Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?


"Gordon" wrote in message
...
Washington state wants to institute a revamped law to require boating
drivers licenses. To those in states who have such laws, what are the pros
and cons of your system and does it prevent accidents etc or is it just
another red tape gizmo to collect money for the state?
Thanks in advance
Gordon

In article ,
Ed C wrote:
Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?

I'm sure it has, but I don't think it's appropriate or feasible for
boats. It's just a tax. Cars require a test, minimal though it is.

--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

Ed C wrote:
Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?

Jeese louise I'd say yes:-)

Here downunder we've had boat drivers licenses in most states almost
forever.

It varies from state to state, some only for boats "capable" of
exceeding 10 kts, some only for boats over 10HP & some for all "powered
craft" Also in some you need a special exam & license to drive a jetski
(mongrel things:-)).

The test requirements vary from state to state also, most have a
computerised theory test, which is fairly OK & means people have the
basics & at least some understanding of various lights (fishing boats
with nets, dredges, big ships right of way in designated channels etc),
colours & channel marking systems, plus anchoring & mooring etc, also it
stresses safety gear compliance. At least one state you have to also sit
a boat test after the theory test i.e. they have licensed professional
testers, you meet them where ever, they check the boat then go for a run
asking certain handling tests be achieved, again it's not perfect but
better than nothing at all that lets just about any dopey nuff nuff go &
kill his/her family or worse mine.

I have to admit the govt does milk it for funds, but they claim this
helps defray police & rescue costs, maybe but .......

The very few places that were late getting licenses found people just
paid the fines & didn't care, but when they might lose their license to
operate then they take notice, also & this is great I say:-) they have a
crossover, get done on the breathalyser in the boat & you lose both car
& boat licenses for the specified time.

K


"Gordon" wrote in message
...

Washington state wants to institute a revamped law to require boating
drivers licenses. To those in states who have such laws, what are the pros
and cons of your system and does it prevent accidents etc or is it just
another red tape gizmo to collect money for the state?
Thanks in advance
Gordon

Oregon phased one end some years ago requiring at least a rudimentary
knowledge of Colregs. Each state that has this varies in it's requirements
and none require a demonstration of ability.

In the USA the ability to drive or operate or sail a boat rests largely with
the individual. For most that means buy the boat and tear the tab off the
Budweiser at one end of the spectrum to the barely adequate ASA
certification. The ASA cert's main and only purpose purports to be an
assurance of basic skills prior to renting out (charter is the fancy term) a
boat. In practice it's main reason for existence is to make money as it's
required even of those who hold real licenses (100 ton and up). At that
point it becomes and unecessary and expensive review of minimal skills. For
most though it's the only training they will ever receive so it falls in the
better than nothing but not by much category.

The nation wide licensing begins with the 100 ton examination which
strangely enough requires no practical examination. One only has to own a
boat and then lists "as owner" days of sea time for themselves as "crew".
However most who take the exam and apply for the license have invested
enough time, money, and energy they 'usually' have a working practical
knowledge of some sort. There ends the US system which may fairly be
described for the vast majority on the water as Buy Boat, Buy GPS, Go
Boating.

Counterpoint is the British system which if far and away superior. The entry
level is a written and practical examination called Competent Crew and it
works up to the Offshore Skippers Certification.

Licensing does not stop all accidents but the lack of any real licensing or
examination of ability certainly contributes to the amount of accidents,
injuries, drownings, and deaths on the water.

Washington is making a needed step in the right direction. The problem is
it's not the right Washington for a nationwide problem.

M.



"Ed C" wrote in message news:ikxmd.2939$CK.868@twister
..nyroc.rr.com...
Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?


"Gordon" wrote in message
...
Washington state wants to institute a revamped law to require boating
drivers licenses. To those in states who have such laws, what are the
pros
and cons of your system and does it prevent accidents etc or is it just
another red tape gizmo to collect money for the state?
Thanks in advance
Gordon

Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?

Nope, but a licensed driver is more likely to be operating with insurance.
Making someone like Horvath, Loco or Scotty learn at least a few rules and
concepts sounds like a good idea to me.

RB

Bobsprit wrote:
Did a license ever stop an accident on the road?

Nope, but a licensed driver is more likely to be operating with insurance.
Making someone like Horvath, Loco or Scotty learn at least a few rules and
concepts sounds like a good idea to me.

RB
And yet, you're the only one here who has hit a charted rock a mile from
from your slip. Perhaps you should give the local Power Squadron a
call this winter.

And yet, you're the only one here who has hit a charted rock a mile from
from your slip. Perhaps you should give the local Power Squadron a
call this winter.

In 10 years of sailing, day sailing and short cruises not ONE injury on board.
NO DAMAGE to my boat beyond a torn sail. I carry more safety gear than anyone
here and I'm pretty sure I'm one of the few who actually does MOB drills each
season. I'm sure some folks here will claim otherwise, but you're all full of
sh*t.
And if Dave or GF would like to examine the keel of Alien, they won't find so
much as a scratch on the keel. Go look!!!

Bwahahahahahaha!

RB

Bobsprit wrote:
And yet, you're the only one here who has hit a charted rock a mile from
from your slip. Perhaps you should give the local Power Squadron a
call this winter.

In 10 years of sailing, day sailing and short cruises not ONE injury on board.
NO DAMAGE to my boat beyond a torn sail. I carry more safety gear than anyone
here and I'm pretty sure I'm one of the few who actually does MOB drills each
season. I'm sure some folks here will claim otherwise, but you're all full of
sh*t.
And if Dave or GF would like to examine the keel of Alien, they won't find so
much as a scratch on the keel. Go look!!!

Bwahahahahahaha!

RB
You're the one who has several times claimed to have hit a rock near
your slip. Now claiming that you're a pathological liar is really not a
good excuse.

Bwahahahahahaha!

RB
You're the one who has several times claimed to have hit a rock near
your slip. Now claiming that you're a pathological liar is really not a
good excuse.

Again, BUSTED! My boat is on the hard. Two people here can go have a look. I
know! It was a SOFT rock!!!
You're just another dumb victim, Jeff!!!!

Bwahahahahaha!!!

RB

I'd take that bet on the safety gear starting with an offshore liferaft.

M.

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
And yet, you're the only one here who has hit a charted rock a mile from
from your slip. Perhaps you should give the local Power Squadron a
call this winter.

In 10 years of sailing, day sailing and short cruises not ONE injury on
board.
NO DAMAGE to my boat beyond a torn sail. I carry more safety gear than
anyone
here and I'm pretty sure I'm one of the few who actually does MOB drills
each
season. I'm sure some folks here will claim otherwise, but you're all full
of
sh*t.
And if Dave or GF would like to examine the keel of Alien, they won't find
so
much as a scratch on the keel. Go look!!!

Bwahahahahahaha!

RB