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