On Oct 22, 1:35 pm, Chuck Gould wrote:
On Oct 21, 10:11?pm, Wayne.B wrote:

http://tinyurl.com/3ymzod

It is reported that a 24' Mako ran between a tug and a barge being
towed astern. The Mako hit the tow wire and was capsized, throwing the
passengers into the water.

Sounds like general ignorance and inexperience on the part of the
speedboat operator. That time of night, alcohol could also be a
factor.

Guy probably slept through USCG Aux or Power Squadron, if he ever took
a course at all.

The mandatory boater education laws enacted in most states during the
last decade were supposed to reduce this type of incident- who know,
maybe they have- we don't hear about the stuff that *didn't* happen.
Even so, at least in our state the mandatory education requirement is
one step ahead of meaningless. The state accepts passing scores from
on-line courses that administer "open book" tests,
so you don't have to actually learn anything- just know how to look it
up long enough to check off the appropriate box on multiple choice.

But of course all the education and certification in the world (in
almost any field) won't prevent the terminally stupid from exiting the
gene pool.

Too bad that people have to die once in a while to remind others that
screwing off and not paying attention can have deadly consequences on
a boat. Hopefully, this horrible tragedy will inspire other people to
be more careful.

There was a very old man in my class. He was very concerened about
taking a test. The instructor assured him he would pass, "The test is
easy, after all, if you don't pass, the state does not get to collect
your $25". Everyone passed that day, he said he had not had anyone
fail it to that point anyway. I got a perfect score, and finished
first too. Now I carry a fire extinguisher on my boat