Good points on the common sense. The unfortunate part of things like driver's licenses and the boating safety certs, is that the tests themselves do not reveal common sense. To actually think that a high percentage of boaters actually know how far 150' is is ridiculous. As many point out, too many boaters lack the common sense (or courtesy), to leave room for others. I've seen bike riders do this many times in roadways, so why should boaters be any different?
Most of our discussions are wasted I'm afraid. The voters, and even (some) groups that pretend to advocate boating safety, do absolutely nothing to lobby for more enforcement funds. Assuming the MP can do little or nothing in the way of a major Bonehead targeting campaign, I see little evidence that proctored exams would provide.
How about this? If a real bonehead is spotted by the MP, and they actually cite them for some significant behavior, A Mandatory, ON-Water test on a Weekend will be scheduled. The Boater assumes the full responsibility of whatever the MP deems a fee for this. This would actually change the culture on many lakes, and actually do something.
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