I'm against mandatory boater education

[Escapade]

I'm not the brightest nor sharpest crayon in the box but, In Wisconsin we have several classes available to us for a small fee. The state DNR Boating Class, The PowerSquadron navigation class, and the Coast Gaurd Axilliary boat safety and handling class.
All did have a test associateed with passing them. I would be for putting some burden on the dealer and have them do a little seminar to give newbies a place to start. Saftey and rules of the road at a minimum.

Most new captians do not know of the Vessel Courtesy Exams as well. The states could include information like that in your registration forms. Dont get me wrong I am the last person who approves of new laws / taxes. I think a better level of help for newbies will go a long way.

This is on the side of catuion but, I had the wife and kids take the all the classes too. They did with some reluctancy but, really enjoyed passing them and having that knowledge.

Mike

 

[wkearney99]

If they know what kind of engines are in boats there's the likelihood they'll also know a bit about what the different types require. Like depth or maintenance. Same deal with knowing about jet drives; the course discusses their limits like almost no reverse.

Knowing LOA might help get it in the right sized slip. No sense having someone calling for a transient slip mucking about trying to fit in the wrong slip.

You've got to be kidding regarding port/starboard. Same thing regarding the course's discussion on safety with skiers.

I find it rather hard to imagine why some folks want to complain so much about the tests not being "hard enough" when the status quo is "NOTHING". I'd much rather force the nitwits to sit through even the most basic of courses over their current idiocy. Granted, not all sh*t sticks when thrown at the wall, but ya gotta start somewhere.