On Nov 1, 3:41?am, "Reginald P. Smithers III"
wrote:
In the thread about the USCG proposing a new federal law requiring ID
while boating we are talking about what the USCG is looking for, but
currently many, maybe most, states require you to carry ID.

In Georgia, you need the same type of ID to boat as you do to drive.

The boat registration and a government issued ID (drivers license,
passport, a boat safety certificate, ID card etc.) I keep my
registration, an extra copy of my drivers license, and a spare key in
the boat at all times, so I know I will never forget them it. I use one
of those fake cans to hold all items.

What is requirement in your state, and do you always keep them with you
while boating?


In WA you are not required to carry any personal ID. Certainly not a
driver's license, as it is perfectly legal to operate a boat at an age
much younger than that at which you would qualify to drive a car.
Beginning in January of next year, boaters 12-20 years of age will be
required to carry a card confirming that they have met some minimal
education requirements for operating a boat, and the age limit creeps
up gradually in following years until in about another six years or so
everybody born after 1955 will be required to qualify. You are
required to carry a vessel registration, (even in an inflatable
dinghy), if the vessel is motorized.

That said, most of the local water cops are probably going to ask for
ID and will be less than entirely amused if you don't have any. One
consideration is the nature of the boat involved. It's less reasonable
to expect a guy wearing a bathing suit on a jet ski to have all of his
personal ID handy, compared to somebody out cruising in a 40-foot
trawler.

The Boater Education program is a good start, but there are some
gaping holes in the system. Our state card doesn't include a photo of
the cardholder. "Hey, Jimmie! Can I take the runabout up the lake to
get a couple of cases of beer?", "Sure Steve, you got your education
card?", "Hell, no- what's that?", "Something you need if you get
stopped by the cops. Here, take mine and tell them your name is Jimmie
Smith."