New to boating...shocked safety course not mandatory!

New Hampshire Native · 08-02-2005, 07:42 PM

I absolutely cannot believe the Boater Safety Course is not mandatory PRIOR to setting foot in the helm of a boat. I understand they are "phasing" it in, but I feel it should be MANDATORY prior to registering a boat in the state. If stopped by Marine Patrol without it, the offense should go against your driving record, no matter which state you are from. I truly believe that this, along with speeds over 45mph kept to the broads area (funny, and I am new to this, no bias, just what I have observed on my limited time out there) on WEEKENDS between Memorial day and Labor day, are the way to go. The boater education thing still blows my mind. (This was NOT a politically paid advertisement, just one person's point of view).

upthesaukee · 08-02-2005, 10:53 PM

Imagine the problem of trying to have enough classes to certify all those boat operators in a short period of time (for arguements sake, let's say the law was passed in June with a January effective date. Many people would not be comfortable taking an on line course, and there simply are not enough instructors to go around for all the classes that are needed. I did take my class over the internet, but would love to take the class along with my wife. Between her schedule and mine, it's almost impossible to find a class that fits our schedules. In a perfect world, there would be more certification to drive a boat. We are heading that way, but at a slower pace.

Once the education requirements are met, hopefully we will start seeing more enforcement of the rules, especially those involving safety issues such as right of way, 150 foot rule, and proper equipment.

Just another opinion...

New Hampshire Native · 08-03-2005, 05:18 AM

I agree with you on the classroom issue. For those not comfortable with online, the video/book course is an option. One of those two should be immediate and the classroom should be the phase in portion that is REQUIRED, also, by the time limits set. At least the online or video courses would teach some very basics before you hit the water. I am glad I took the online course and will also be attending a classroom in August or October. As you, this is just an opinion.

KonaChick · 08-03-2005, 10:52 AM

Education is first and foremost. Just because you're educated on the rules though does NOT mean you'll obey them. This happens on our roadways everyday and our lake is no different. What will work I feel is to hit people where it hurts..their pockets. Make the fines much stiffer..people will get the idea, and the extra money can fund more MP. Another thing that should be done is the point system just like driving licenses. You get a cetain number of points and you lose the privelege of driving your boat for a certain amount of time. I know the above ideas are not foolproof but I don't think we should stop at ecuation..take it a few steps further!

Lakewinniboater · 08-03-2005, 11:05 AM

KonaChick..... Very well stated

New Hampshire Native · 08-03-2005, 07:21 PM

Agree with fines and point system, I had stated to tie it to your license. I read right on these boards that 80% of the accidents on the lake last year involved folks that had NO SAFETY COURSE or boating card. Hello! If 50% of them had basic education, how many accidents would have been prevented. If 100% had some basic knowledge, who knows how many accidents would have been prevented. Don't even get me started on BWI, that's another whole issue.

Woodsy · 08-04-2005, 07:36 AM

Here is what the NTSB has to say on the matter of Boater Education....

http://www.ntsb.gov/alerts/sa%5F007.pdf

KonaChick · 08-04-2005, 09:44 AM

Great site Woodsy thanks..I had no idea the lack of PFD's was so prevelant. I have been in this situation thought boating with some friends who have NOT made their children (10-14 age range) wear their PFD's. This is someone who HAS taken the Boating Safety Course. My kids always argue with us when we're boating with them about wearing their PFD's. Next time this comes up I'm going to point out the stats on that website..Thanks!

Kamper · 08-04-2005, 10:59 AM

When I'm with someone required to wear a PFD I usually wear one too. It's a good example and good manners to suffer as much as they have to.

TomC · 08-04-2005, 11:19 AM

and thus am safe, not uncomfortable, and set a good example for my kids.

http://www.SOSpenders.com/

T.H.E. Binz · 08-04-2005, 12:03 PM

I'm O.K. with the phased approach, but the incredibly ludicrous policy is that renters of boats are not required to have the safety course!

Woodsy · 08-04-2005, 12:10 PM

Actually, they are at least required to take a 20 question test to make sure the bases are covered. Not that its the best solution... but it is something.

What is truly scary is that there is no visual aid for the MP to separate out who has a certificate vs. who doesn't. daytrippers and vacationers can just show up, plunk thier boats in and nobody knows if they have it or not.

You should read my proposal over in propellers post about "Weekend Observations" It isn't meant to be a speed limit debate, just a proposal that might make both sides happy and help out the MP's...

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=2264

Woodsy

KonaChick · 08-04-2005, 12:43 PM

and this is where steep fines come in..you rent a house for a week and take your boat out w/out knowledge of the laws, and get a 200$$ ticket the first day out..you bet your sweet bibby you're going to educate yourself on the laws and rules for the rest of your stay!

New Hampshire Native · 08-04-2005, 02:41 PM

1) I WILL write the state lawmakers, as your brochure asked.
2) Most boats have flags, why not make a green flag with the certification number of the boater safety person on board, to fly from the boat? The flags would be a mandatory purchase ($10.00?) when you recieve your certification. At least you would be able to see which boats have noone on board that has had the safety course. If you switched to another boat for the day, bring the flag with you. If caught by Marine Patrol flying a flag and not possessing the Boater's license to match....$500.00 fine. Pretty simple, make it hurt.

Woodsy · 08-04-2005, 03:56 PM

I don't fly flags on my boats... nor do I want to. I think a bright colored sticker next to the bow numbers would work better, similar to your registration sticker. It makes it easy for a quick visual check for compliance.

Woodsy

Boater · 08-04-2005, 04:14 PM

If you are going to use stickers, flags and high fines why not just require licensing.

I can think of many reasons why labeling the boat wouldn't work. It's the driver, not the boat (where have I heard that before?).

My idea is that the DRIVER should wear a brightly colored lanyard around his neck with a waterproof proof card attached certifying the driver. That way I could drive ANY boat without the need for a sticker or flag.

If you are going to identify the BOAT you might as well just require that the owner has the safety certificate when he registers it. That way you'd know that any registered boat has a safety certified owner.

Of course none of this will fly. Look how much trouble it was to pass this weak, phased in training that we have now.

BroadHopper · 08-04-2005, 04:19 PM

I really don't think that is a safe idea. Nor is the online course.
When I took the on-hands course, I love the way the instructor took us outside and show us what is 150 ft!. That should be a mandatory part of the safety course. There are too many infractions of the 150' rule!
I'm tired of seeing the rental boats/jetskis violating the 150', no wake, and or ROW rules. Seems like the MPs are tied up with chasing the renters down.

08-02-2005, 07:42 PM	#1
New Hampshire Native Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New to boating...shocked safety course not mandatory! I absolutely cannot believe the Boater Safety Course is not mandatory PRIOR to setting foot in the helm of a boat. I understand they are "phasing" it in, but I feel it should be MANDATORY prior to registering a boat in the state. If stopped by Marine Patrol without it, the offense should go against your driving record, no matter which state you are from. I truly believe that this, along with speeds over 45mph kept to the broads area (funny, and I am new to this, no bias, just what I have observed on my limited time out there) on WEEKENDS between Memorial day and Labor day, are the way to go. The boater education thing still blows my mind. (This was NOT a politically paid advertisement, just one person's point of view).

08-02-2005, 10:53 PM	#2
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,602 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,468 Thanked 1,983 Times in 1,083 Posts	Imagine the problem of trying to have enough classes to certify all those boat operators in a short period of time (for arguements sake, let's say the law was passed in June with a January effective date. Many people would not be comfortable taking an on line course, and there simply are not enough instructors to go around for all the classes that are needed. I did take my class over the internet, but would love to take the class along with my wife. Between her schedule and mine, it's almost impossible to find a class that fits our schedules. In a perfect world, there would be more certification to drive a boat. We are heading that way, but at a slower pace. Once the education requirements are met, hopefully we will start seeing more enforcement of the rules, especially those involving safety issues such as right of way, 150 foot rule, and proper equipment. Just another opinion... __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

08-03-2005, 05:18 AM	#3
New Hampshire Native Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Video or online should be immediate....classroom phased in. I agree with you on the classroom issue. For those not comfortable with online, the video/book course is an option. One of those two should be immediate and the classroom should be the phase in portion that is REQUIRED, also, by the time limits set. At least the online or video courses would teach some very basics before you hit the water. I am glad I took the online course and will also be attending a classroom in August or October. As you, this is just an opinion.

08-03-2005, 11:05 AM	#5
Lakewinniboater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westford, MA and Alton Bay, NH Posts: 225 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I would agree WHOLE HEARTEDLY KonaChick..... Very well stated __________________ Wendy "Wasn't Me!"

08-03-2005, 07:21 PM	#6
New Hampshire Native Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Agree....but read here that 80% of accidents occurred.... Agree with fines and point system, I had stated to tie it to your license. I read right on these boards that 80% of the accidents on the lake last year involved folks that had NO SAFETY COURSE or boating card. Hello! If 50% of them had basic education, how many accidents would have been prevented. If 100% had some basic knowledge, who knows how many accidents would have been prevented. Don't even get me started on BWI, that's another whole issue.

08-03-2005, 10:52 AM	#4
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	Education is first and foremost. Just because you're educated on the rules though does NOT mean you'll obey them. This happens on our roadways everyday and our lake is no different. What will work I feel is to hit people where it hurts..their pockets. Make the fines much stiffer..people will get the idea, and the extra money can fund more MP. Another thing that should be done is the point system just like driving licenses. You get a cetain number of points and you lose the privelege of driving your boat for a certain amount of time. I know the above ideas are not foolproof but I don't think we should stop at ecuation..take it a few steps further!

08-04-2005, 07:36 AM	#7
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Here is what the NTSB has to say on the matter of Boater Education.... http://www.ntsb.gov/alerts/sa%5F007.pdf

08-04-2005, 09:44 AM	#8
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	Great site Woodsy thanks..I had no idea the lack of PFD's was so prevelant. I have been in this situation thought boating with some friends who have NOT made their children (10-14 age range) wear their PFD's. This is someone who HAS taken the Boating Safety Course. My kids always argue with us when we're boating with them about wearing their PFD's. Next time this comes up I'm going to point out the stats on that website..Thanks!

08-04-2005, 10:59 AM	#9
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,307 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	PFD's When I'm with someone required to wear a PFD I usually wear one too. It's a good example and good manners to suffer as much as they have to.

08-04-2005, 11:19 AM	#10
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 702 Thanks: 22 Thanked 100 Times in 69 Posts	I use this PFD... and thus am safe, not uncomfortable, and set a good example for my kids. http://www.SOSpenders.com/

08-04-2005, 12:03 PM	#11
T.H.E. Binz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith & Chadds Ford, PA Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Safety Course I'm O.K. with the phased approach, but the incredibly ludicrous policy is that renters of boats are not required to have the safety course!

08-04-2005, 12:10 PM	#12
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Actually, they are at least required to take a 20 question test to make sure the bases are covered. Not that its the best solution... but it is something. What is truly scary is that there is no visual aid for the MP to separate out who has a certificate vs. who doesn't. daytrippers and vacationers can just show up, plunk thier boats in and nobody knows if they have it or not. You should read my proposal over in propellers post about "Weekend Observations" It isn't meant to be a speed limit debate, just a proposal that might make both sides happy and help out the MP's... http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=2264 Woodsy Last edited by Woodsy; 08-04-2005 at 12:12 PM. Reason: added link

08-04-2005, 12:43 PM	#13
KonaChick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 518 Thanks: 19 Thanked 62 Times in 15 Posts	and this is where steep fines come in..you rent a house for a week and take your boat out w/out knowledge of the laws, and get a 200$$ ticket the first day out..you bet your sweet bibby you're going to educate yourself on the laws and rules for the rest of your stay!

08-04-2005, 02:41 PM	#14
New Hampshire Native Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Two things.... 1) I WILL write the state lawmakers, as your brochure asked. 2) Most boats have flags, why not make a green flag with the certification number of the boater safety person on board, to fly from the boat? The flags would be a mandatory purchase ($10.00?) when you recieve your certification. At least you would be able to see which boats have noone on board that has had the safety course. If you switched to another boat for the day, bring the flag with you. If caught by Marine Patrol flying a flag and not possessing the Boater's license to match....$500.00 fine. Pretty simple, make it hurt.

08-04-2005, 03:56 PM	#15
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	I don't fly flags on my boats... nor do I want to. I think a bright colored sticker next to the bow numbers would work better, similar to your registration sticker. It makes it easy for a quick visual check for compliance. Woodsy

08-04-2005, 04:14 PM	#16
Boater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 74 Thanks: 4 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	If you are going to use stickers, flags and high fines why not just require licensing. I can think of many reasons why labeling the boat wouldn't work. It's the driver, not the boat (where have I heard that before?). My idea is that the DRIVER should wear a brightly colored lanyard around his neck with a waterproof proof card attached certifying the driver. That way I could drive ANY boat without the need for a sticker or flag. If you are going to identify the BOAT you might as well just require that the owner has the safety certificate when he registers it. That way you'd know that any registered boat has a safety certified owner. Of course none of this will fly. Look how much trouble it was to pass this weak, phased in training that we have now.

08-04-2005, 04:19 PM	#17
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,587 Thanks: 3,228 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	20 ? test for renters. I really don't think that is a safe idea. Nor is the online course. When I took the on-hands course, I love the way the instructor took us outside and show us what is 150 ft!. That should be a mandatory part of the safety course. There are too many infractions of the 150' rule! I'm tired of seeing the rental boats/jetskis violating the 150', no wake, and or ROW rules. Seems like the MPs are tied up with chasing the renters down. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.