Boater operator certificate
 

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

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:12:02 GMT, "Gordon" wrote:

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?

Canada recently brought in a licensing requirement. The red tape and
operator cost has been negligible as it is a one time license without
a renewal requirement. The big plus is that kids under 16 can no
longer legally drive jet skis. However, the rules don't seem to
prevent a couple of inexperienced 19 year olds from legally renting
one *right now* on some kind of provisional license.

I think it's a good thing, if only because it makes it clear one
should have some qualification before jumping into a boat and hitting
the throttle. The testing is so simple that anybody should be able to
get one after reading the Coast Guard Safety Brochure, so it is not
much of a hurdle to clear. Quite possibly the bar should be higher.

Ryk

It's a friggin 20 buck tax grab with a ridiculous exam that proves nothing
regarding operator competency!

You now need one despite the fact you might have a Master/Minor Waters
certification.

It's ridiculous.


CM

"Ryk" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:12:02 GMT, "Gordon" wrote:

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?

Canada recently brought in a licensing requirement. The red tape and
operator cost has been negligible as it is a one time license without
a renewal requirement. The big plus is that kids under 16 can no
longer legally drive jet skis. However, the rules don't seem to
prevent a couple of inexperienced 19 year olds from legally renting
one *right now* on some kind of provisional license.

I think it's a good thing, if only because it makes it clear one
should have some qualification before jumping into a boat and hitting
the throttle. The testing is so simple that anybody should be able to
get one after reading the Coast Guard Safety Brochure, so it is not
much of a hurdle to clear. Quite possibly the bar should be higher.

Ryk

"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...
It's a friggin 20 buck tax grab with a ridiculous exam that proves nothing
regarding operator competency!

You now need one despite the fact you might have a Master/Minor Waters
certification.

It's ridiculous.


CM

It might keep those rum guzzlin' characters from terrorizing decent sailing
folk in Mahone Bay......then again maybe not!

Just another tax.

--


Keith
__
....at least I thought I was dancing, 'til somebody stepped on my hand.
"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

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 12:07:36 -0500, Ryk
wrote:



I think it's a good thing, if only because it makes it clear one
should have some qualification before jumping into a boat and hitting
the throttle. The testing is so simple that anybody should be able to
get one after reading the Coast Guard Safety Brochure, so it is not
much of a hurdle to clear. Quite possibly the bar should be higher.

I am also in Toronto, Canada, and got my certificate in the context of
Canadian Power Squadron courses. Not a bad thing, and the red tape is
minimal.

While you can just "sit the test" without prior instruction, the
advent of this licencing requirement is getting more people into Power
Squadron courses, which is gradually upping the knowledge level of
recreational boaters generally, or so it appears to me.

At least it's no longer "zero".

R.

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...
It's a friggin 20 buck tax grab with a ridiculous exam that proves
nothing
regarding operator competency!

You now need one despite the fact you might have a Master/Minor Waters
certification.

It's ridiculous.


CM

It might keep those rum guzzlin' characters from terrorizing decent
sailing
folk in Mahone Bay......then again maybe not!

They're safe now..... Overproof is laying to her cradle..... in the
parking lot of the local bar! :-D

CM

It may be so in your area but I can assure you all CYS courses were booked
solid years ago when I took my courses. I paid out of pocket with no
hesitation for these courses. What ****es me off the most is that even
though the certification automatically assures me an operator's card... I
still have to pay the additional $20. This card is no more than a tax grab.
I know lots of people who have folks write the test for them online and then
pay their fee only to have no clue about boating safety.

The card is a scam.... it won't hold up in court.

CM




"rhys" wrote in message

I am also in Toronto, Canada, and got my certificate in the context of
Canadian Power Squadron courses. Not a bad thing, and the red tape is
minimal.

While you can just "sit the test" without prior instruction, the
advent of this licencing requirement is getting more people into Power
Squadron courses, which is gradually upping the knowledge level of
recreational boaters generally, or so it appears to me.

At least it's no longer "zero".

R.

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 18:01:42 GMT, "Don White"
wrote:


"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...
It's a friggin 20 buck tax grab with a ridiculous exam that proves nothing
regarding operator competency!

You now need one despite the fact you might have a Master/Minor Waters
certification.

Actually, the regulations require only that one carry proof of
competency on board and recognize e.g. a CPS diploma as adequate proof
of competency in lieu of a license.

Ryk

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

No, but those who have taken defensive driving courses are less likely to
have an accident.


"Ed C" wrote in message
...
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

I have received a 10% allowance for my car and my boating safety courses.

I have to renew my defensive driving course every 3 yrs, but have received
the 10% discount for the last 17 yrs, I have received a 10% discount for a
course I took the last 1t yrs ago.

..
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 15:28:38 GMT, "Dr. Dr. Smithers"
wrote:

No, but those who have taken defensive driving courses are less likely to
have an accident.



I am a proponent of boater safety courses, however, since taking part
in boater safety courses is an elective decision, you haven't
established whether this phenomenon is cause or effect.

I think it is most likely that those interested in boating safety
pursue the courses out of the initiative of self improvement. They
would have been safe, anyway.

Given the embarrassingly small percentage of discount afforded by the
insurance companies for boating safety course completers... I'd think
that few to none of those people holding boating safety and
navigational rules/information in low esteem would be induced to take
courses for selfish monetary reasons. They'd probably be unsafe,
anyway. There is a lot of difference between taking a course and
altering someone's behavior.

If I were an insurance company, I'd think of some pricing scheme to
induce boaters to take these boating safety courses (even the
disinterested ones), that is, if I truly felt that they would improve
safety and my bottom line.

Looking at the insurance companies complacent attitude toward this....
I'd conclude that it isn't all that strong a link to them.....
--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/
Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where
Southport,NC is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats
Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

"Ryk" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 18:01:42 GMT, "Don White"
wrote:


"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...
It's a friggin 20 buck tax grab with a ridiculous exam that proves
nothing
regarding operator competency!

You now need one despite the fact you might have a Master/Minor Waters
certification.

Actually, the regulations require only that one carry proof of
competency on board and recognize e.g. a CPS diploma as adequate proof
of competency in lieu of a license.

Better re-read that..... once fully implemented a Boat operator's Cert will
be mandatory and required.

CM

A Boat Operators Card is not a defensive driving course... it's barely a
beginner's exam for a retard!

CM

"Dr. Dr. Smithers" wrote in message
news:G6Kmd.417721$D%.308970@attbi_s51...
No, but those who have taken defensive driving courses are less likely to
have an accident.


"Ed C" wrote in message
...
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

I have no less than 6 certified advance vehicle control courses... all
stated I would get a discount on insurance premiums... I don't... I have no
tickets, no record and no accidents for over 30 years.

CM

"Dr. Dr. Smithers" wrote in message
news:V4Lmd.417841$D%.372275@attbi_s51...
I have received a 10% allowance for my car and my boating safety courses.

I have to renew my defensive driving course every 3 yrs, but have received
the 10% discount for the last 17 yrs, I have received a 10% discount for a
course I took the last 1t yrs ago.

.
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 15:28:38 GMT, "Dr. Dr. Smithers"
wrote:

No, but those who have taken defensive driving courses are less likely to
have an accident.



I am a proponent of boater safety courses, however, since taking part
in boater safety courses is an elective decision, you haven't
established whether this phenomenon is cause or effect.

I think it is most likely that those interested in boating safety
pursue the courses out of the initiative of self improvement. They
would have been safe, anyway.

Given the embarrassingly small percentage of discount afforded by the
insurance companies for boating safety course completers... I'd think
that few to none of those people holding boating safety and
navigational rules/information in low esteem would be induced to take
courses for selfish monetary reasons. They'd probably be unsafe,
anyway. There is a lot of difference between taking a course and
altering someone's behavior.

If I were an insurance company, I'd think of some pricing scheme to
induce boaters to take these boating safety courses (even the
disinterested ones), that is, if I truly felt that they would improve
safety and my bottom line.

Looking at the insurance companies complacent attitude toward this....
I'd conclude that it isn't all that strong a link to them.....
--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where
Southport,NC is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

It is time for you to change insurance companies.

Check out Geico.


"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message
...
I have no less than 6 certified advance vehicle control courses... all
stated I would get a discount on insurance premiums... I don't... I have no
tickets, no record and no accidents for over 30 years.

CM

"Dr. Dr. Smithers" wrote in message
news:V4Lmd.417841$D%.372275@attbi_s51...
I have received a 10% allowance for my car and my boating safety courses.

I have to renew my defensive driving course every 3 yrs, but have
received the 10% discount for the last 17 yrs, I have received a 10%
discount for a course I took the last 1t yrs ago.

.
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 15:28:38 GMT, "Dr. Dr. Smithers"
wrote:

No, but those who have taken defensive driving courses are less likely
to
have an accident.



I am a proponent of boater safety courses, however, since taking part
in boater safety courses is an elective decision, you haven't
established whether this phenomenon is cause or effect.

I think it is most likely that those interested in boating safety
pursue the courses out of the initiative of self improvement. They
would have been safe, anyway.

Given the embarrassingly small percentage of discount afforded by the
insurance companies for boating safety course completers... I'd think
that few to none of those people holding boating safety and
navigational rules/information in low esteem would be induced to take
courses for selfish monetary reasons. They'd probably be unsafe,
anyway. There is a lot of difference between taking a course and
altering someone's behavior.

If I were an insurance company, I'd think of some pricing scheme to
induce boaters to take these boating safety courses (even the
disinterested ones), that is, if I truly felt that they would improve
safety and my bottom line.

Looking at the insurance companies complacent attitude toward this....
I'd conclude that it isn't all that strong a link to them.....
--



Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Southport, NC.

http://myworkshop.idleplay.net/cavern/ Homepage
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.com/directions.asp Where
Southport,NC is located.
http://www.southharbourvillageinn.linksysnet.com Real Time
Pictures at My Marina
http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide

Cdn ... my opinion, just another money grab.

"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

"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

Do you have a right to go boating? If you need a license, the
government is changing it from a right to privilege. As soon as you
start licensing some activity as a privilege, a lot of due process
protections may go out the window.

"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

I am in canada and as some said you have to get a more or less useless
operator card for $20. Its better than nothing but not the big
breakthrough.

The goal must be to keep a certain kind of idiot of the water without
makeing other peoples hobbies difficult. Which unfortunately useually
fails as soon as politicians get their hands on it.

Matt

Not sure about in the middle of the country but I don't think due process
counts when the USCG teams or customs inspectors board.

"Curtis CCR" wrote in message
om...
"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

Do you have a right to go boating? If you need a license, the
government is changing it from a right to privilege. As soon as you
start licensing some activity as a privilege, a lot of due process
protections may go out the window.

Capt. Mooron wrote:
I have no less than 6 certified advance vehicle control courses... all
stated I would get a discount on insurance premiums... I don't... I have no
tickets, no record and no accidents for over 30 years.

CM

so let's see...the politicos who dance to the beat of the insurance
companies, and the TV ads paid for by the insurance companies told you
that your insurance premiums would go down if you took a course or
three...and you believed them...

Insurance premiums...yah it's theft and it's legal
Sucks eh?

Just my opinion they should insure the driver not the car. After all the
tables are based on the drivers record are they not? Try not owning one at
all and then renting. When I do have occasion to need a vehicle my rates,
even with VISA backup are still $11 a day. With driver license insurance I
could cover any listed class of vehicle...

"prodigal1" wrote in message
...
Capt. Mooron wrote:
I have no less than 6 certified advance vehicle control courses... all
stated I would get a discount on insurance premiums... I don't... I have
no
tickets, no record and no accidents for over 30 years.

CM

so let's see...the politicos who dance to the beat of the insurance
companies, and the TV ads paid for by the insurance companies told you
that your insurance premiums would go down if you took a course or
three...and you believed them...

Insurance premiums...yah it's theft and it's legal
Sucks eh?

prodigal1 wrote:
Capt. Mooron wrote:

I have no less than 6 certified advance vehicle control courses... all
stated I would get a discount on insurance premiums... I don't... I
have no tickets, no record and no accidents for over 30 years.

CM


so let's see...the politicos who dance to the beat of the insurance
companies, and the TV ads paid for by the insurance companies told you
that your insurance premiums would go down if you took a course or
three...and you believed them...

Insurance premiums...yah it's theft and it's legal
Sucks eh?

I was turned down for a "course discount" because I was already getting
a "no accident" discount. Five years later I asked again and they
(Boat/US) gave me the discount, including 5 years of retroactive
discount, saying the original refusal had been a mistake!

"Jeff Morris" wrote

I was turned down for a "course discount" because I was already
getting
a "no accident" discount. Five years later I asked again and they
(Boat/US) gave me the discount, including 5 years of retroactive
discount, saying the original refusal had been a mistake!

What course?

Scotty

Scott Vernon wrote:
"Jeff Morris" wrote

I was turned down for a "course discount" because I was already

getting

a "no accident" discount. Five years later I asked again and they
(Boat/US) gave me the discount, including 5 years of retroactive
discount, saying the original refusal had been a mistake!


What course?

Scotty


Actually, this was the Online Boat/US course. IIRC, it took a very
short amount of time to pass the test - maybe an hour or two - assuming
you know it all!

On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 08:10:47 GMT, lupi wrote:

Canada is now gutting boaters for $150 for a "license" to have a VHF
radio on board. Nuther asshole move if you ask me. Yes, this includes
us visiting boaters, so figure another $150 for your big Canadian
adventure. That's all the news from the front. Keep trudging.

If that's true it's news to me. Canada eliminated the requirement for
a station license for a marine VHF on a pleasure boat some years ago
-- I used to pay something like $35 a year before they dropped it. I'm
sure they would have sent me an invoice based on the old list.

Radio Operators require a license, but that's a one time thing for a
marine limited license.

Ryk

"Jeff Morris" wrote

a "no accident" discount. Five years later I asked again and they
(Boat/US) gave me the discount, including 5 years of retroactive
discount, saying the original refusal had been a mistake!


What course?

Scotty


Actually, this was the Online Boat/US course. IIRC, it took a very
short amount of time to pass the test - maybe an hour or two -
assuming
you know it all!

Is that the one where they send you a card for passing. I took the
test and passed. Have to check if I'm getting any discount.

Scotty

"Ryk" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 08:10:47 GMT, lupi wrote:

Canada is now gutting boaters for $150 for a "license" to have a VHF
radio on board. Nuther asshole move if you ask me. Yes, this includes
us visiting boaters, so figure another $150 for your big Canadian
adventure. That's all the news from the front. Keep trudging.

If that's true it's news to me. Canada eliminated the requirement for
a station license for a marine VHF on a pleasure boat some years ago
-- I used to pay something like $35 a year before they dropped it. I'm
sure they would have sent me an invoice based on the old list.

Radio Operators require a license, but that's a one time thing for a
marine limited license.

Ryk

When I took my Canadian Power Squadron 'Restricted radio Operators License
course in the spring of 2000, that station license fee had just been
discarded, as well as the need to have a call id.

here is floridas operator course:

http://www.boatsafe.com/Florida/


As I understand it, its an introduction for newbees and a required
review for those ticketed in vessel operation offenses.

consider it the marine equivolent to the safe driving course one can
take to keep points off ones drivers license if one gets a vehicle
moving violation......

I am not even sure there is a charge for the card, it was created in
response to kids getting hurt on jetskis.......

"Gordon"
...
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

lupi wrote:

Canada is now gutting boaters for $150 for a "license" to have a VHF
radio on board. Nuther asshole move if you ask me. Yes, this includes
us visiting boaters, so figure another $150 for your big Canadian
adventure. That's all the news from the front. Keep trudging.

huh? This is news to me, and I live here. Sure you aren't thinking
about something else. OTOH, if it is the case and you are getting
dinged $150 when you come up here, and you don't like the rules...stay
home. No harm-no foul. I mean, I don't like your rules, you
know...fingerprinting, photos etc...so I'm not spending my disposable
income in the States anymore. No hard feelings :-)

On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 16:01:54 -0500, Ryk
wrote:

On Fri, 19 Nov 2004 08:10:47 GMT, lupi wrote:

Canada is now gutting boaters for $150 for a "license" to have a VHF
radio on board. Nuther asshole move if you ask me. Yes, this includes
us visiting boaters, so figure another $150 for your big Canadian
adventure. That's all the news from the front. Keep trudging.

If that's true it's news to me. Canada eliminated the requirement for
a station license for a marine VHF on a pleasure boat some years ago
-- I used to pay something like $35 a year before they dropped it. I'm
sure they would have sent me an invoice based on the old list.

When the requirement for Canadians to have a station license was
dropped, it was stated that we had a reciprocal agreement with the US
that would permit us Canadians to travel in the US without requiring a
station license. The US has apparently cancelled that agreement, so
we now do require a station license if we plan on travelling to the
US, and Americans should also require a station license when
travelling to Canada. As long as each of us stay in our own country,
no station license is required.

Industry Canada announced last June (or so) that a station license
would be required for Canadians travelling to the US - apparently some
Canadians were arrested or detained by US authorities for not having a
license.

I haven't checked on the current fee for a Canadian station license -
it was $36 per year when last required.

US boaters visiting Canada will require a US station license for their
US vessel, which they obtain from the US FCC.


--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
new newsgroup users info : http://vancouver-webpages.com/nnq
GPS and NMEA info: http://vancouver-webpages.com/peter
Vancouver Power Squadron: http://vancouver.powersquadron.ca

"Michael" wrote in message ...
Not sure about in the middle of the country but I don't think due process
counts when the USCG teams or customs inspectors board.

Sure it does. They can inspect your boat without a warrant. But you
are still entitled to due process if they accuse you of anything.

"Curtis CCR" wrote in message
om...
"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

Do you have a right to go boating? If you need a license, the
government is changing it from a right to privilege. As soon as you
start licensing some activity as a privilege, a lot of due process
protections may go out the window.

Curtis,
Which means they read you your rights. Then arrest you if they find
something illegal.
Paul

"Curtis CCR" wrote in message
om...
"Michael" wrote in message
...
Not sure about in the middle of the country but I don't think due process
counts when the USCG teams or customs inspectors board.

Sure it does. They can inspect your boat without a warrant. But you
are still entitled to due process if they accuse you of anything.

"Curtis CCR" wrote in message
om...
"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

Do you have a right to go boating? If you need a license, the
government is changing it from a right to privilege. As soon as you
start licensing some activity as a privilege, a lot of due process
protections may go out the window.