We live in a capatilist country. I say we use this to enforce boater education. Offer Insurance reductions (like a defensive driver course) for people with a USPS or CG approved course. Banks could require some training as a condition of getting a boat loan (a test for a seasoned boater or course for a newby) and leave the government out of it. I have been boating since I was 12 and before my father would let me take the boat out without him I had to pass the USPS course (also a requirement if under 16 in NYS). In college I also took a sailing course and was surprised how much I learned from it. I don't think the goverment should get involved but if peoples wallets would benefit by taking a course I imagine you would have more compliance. I used to work in marinas and yacht clubs and was amazed by how many members with many years of experience boating couldn't even properly secure their boats to the dock. Sorry for the rant.
Mandatory Licensing
- Thread starter Pioneer
- Start date
No, but a mandatory minimum age and IQ for parenting and English as the official language of the United States of America would be nice.
ADD EDIT-- Sib, I swear I did not read your post prior to writing mine. That's scary!!!
ADD EDIT-- Sib, I swear I did not read your post prior to writing mine. That's scary!!!
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From what I have heard from many other forums, more boaters (especially experienced ones) are against the licensing for boating. However, the same boaters would probably think that it's OK for a car. I understand that a Safety Class is not a guarantee to make everyone better boaters but it does help a lot of people acquire needed knowledge to become safer boaters.
I don't think a license for boat should be mandatory but the truth is that we already need a license to wipe our asses in this country. Everything is regulated. Things much more easier than boating are regulated. Why do experienced boaters go ballistic when someone mentioned licensing for boating?
I don't think a license for boat should be mandatory but the truth is that we already need a license to wipe our asses in this country. Everything is regulated. Things much more easier than boating are regulated. Why do experienced boaters go ballistic when someone mentioned licensing for boating?
Nautically Challenged,
Not to sound like a broken record (or scratched CD for the younger here) what do you propose should be done about interstate or international boating licensing requirements? On your little lake in your own state a license might be acceptable but what about somewhere else, how would your suggest your state handle someone coming from a state where no license is required? What about boats which venture out into the ocean (or across the ocean)?
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Run Cay (an unlicensed boater crossing the oceans)
Not to sound like a broken record (or scratched CD for the younger here) what do you propose should be done about interstate or international boating licensing requirements? On your little lake in your own state a license might be acceptable but what about somewhere else, how would your suggest your state handle someone coming from a state where no license is required? What about boats which venture out into the ocean (or across the ocean)?
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Run Cay (an unlicensed boater crossing the oceans)
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Tiger,
You got a point there. It's either done for every type of boat everywhere or not done at all.
How about a proof of a safety class on board? They do send you to take one if you get a ticket. Just a thought.
You got a point there. It's either done for every type of boat everywhere or not done at all.
How about a proof of a safety class on board? They do send you to take one if you get a ticket. Just a thought.
While a safety certificate sounds nice, what about vessels from different countries, would they have to submit to a safety course before being allowed to transit U.S. waters? If I am not mistaken the U.S. can not impose such a requirement because of international maritime treaties which have the force of constitutional law. What about states that chose to opt out of the safety class requirements, what happens to boaters traveling to states which have a requirement? Are we to have state border crossing checks? Do you believe a federal requirement would be in order and if so who will pay the states to administer the new law(s).
This issue is a big mine field I do not think anyone really wants to traverse.
SeaQuest OE
Tiger, when I drive to New York I don't need a New York license. My NH Boating license is NH!. I'm berthed in Mass and predominently boat in Mass waters. I was boarded for a spot safety check by the CG last year.... No biggie. I gave them my NH Boating license as that's where the boat is registered.
Personally, I think there are alot of seasoned boaters out there that couldn't pass the damned test.
Personally, I think there are alot of seasoned boaters out there that couldn't pass the damned test.
Ok! What if you boat in a state that dose NOT require a license and would like to travel to a state which requires a license? Are you exempt? Will you have to go and pass a test in the state you are visiting?
As a side note if you check the laws you will find that there is NO legal requirement for any state to recognize the drivers license from another state, it is an extended courtesy not a mandate.
Additionally how would you suggest the licenses be given out, who collects the fees and what will be done with the money (besides lining someones pockets)? Are the licenses to be mandatory nation wide? If so who sets the standards? The fees? What if a state decided to opt out of the licensing? What then? Again what about visiting boaters from other countries or expats like myself who only spend a few months a year in the states?
It all sounds SO good until you get into the details.
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Rum Cay (for now)
boathandler
Member
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Upgrade the mandatory education to something more rigorous than the current superficial standard. No license necessary.
How would you enforce "mandatory"???? Require the trainee to present a "certificate" of some sort? Sounds a whole lot like a "license" to me... so we're back to square one.
For those who don't think "licenses" are a good idea, fine. Lets NOT require licenses to drive a car, practice medicine, or fly a 747....
For those who don't think "licenses" are a good idea, fine. Lets NOT require licenses to drive a car, practice medicine, or fly a 747....
OK so call it a "certificate"...
Same thing in my mind. you gotta have one, AND the training to go with it. You're playing word games.
You want to drive a SHIP, you need a LICENSE. And it's not easy to get.
I think drivers licensing HAS made the roads safer, compared to what they COULD be. Admittedly there's still a way to go.
Same thing in my mind. you gotta have one, AND the training to go with it. You're playing word games.
You want to drive a SHIP, you need a LICENSE. And it's not easy to get.
I think drivers licensing HAS made the roads safer, compared to what they COULD be. Admittedly there's still a way to go.
You don't need to have a license to drive a ship, technically you could buy the Nimitz and find some friends, alot of them.
To point out the BS in licensing, Va has a bill circulating that mandates this garbage, BUT it gives a 90 day pass if you BUY a boat OR if you are from out of state and RENT one.SO, as I pointed out to the author and my rep, it isn't about safety at all, it's about money...selling boats and renting boats, God forbid we inconvenience a tourist, it's all about selling those little ID cards we would all have to carry while boating. I pointed out that when I used to dock/undock the Nimitz, the CG didn't require me to carry my license.
They didn't respond , wonder why?
Dick
To point out the BS in licensing, Va has a bill circulating that mandates this garbage, BUT it gives a 90 day pass if you BUY a boat OR if you are from out of state and RENT one.SO, as I pointed out to the author and my rep, it isn't about safety at all, it's about money...selling boats and renting boats, God forbid we inconvenience a tourist, it's all about selling those little ID cards we would all have to carry while boating. I pointed out that when I used to dock/undock the Nimitz, the CG didn't require me to carry my license.
They didn't respond , wonder why?
Dick
stmbtwle,
No word games, language has meaning if you are unwilling or unable to accept that then no one here can help you. Just continue to believe what you want.
Read carefuly what Capndick just wrote, visitors to VA would get a 90 day free pass on the licensing requirment. If you are a VA resident you have 90 days to get a license, now that makes sense, licensing is about control and money, nothing more.
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Rum Cay and enjoying the warm Caribbean
No word games, language has meaning if you are unwilling or unable to accept that then no one here can help you. Just continue to believe what you want.
Read carefuly what Capndick just wrote, visitors to VA would get a 90 day free pass on the licensing requirment. If you are a VA resident you have 90 days to get a license, now that makes sense, licensing is about control and money, nothing more.
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Rum Cay and enjoying the warm Caribbean
I would think it would have everything to do with your Port than transient boat licenses and I don't think boaters such as yourself, and others with very large boats are the target here. The 10 to 30 foot yahoo weekend warriors are. Certainly I've come up against a 40 footer who wouldn't yield, or blew by an anchored aluminum almost flipping it; those people exist. Maybe they can predicate the licensing on boat size?
I wonder what the demographics is of those who are oppose to licensing vs. those who want it.
Is it older boaters who are opposed to change (or find it difficult to change) vs. the younger boater who want to keep their new families safe in the water?
Just wondering... and please, it's just a question, not meaning to offend anyone here coz I know how easy it is to do so around here.
Is it older boaters who are opposed to change (or find it difficult to change) vs. the younger boater who want to keep their new families safe in the water?
Just wondering... and please, it's just a question, not meaning to offend anyone here coz I know how easy it is to do so around here.
STELLA,
I believe what you are talking about is similar to the "type" certificate which is used in aircraft. I truly do not think that would work, there are simply too many different types of vessels of the same length.
40' Go fast
40' Trawler
40' Cruiser
40' Sailing vessel
40' Motor Yacht
40' Houseboat
40' Fishing boat
40' Row Boat
40' RIB
And on and on this would go.
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Rum Cay (air temp 85f, water temp 80f)
I believe what you are talking about is similar to the "type" certificate which is used in aircraft. I truly do not think that would work, there are simply too many different types of vessels of the same length.
40' Go fast
40' Trawler
40' Cruiser
40' Sailing vessel
40' Motor Yacht
40' Houseboat
40' Fishing boat
40' Row Boat
40' RIB
And on and on this would go.
SeaQuest OE
Anchored at Rum Cay (air temp 85f, water temp 80f)