Speed Limit

jeffk · 01-19-2005, 10:09 PM

So it looks like we might get to discussing what the consensus opinion (besides a speed limit) seems to be, namely education and enforcement. Both are ongoing but are not effective at addressing the current problems on the lake. How can that be changed?

Education - the boating education law is in effect and people are being trained. One thing that I note is that I took the full Coast Guard course at UNH. I was surprised however that the instructors were very ignorant of the regulations and navigation that applied on the lake. 150 ft rule? Huh? Black east north Red south west? Really?? They were great on International Rules of Navigation but Winnipesaukee navigation was a real mystery. So I got my certificate (got 100 on the test) but I didn't learn much about Winni rules. So my question is: is the education plan sufficient? Should there be additional education required for operators of vessels with "special" capabilities i.e. Jet skis, high performance boats? I have Jet skis as well as my bow rider and I was surprised how completely different I need to operate my jet skis. The manuverability can be extremely disorienting. You have to think in 360 degrees and anticipate the effect of rapid changes in direction. A vessel following can almost instantaneously become a vessel coming directly at you. Should people be educated about that? Should it be required before they can ride in the lake?

Enforcement - we seem to need better coverage on the lake but getting money for that in NH is a challenge. How does enforcement need to be improved? How much $$ would be needed? Could we get it by raising registration fees?? Would that be OK with people on this forum? If not, how to pay for it? Is the Marine Patrol focusing on the right things? Are they effective? Do they need better training?

If we don't want knee jerk solutions to stupid behavior and the seemingly inevitable crash or death, what can we change now to get a better outcome?

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01-19-2005, 10:09 PM	#1
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,182 Thanks: 209 Thanked 449 Times in 259 Posts	So it looks like we might get to discussing what the consensus opinion (besides a speed limit) seems to be, namely education and enforcement. Both are ongoing but are not effective at addressing the current problems on the lake. How can that be changed? Education - the boating education law is in effect and people are being trained. One thing that I note is that I took the full Coast Guard course at UNH. I was surprised however that the instructors were very ignorant of the regulations and navigation that applied on the lake. 150 ft rule? Huh? Black east north Red south west? Really?? They were great on International Rules of Navigation but Winnipesaukee navigation was a real mystery. So I got my certificate (got 100 on the test) but I didn't learn much about Winni rules. So my question is: is the education plan sufficient? Should there be additional education required for operators of vessels with "special" capabilities i.e. Jet skis, high performance boats? I have Jet skis as well as my bow rider and I was surprised how completely different I need to operate my jet skis. The manuverability can be extremely disorienting. You have to think in 360 degrees and anticipate the effect of rapid changes in direction. A vessel following can almost instantaneously become a vessel coming directly at you. Should people be educated about that? Should it be required before they can ride in the lake? Enforcement - we seem to need better coverage on the lake but getting money for that in NH is a challenge. How does enforcement need to be improved? How much $$ would be needed? Could we get it by raising registration fees?? Would that be OK with people on this forum? If not, how to pay for it? Is the Marine Patrol focusing on the right things? Are they effective? Do they need better training? If we don't want knee jerk solutions to stupid behavior and the seemingly inevitable crash or death, what can we change now to get a better outcome?