kids and boating law question

[VtSteve]

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

RG, just to clarify your post because some might not have understood it:

There are 3 people in a boat. A toddler, "Uncle Larry" (with no cert), and "Dad" (certified).

As long as Dad is in the boat, the 4 year-old can legally drive it. However, if Uncle Larry took the wheel, that would then be illegal (even with Dad).

"Dumbest" is about right.

That was pointed out many times, but was misunderstood by some to mean a loss of rights for their 12 YO. The goal was to eliminate the loophole that exists (the Dumb part), and revise the law so that children could take part in the educational aspects of the safety certificate.

I doubt the existing law has caused any real problems. But it wasn't written well, and should be revised so common sense prevails.