BOATER EDUCATION CARD

[ICEMAN]

Do you have your Boater Education Card as mandated by law?

Do you operate a boat with a 15 horse power motor or larger?

Why does this law only apply to powerboats?

Did you know this law does not apply to the elderly (Sorry Jerber...  ).

Did you know this law does not apply to anyone renting a boat?

Did you know this law does not apply to anyone who recently bought their boat?

Doesnt this seem strange to you?

Doesnt this seem like just a money grab from the people who already own and know how to operate a boat?

Wouldn't it seem more logical to require folks who have never operated a boat, or those in these other categories to attend a boater education class?

Lets tax those who normally operate a boat, to pay for all the accidents and rescue operations for those who should not or do not know how to operate a boat! 


State Law: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=79A.60.640

History of the law: http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/?subject=lawbackground

Current requirements are as follows and will remain in effect.

You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft legally.
It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 16 years of age.
Future requirements have been set by a Washington boating safety education law that was passed in 2005. This new law will be phased in so that all boaters, unless exempted, must obtain a Washington boater education card by January 1, 2014. The new law requires the following.

No one may operate or permit the operation of a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft, unless the operator:

Is at least 12 years of age if the vessel is not a personal watercraft or is at least 14 years of age if the vessel is a personal watercraft and ...
The person has in his or her possession a boater education card (if required) or ...
Is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person at least 16 years of age who has a boater education card or who is not yet required to have the card.

Persons exempted from the phased-in mandatory boater safety education requirement include:

Any person born before January 1, 1955
Any person who is renting, chartering, or leasing a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more (other than a personal watercraft) and who completes an approved motor vessel safety operating and equipment checklist
Any person at least 16 years of age who is renting, chartering, or leasing a personal watercraft and who completes an approved motor vessel safety operating and equipment checklist
Any person who is a non-resident and who operates on Washington waters for 60 consecutive days or fewer
Any person who is a non-resident and holds a current, approved out-of-state or out-of-country certificate or card
Any person who has purchased the vessel within the last 60 days and has a bill of sale in his or her possession
Operators of commercial, law enforcement, or government vessels and persons with a USCG captain’s license
Operators involved in practicing for or participating in a permitted marine event

[whacker1]

Yes, the law caters to special interest groups - rental, boat dealers, etc.  Hopefully the exemptions will be tightened up over time to remove the loopholes.  The loopholes are where the majority of my frustration lies, as you have mentioned. 

However, I like the idea of having the requirement for boater education as I see seasoned boaters do some stupid (illegal) things as frequently as new boaters.  Many times because they haven't taken the time to learn and understand the laws and have become set in the ways they prefer to do things.  These same seasoned boaters are then teaching their children the incorrect "illegal" methods, so there is little opportunity to fix the problem.  No different than in vehicles.

I do agree it is a tax of sorts, but think in the long run it will protect me and the safety of my family on the water from the actions of others.   A little stronger enforcement could help as well, but I don't see that getting too much stronger in the near future.

It was very hard for the conservative in me to say all of that regarding more regulation being good.  But I have had several close calls related to others operation of boats, and think that this should make a slight improvement over time just like driver's safety.  I am considering taking one of the more advanced coast guard classes alongside my wife, so that she will better understand the navigation component of the boating world.  Plus I would like to pick up a certification through the process.

[cohoho]

While it may be a hassle for the card and surely is a way for the state regulate and generate funds.  I think the card is needed.  The lake I live by is unbelievable with folks NOT knowing how to utilize their boats, don't know the rules of the boating, doing stuff that will get folks killed.  While on the Columbia, you always see people doing crap that just isn't right and again there will surely get someone killed quickly.  I mean when you got folks that can't even unload their boats from their trailers or load for that matter, it make me cringe.  You watch idiots in tiny 2-3 man jon boats running out of Chinook, when big boats are staying put waiting for the tides to change.  You see kids everywhere underage 13 without life vests on, even though there are free ones everywhere for kids?  I could go on and on, but won't.  The card doesn't make people smarter but will hopefully make them think and might actually save a life.. or two...

[Dmanmastertracker]

 "Doesnt this seem like just a money grab from the people who already own and know how to operate a boat?"


 Your talking about 5-10% of boat user's in this State. The sad fact is most really don't know how and will struggle with the exam.

[swanny]

I don't mind the idea of having a test at all for boaters. It says new boat owners have to get the card within 60 days, so I don't see an issue with them being exempt for two months. A lot of people by boats at the boat show in January, that means they have to have their card way before summer starts which is when most use their boat.

As far as the test goes, I took the practice test and was wondering why half the questions were even being asked. They didn't seem to apply to where about 95% of the common weekend warrior will be using their boat. I may not know every boat regulation, but I am safe boater. I have been on and around them since I was two weeks old.

[whacker1]

Dmanmastertracker - Not sure what you were referencing by 5-10% of boat users?

[jackelope]

i firmly believe that boats that can move at 70mph and not have brakes should have qualified operators. too many crazy horse's asses operating boats that don't know what the hell they are doing. it's obvious sitting at the launch, nevermind going out on the water. if requiring this improves safety on the water even slightly, i'm all for it...but what the hell do i know...i support random drunk checks at seafair too.
the 60 time period for new boat owners makes sense...give thema chance to take the course and pass the  test.

[whacker1]

a comment I forgot to include was that I do think sailboats should be included or subject to a different but similar test that is more specific to sailing.

[Dmanmastertracker]

i firmly believe that boats that can move at 70mph and not have brakes should have qualified operators. too many crazy horse's asses operating boats that don't know what the hell they are doing. it's obvious sitting at the launch, nevermind going out on the water. if requiring this improves safety on the water even slightly, i'm all for it...but what the hell do i know...i support random drunk checks at seafair too.
the 60 time period for new boat owners makes sense...give thema chance to take the course and pass the  test.

 That's true, you can sit at any given busy launch in the Sound on a weekend and have some good entertainment! Every time I think I've seen it all, I see something even dumber at the launch. People dropping their boats on the pavement, letting them float away, pulling out, or putting in the wrong side, mis-loading their boats and my favorite, forgetting to put the plug in.....

[whacker1]

What about beaching their boats when the tide is going out and/or beaching on a reservoir where the water level is going down?  This is always a good time for someone to deal with. 

[rougheye]

I think you should have to take a course to launch a boat 

[whacker1]

boat launch course involves respect for others..... That would be a very tough course for some.

[ICEMAN]

So how many of you guys are operating your boats without the card now? (Dont answer that question...) I bet alot are.


My issue is I dont think it makes for a safe boater, much. Maybe a little, but to require me, and not some guy who just bought a new boat, and thinks he knows what he is doing.... They dont really do this for cars....why boats?  Can you rent a car without a drivers license? Legally drive it without having a license? A bit strange.

I spent my childhood growing up on a lake here in Thurston County, and saw ass clowns every weekend bending props, rototilling the launch, cutting bouy's, falling out of their boats, flipping them.... Maybe they should have had this class back then...I dont know... (some pretty funny memories though...heh heh heh...)

[wackmaster]

I have mine 

[whacker1]

I don't have one yet.