Article:licensing For Rec Boaters

[ctadam12]

WASHINGTON D.C. (LNS) - The Coast Guard has asked Congress for authority to establish a "proof of proficiency" requirement for recreational boaters - which, officials conceded, could lead to mandatory nationwide licensing for recreational boat operators.

A legislative change proposal, which was submitted by the Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety, would amend Section 4302(a) of Title 46, United States Code, which gives the Secretary of Transportation authority to prescribe regulations, by adding subsection (4) which would read (The Secretary may prescribe regulations) "establishing minimum requirements for recreational vessel operator proficiency."

California presently doesn't have a mandatory education or licensing requirement for recreational boat operators

 

[CYA12112]

If they require licenses for rec boaters, all that is going to cause is more people without radios and make it harder for CG to run search and rescue.

 

[RolnCode3]

If they require licenses for rec boaters, all that is going to cause is more people without radios and make it harder for CG to run search and rescue.

They're not talking about licenses for the radios. It's to operate the boat.

Here's the text of the current law:

http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=2197356728+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

 

[OpSec]

About friggin' time.

 

[CYA12112]

I have no idea how I misread that.

That think that is an awesome idea.

 

[DELCOLHFC]

I know this is the WI forum but this would be an excellent idea. I do my boating on the Chesapeake Bay and it seems every time we are out we see another poster child for boater education.

 

[RevGary]

Also, most states have now adopted the same or more stringent blood alcohol level in statute for impared operation of boats. Penalties can be severe. Every year countless fatalities can be attributed to the party atmosphere aboard 'pleasure craft' and the impared operators who run into and over innocent victims. Competency licensing is a good step to provide an accountability for marine vessel operators in addition to the enforcement of alcohol statutes. Personally, I'd also like to see the re-establishment of marine radio licensing - for training and accountability reasons.

 

[cschmit]

I am all for this and stated many times to my cousin while out on his boat that people should need a Lic. to drive one for how stupid people can be driving one. I wonder how many people will be mad when this one passes.