Post by: ICEMAN on May 27, 2009, 07:43:19 AM
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... :chuckle: ).
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
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 08:06:18 AM
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.
Post by: cohoho on May 27, 2009, 08:25:02 AM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on May 27, 2009, 09:04:41 AM
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.
Post by: swanny on May 27, 2009, 09:12:23 AM
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.
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 09:13:32 AM
Post by: jackelope on May 27, 2009, 09:14:09 AM
the 60 time period for new boat owners makes sense...give thema chance to take the course and pass the test.
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 09:15:41 AM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on May 27, 2009, 09:26:20 AM
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.....
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 04:29:01 PM
Post by: rougheye on May 27, 2009, 04:44:45 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 04:48:02 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 27, 2009, 07:20:48 PM
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...)
Post by: wackmaster on May 27, 2009, 07:23:30 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 07:39:33 PM
Post by: rougheye on May 27, 2009, 07:41:53 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 07:43:13 PM
My understanding was that any superior course, classification, Identification would be sufficient.
Post by: rougheye on May 27, 2009, 07:46:01 PM
Post by: whacker1 on May 27, 2009, 07:56:53 PM
Post by: rougheye on May 27, 2009, 08:01:54 PM
I believe the laminated copy needs to be 4 foot by 6 foot to make extremely convenient to keep on your person....
Your starting to scare me . Do you work for the WDFW ? :chuckle:
Post by: PolarBear on May 27, 2009, 08:13:43 PM
I wonder if my 50 ton works :dunno:Let me know, I was wondering if my 100 ton (OUPV 6 pack) or passenger skippers license would suffice.
My 9 and 12 year old girl got theirs last year. I think that every person who operates a boat should be required to get a card. The vast majority of folks on the water should not be there in the first place.
Post by: jackelope on May 27, 2009, 08:49:05 PM
Post by: huntnphool on May 27, 2009, 09:02:04 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on May 27, 2009, 09:20:11 PM
Damn regulations!
Post by: yelp on May 27, 2009, 09:35:13 PM
http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/
Post by: Antlershed on May 27, 2009, 10:22:33 PM