has anyone taken the 8 hour boater course?

Saverio

Saverio

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2010
1,506
Patchogue, Great Southbay N.Y.
Boat Info
1995 450 DA
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Cat 3126 420hp
900 hours Westerbeek Generator
Just wanted to see if anyone has taken it yet? I believe the law is now in affect? just stinks that you have to sacrifice a whole day....
 
If u live in suffolk county ny it is required maybe nassau county also but more sure. If u live outside of those countys u can still boat within them without a license. Pretty stupid if u ask me.but that's my own opinion
 
When I took it last year in Nassau, it was required only to operate a PWC, or a boat if you are under 18.
 
I don't know about up there but in NC if you are below a certain age (25 maybe??) you have to take the course. I don't think it's stupid at all. I have seen too many reckless boaters to count. People get in these boats and don't know a thing about them or how to operate them. Requiring classes for at least younger boaters will not solve all problems but may at least help some. I mean you have to take a driver's test to operate a car, right? Again, I don't know the details of the law the OP is talking about but in my opinion experienced boaters should be exempt.
 
I understand now...

You're talking about the boaters course required for boaters under the grandfathered age. The course requirements vary between the states.

I thought you were talking about a federal requirement.

I think it's a good idea. I wasn't required to take it, but I did it anyway. In my state it was online.
 
The Suffolk County legislature had a knee jerk reaction to the schmuck that capsized his 34' Silverton last year with 28 people on it. As some of you may recall a couple of children died in that accident. The course is required for all Suffolk residents boating within Suffolk county waters as of November 2013. If you ask me, I tend to agree with Jonathan, it's silly. Anyone else boating in these waters are not required to have it nor do Suffolk residents need it outside of county waters. My other thought on this is that you can't cure stupid! I mean, general common sense should have told that captain (I use that term very loosely here) that he had an uncomfortable amount of people on his boat. Obviously it did not.
Anyway, I took it last month at Danfords with a bunch of friends. We then followed that up with some beers and Championship NFL football at Tommys place. It was a long day but the teacher was good & entertaining & the day ended on a high note.
Your mileage may vary.


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Todd
 
Todd thanks for the info... As usually one person ruined it for everyone. 28 people on board and who knows how many full coolers he had also. they were out at night watching forth of July fireworks and hit a wave and boat listed and went down. I'm thinking it was way too top heavy. it made the news and the raised the boat to see if it was mechanical or human error? I believe it was the captain daughter that passed. for some reason the kids in the cabin removed their pfd. Now everyone has to take a class in order to boat this summer.
 
Just another reason on top of the thousands of other reasons to move out of New York.
 
I believe as of May 1st this year the law changes to only if your under 18yrs old or PWC .

Suffolk County Residents
Recent legislation signed by the Governor supersedes all local laws or ordinances with respect motorboat education requirements. Any local boater education requirement adopted by a locality prior to the effective date of this law is no longer enforceable.


- See more at: http://nysparks.com/recreation/boating/education.aspx#sthash.WbDuLmSj.dpuf
 
Last edited:
My personal opinion on the matter is the county had an opportunity to make money by charging for the class and took it.
 
What a waste of my time that was! It only cost $30 because we had a groupon. If I knew that it was going to be rescinded I would have skipped it! The teacher even said at the class that it was an un-enforceable law because the state requirement took precedent.
Oh well, what's done is done.
And the county actually doesn't get the money. The teacher gets the class cost & the NYS Parks & Recreation Dept gets $8.00 for the card & there is an additional $5 fee I think to add the Anchor emblem to your drivers license.


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Todd
 
I would love to take online not sure if it's possible? So are you saying if u get stopped they can't enforce the law? I did hear it was taking effect last Nov but didn't hear it's coming of the books in May. I live in Commack that's where my boat is regersted and I keep it in lindenhurst.

Thanks for the input everyone.
 
tdschafer said:
What a waste of my time that was! It only cost $30 because we had a groupon. If I knew that it was going to be rescinded I would have skipped it! The teacher even said at the class that it was an un-enforceable law because the state requirement took precedent.
Oh well, what's done is done.
And the county actually doesn't get the money. The teacher gets the class cost & the NYS Parks & Recreation Dept gets $8.00 for the card & there is an additional $5 fee I think to add the Anchor emblem to your drivers license.


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Todd
Click to expand...

Damn shot my opinion down! I thought u were my friend lol
I want an anchor on my license! !
 
I did a safe boater course when I bought my first boat.
I used http://www.boat-ed.com
They send you an ID card when you pass the exam.
The key is to find a program that is approved by the USCG and your state.

As as a DC boater it's required for all boaters regardless of age. It's the first thing police and CG ask for when they board.

Virginia is phasing in a safe boater requirement for all boaters by July 1 2016.

I think the courses are important and I can't tell you how many idiots I see on the river who don't know the most basic rules.
 
WDCboater said:
I think the courses are important and I can't tell you how many idiots I see on the river who don't know the most basic rules.
Click to expand...

I wish that were true. We drive with a drivers license. And so do others. And you see the result. They still can't drive or know the rules of the road.
 
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