure it helps with cars. Just about anybody can get a license with a car. Sure, people study up to take the exam, but 2 months later they've forgotten all the rules.
I think that should be a county decision, because it doesn't make sense to require somebody who runs his boat in a non-traffic area, verses somebody who runs in heavy traffic area. I used to sail in the St. John's river years ago and I hardly ever even saw another boat on the water, but now I sail in the Galveston Bay and go in and out of maybe one of the most traffic and narrow passage-ways in the country. We have all kinds of boats going in and out at the same time. Once in a while I'll hear somebody blasting another for some reason or another. With that many people out there, your going to have problems, but I'm also not sure if a license exam will change anything. Not so sure it helps with cars. Just about anybody can get a license with a car. Sure, people study up to take the exam, but 2 months later they've forgotten all the rules.
No way
Keep government out of boating!!!!! One of the great allures of boating is the sense of freedom it brings. With boating deaths in decline - why bother?
Keep government out of boating!!!!! One of the great allures of boating is the sense of freedom it brings. With boating deaths in decline - why bother?
Everyone!
Many years ago my father was a member of the US Power Squadron. He tought the basic course a couple of years and so I took it along with him. I had no choice! But I thanked him many times. He's passed away now but I can hear him say that after 40 years boating on the Chesapeake Bay he saw a lot of incidents. Most just little bumps but he had a picture of a 40 foot Pacemaker stuck about 6 feet into a 55 foot Chris Craft and a picture of a 6 foot dink with the noze pushed in a a lot of blood on it! Size of boat doesn't make any difference because it doesn't make any difference what size of boat you fall off of you still can drown in the same water. I think every owner of any size boat should be required to take a basic 1 or 2 day class in boating safety. I've seen folks that don't know how to put a PFD on!That's dangerous!
Many years ago my father was a member of the US Power Squadron. He tought the basic course a couple of years and so I took it along with him. I had no choice! But I thanked him many times. He's passed away now but I can hear him say that after 40 years boating on the Chesapeake Bay he saw a lot of incidents. Most just little bumps but he had a picture of a 40 foot Pacemaker stuck about 6 feet into a 55 foot Chris Craft and a picture of a 6 foot dink with the noze pushed in a a lot of blood on it! Size of boat doesn't make any difference because it doesn't make any difference what size of boat you fall off of you still can drown in the same water. I think every owner of any size boat should be required to take a basic 1 or 2 day class in boating safety. I've seen folks that don't know how to put a PFD on!That's dangerous!
due dilligence
I think everyone who entertains the idea of owning a boat should do everything he/she can to make the use of it as safe as possible whether that is taking classes or doing a lot of self-study. It's kind of funny that this topic came up today. I actually have my Chapman open in my lap right now. It's those who don't bother to be responsible that will invite the government into all our cockpits. That will be a sad day, and those who brought the license on us will still operate just as irresponsibly as they do without one.
I think everyone who entertains the idea of owning a boat should do everything he/she can to make the use of it as safe as possible whether that is taking classes or doing a lot of self-study. It's kind of funny that this topic came up today. I actually have my Chapman open in my lap right now. It's those who don't bother to be responsible that will invite the government into all our cockpits. That will be a sad day, and those who brought the license on us will still operate just as irresponsibly as they do without one.
Changes coming in over here
Shortly all persons in command of a boat must have completed a boat handling course. Mind you in Victoria you also have the requirement to wear a PFD "whenever" on a boat. Just doesn't make sence wearing a PFD to bed at night on your yacht!
Shortly all persons in command of a boat must have completed a boat handling course. Mind you in Victoria you also have the requirement to wear a PFD "whenever" on a boat. Just doesn't make sence wearing a PFD to bed at night on your yacht!
Hit 'em in the wallet. Insurance companies could charge less for folks who've taken courses and more for those who haven't, just like driver's education. I don't know about you, but I sail to escape from big government.
everone should !
the same arguments were made when they first talked about vehicle license. They did not work then and won't work now!My thought is that everone who operates a boat (including row boat, sailing dink,kayak etc) should be required to take a safe boating course or some similar boating education Ther are are way to many boater who don't have a clue what they are doing! I don't think that a small amount of time for education is too much to ask a person to learn the bacis of boating.It could also save THERE life.As mentioned previous,boating deaths are on the decline and education (there are lots of states who have mandatory education) has been a key to reducing deaths and accidents.Im not a fan of big goverment but I don't think a couple of hours of basic education it too much to ask of a person,especialy considering the fun and pleasure SAFE boating gives most of us. Just my 2 cents.............
the same arguments were made when they first talked about vehicle license. They did not work then and won't work now!My thought is that everone who operates a boat (including row boat, sailing dink,kayak etc) should be required to take a safe boating course or some similar boating education Ther are are way to many boater who don't have a clue what they are doing! I don't think that a small amount of time for education is too much to ask a person to learn the bacis of boating.It could also save THERE life.As mentioned previous,boating deaths are on the decline and education (there are lots of states who have mandatory education) has been a key to reducing deaths and accidents.Im not a fan of big goverment but I don't think a couple of hours of basic education it too much to ask of a person,especialy considering the fun and pleasure SAFE boating gives most of us. Just my 2 cents.............
Rules of the Road (waterway)
My wife and I sail in a larger lake in Texas. There are sailboats, powerboats, and those toys of Satan called PWC (jet skies). I learned alot about the rules of the waterways from my x-father in law. He was a retired Naval officer and had a nice live aboard Chris Craft that he operated on the Chesapeak Bay. He taught me what I use today. If people understood the right of way rules there would be less stress. I have had jet skies cut in front of me while pulling a skier, powerboats cut in front of my sailboat, and pontoon boats full of drinkers head directly at me. I am not in favor of more Government intervention, BUT............people need to understand that there are rules on the water. Maybe they only apply when there is a salt content to the water you are sailing on? Just my rant.....thank you.
My wife and I sail in a larger lake in Texas. There are sailboats, powerboats, and those toys of Satan called PWC (jet skies). I learned alot about the rules of the waterways from my x-father in law. He was a retired Naval officer and had a nice live aboard Chris Craft that he operated on the Chesapeak Bay. He taught me what I use today. If people understood the right of way rules there would be less stress. I have had jet skies cut in front of me while pulling a skier, powerboats cut in front of my sailboat, and pontoon boats full of drinkers head directly at me. I am not in favor of more Government intervention, BUT............people need to understand that there are rules on the water. Maybe they only apply when there is a salt content to the water you are sailing on? Just my rant.....thank you.
All should know basics
Everyone (operators) who is on the water (salt or fresh) should know the basics of boating and the Rules of the Road. I think it would be prudent to have everyone who operates a boat attend some sort of "Basics" course. I did because I wanted to. When other people put me, my family and my boat in danger, then I am not happy out there. As in every sport there are some "unpepared" sportsmen out there who embarrass the whole lot. I don't think "getting in and turning the key" is a proper way to set into boating.
Everyone (operators) who is on the water (salt or fresh) should know the basics of boating and the Rules of the Road. I think it would be prudent to have everyone who operates a boat attend some sort of "Basics" course. I did because I wanted to. When other people put me, my family and my boat in danger, then I am not happy out there. As in every sport there are some "unpepared" sportsmen out there who embarrass the whole lot. I don't think "getting in and turning the key" is a proper way to set into boating.
unfortunately it keeps me in business
As much as I think people should have a liscense to sail/boat, it's the ones who don't know anything and hit things that keeps me in business of fixing damaged boats.
As much as I think people should have a liscense to sail/boat, it's the ones who don't know anything and hit things that keeps me in business of fixing damaged boats.
Sure to start some discussion
This topic always brings out the wallflowers... For my money, the worst offenders won't be affected by a mandatory education requirement. They either won't bother to get their license (we call it a "certificate" here in Conn.), or will ignore all they have "learned". That's just the mindset of those who think its cool to swamp or cut off other boats, or otherwise be rude, unsafe and generally jerk-like. There are enough people out there who want to boat safely but have no idea how. Its important they get an education. The state boating course here won't teach them all they need to know, but it does teach them how little they do know and that they damn well better be careful and considerate until they have some experience. A lot of good people out there find government intrusion into your freedom to boat as you see fit to be offensive; I can understand that, however even the most diehard of you must admit that there is an ever-growing number of boaters out there who have no idea what they are doing and are creating hazards for all of us. Ignoring the problem won't make it better. I would like to be empowered to confiscate and sink the offending boats myself, but that seems impractical. If anybody has a better idea than mandatory education, I'm all ears.
This topic always brings out the wallflowers... For my money, the worst offenders won't be affected by a mandatory education requirement. They either won't bother to get their license (we call it a "certificate" here in Conn.), or will ignore all they have "learned". That's just the mindset of those who think its cool to swamp or cut off other boats, or otherwise be rude, unsafe and generally jerk-like. There are enough people out there who want to boat safely but have no idea how. Its important they get an education. The state boating course here won't teach them all they need to know, but it does teach them how little they do know and that they damn well better be careful and considerate until they have some experience. A lot of good people out there find government intrusion into your freedom to boat as you see fit to be offensive; I can understand that, however even the most diehard of you must admit that there is an ever-growing number of boaters out there who have no idea what they are doing and are creating hazards for all of us. Ignoring the problem won't make it better. I would like to be empowered to confiscate and sink the offending boats myself, but that seems impractical. If anybody has a better idea than mandatory education, I'm all ears.
Here is a coin with more than two sides....
This is not a black & white question. I think that it is prudent that a boater educate him/herself appropriately for the kind of boating and for the location that they navigate. This is not a big boat vs small boat issue. Nor a fishing pond vs commercial waterways issue. It is a question of basic safety and prudent seamanship. Statistics show that there are more boats under 16 feet than larger boats. One could also conclude that there are more inexperienced boaters in smaller boats because that is where most people begin boating. However, I have also observed some operators of large boats behaving in a manner that indicates they are clueless. I believe in boating education. There are any number of courses that can at least impart basic boating safety. United States Power Squadrons, Coast Guard Aux, state agencies, and private companies all have low cost (or free!) courses for boaters. I am against mandatory licensing. I would like to see a mandatory safe boating course, but I cannnot see a way to enforce that without licensing. IMO licensing is just another way for the governments to put their hands in our pockets, and I suspect that is their primary goal rather than being interested in our safety. I am a member and past commander of the Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron in western Massachusetts. We educate the public in boating safety. We educate ourselves in all areas from seamanship to celestial navigation. I invite anyone to seek out your local power squadron for an excellent educational opportunity and fine fellowship.
This is not a black & white question. I think that it is prudent that a boater educate him/herself appropriately for the kind of boating and for the location that they navigate. This is not a big boat vs small boat issue. Nor a fishing pond vs commercial waterways issue. It is a question of basic safety and prudent seamanship. Statistics show that there are more boats under 16 feet than larger boats. One could also conclude that there are more inexperienced boaters in smaller boats because that is where most people begin boating. However, I have also observed some operators of large boats behaving in a manner that indicates they are clueless. I believe in boating education. There are any number of courses that can at least impart basic boating safety. United States Power Squadrons, Coast Guard Aux, state agencies, and private companies all have low cost (or free!) courses for boaters. I am against mandatory licensing. I would like to see a mandatory safe boating course, but I cannnot see a way to enforce that without licensing. IMO licensing is just another way for the governments to put their hands in our pockets, and I suspect that is their primary goal rather than being interested in our safety. I am a member and past commander of the Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron in western Massachusetts. We educate the public in boating safety. We educate ourselves in all areas from seamanship to celestial navigation. I invite anyone to seek out your local power squadron for an excellent educational opportunity and fine fellowship.
stink-potters OR rag-beaters
My boating buddy happens to be a "stink-potter." His views on un-educated boaters - of ANY kind - are the same as mine: that they are a menace! Yes - people do make mistakes. But - the chances of a serious "incident" are greatly lessened by knowledge and education. The proof is out there! Bill on STARGAZER
My boating buddy happens to be a "stink-potter." His views on un-educated boaters - of ANY kind - are the same as mine: that they are a menace! Yes - people do make mistakes. But - the chances of a serious "incident" are greatly lessened by knowledge and education. The proof is out there! Bill on STARGAZER
Licence to sail
In Canada there is already a compulsory course leading to a certificate that will eventually be required by all boaters. Of course, it will never address the problems caused by people who decide to go out without learning the basics. And that's not related exclusively to younger and inexperienced people. Can't believe how many of the older boaters don't know the basics about operating in narrow channels, rules of navigation, use of the radio etc. Geoff
In Canada there is already a compulsory course leading to a certificate that will eventually be required by all boaters. Of course, it will never address the problems caused by people who decide to go out without learning the basics. And that's not related exclusively to younger and inexperienced people. Can't believe how many of the older boaters don't know the basics about operating in narrow channels, rules of navigation, use of the radio etc. Geoff
Not needed for boaters
but local governments might want to tax us in order to build some more sports stadiums though. How many ways are there to spell license?
but local governments might want to tax us in order to build some more sports stadiums though. How many ways are there to spell license?
People and their motivations
The argument that 'licensing wouldn't help as the idiots will still be idiots' is wrong. I have taught the Boating Course for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron for 17 years. During many of those years there was no licensing. Over the last 6 years the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card has been gradually introduced (this is being done over a 10 year period with the accident prone categories targeted first - PWU, small boats and young operators). This card indicates that the holder has passed an approved competency (knowledge) test as administered by an accredited organization (eg. Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons and other boating safety organizations). The card is issued by the organization based on accreditation of the organization by the Canadian Coast Guard. There are no government licensing fees although there is government enforcement. My observations are based on those who have taken the course and my involvement in a boating oriented community. There are 4 broad groups of people: 1. Those who would educated themselves no matter what as they are interested in their own safety. 2. Those who believe they should educate themselves but never get around to it. 3. Those who believe they know enough to do what they want to do with a boat based on experience with others. 4. Those who think a boat is not much differernt than a car. Mandatory competency tests assure that those covered by #2 above get around to it and that the rest must do it. Many in group 3 find that there is more to it than they thought and are happy they have learned it and those in group 4 find out that there is more to know. Now that doesn't mean that there will not be some careless boaters (idiots) that get through. However you do catch those that have good intentions but never get around to it and those that don't know that they don't know. That has got to be better than letting everyone do their own thing. By the way - the compulsory part of the training for the 'card' is pretty well the minimum so it is not enough for cruisers, however it does catch the target groups. And for some providers (like the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron) it is also an opportunity to encourage people to take the additional training they need to do what they want to do.
The argument that 'licensing wouldn't help as the idiots will still be idiots' is wrong. I have taught the Boating Course for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron for 17 years. During many of those years there was no licensing. Over the last 6 years the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card has been gradually introduced (this is being done over a 10 year period with the accident prone categories targeted first - PWU, small boats and young operators). This card indicates that the holder has passed an approved competency (knowledge) test as administered by an accredited organization (eg. Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons and other boating safety organizations). The card is issued by the organization based on accreditation of the organization by the Canadian Coast Guard. There are no government licensing fees although there is government enforcement. My observations are based on those who have taken the course and my involvement in a boating oriented community. There are 4 broad groups of people: 1. Those who would educated themselves no matter what as they are interested in their own safety. 2. Those who believe they should educate themselves but never get around to it. 3. Those who believe they know enough to do what they want to do with a boat based on experience with others. 4. Those who think a boat is not much differernt than a car. Mandatory competency tests assure that those covered by #2 above get around to it and that the rest must do it. Many in group 3 find that there is more to it than they thought and are happy they have learned it and those in group 4 find out that there is more to know. Now that doesn't mean that there will not be some careless boaters (idiots) that get through. However you do catch those that have good intentions but never get around to it and those that don't know that they don't know. That has got to be better than letting everyone do their own thing. By the way - the compulsory part of the training for the 'card' is pretty well the minimum so it is not enough for cruisers, however it does catch the target groups. And for some providers (like the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron) it is also an opportunity to encourage people to take the additional training they need to do what they want to do.
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