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

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

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.

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.

I don't think due process
counts when the USCG teams or customs inspectors board.

That is probably why our sheriff usually carries an adolecent slick sleeve
coastie on his boat. The coastie does the actual boarding.
I also found it interesting that the coastie wasn't carrying the standard M9
Baretta side arm. He had, what appears to be, a sheriff issued Glock. Makes me
wonder if it was loaded. When I was in the CG you needed to be "rated" to carry
a sidearm in public. It was usually a GM2 or higher. Maybe the drug war has
changed that.

"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.