Quote:
Originally Posted by Skipper of the Sea Que
There may be others but try Capt JP's Boating Instruction "Practical, hands-on training aboard your vessel".
This is great for hands on experience but does not replace the need for a Boater Education exam and Certificate. The State will issue NASBLA certificates to anyone who passes the written test even if they do not know how to drive a boat.
Good luck and good thinking on your part.
Safe boating. |
Thanks for mentioning me Skipper! FYI that I will not consider doing any training with anyone who does not have their boating safety certificate (even before it was required).
I must say that even with the cert, the vast majority of folks who hire me retained a minimal amount of knowledge from their safety course. Almost all of them are new boaters. EVERYONE - please take a refresher from time to time!
When I was a kid, my parents used to tell me to consider that every other boat on the water had no idea what they are doing and to operate defensively. Folks, since I've started climbing on boats with newbies, I never realized just to what extent that is true. There are a
LOT of new boaters out there with
NO knowledge of boating, even after taking a boating safety course. Thank God for the ones that recognize their limited knowledge and call me or a family/friend to show them the ropes. FYI that I do training to increase my odds of survival on the lake when out there for my own enjoyment.
About 70% of the new boaters that hire me have a 26-30 ft boat as their first boat. A few 24 footers. About a third of this group have twin engines. The rest are over 30 ft and yes, even 40+ for their first ever vessel. Some need to learn everything starting with how to uncover the canvas from the boat and where the ignition switch is: the stuff we take for granted.
EVERY SINGLE ONE has been reminded several times about the 150 ft rule and how to navigate around markers. I even share some tips to avoid being flipped off.
Namely following the rules and extending some common courtesy.
So, all this in mind... if you more experienced boaters out there should ever be so inclined to flip off a knuckle-head boater, first consider that they really don't know why you are doing it. They really don't know what they are doing wrong. Perhaps as an alternative, politely tell them what they are doing wrong (unless they flip you off), then pray for the best. I know that "some" would actually appreciate well intentioned feedback. Also consider they may not be completely ignorant boaters and truly do not have anyone to show them the ropes (ie: no friends, no family, no patient boat saleperson, or no money to pay me).
And ALL OF THEM (with any sense at all) are embarrassed to be discovered doing something wrong and may try to duck from view or hide their face under their cap so they aren't recognized. We've all been there.
CJP