IF ya'll own a boat, Have you taken a safteyu course such as the U.S. Power squadrens course?

 

Took several of the Power Squadron courses and they are excellent. It was years ago when I was a rookie offshore sailor, livaboard. Learned a lot, great navigation courses.
One of the best to take is called 'small boat handling.'

 

i took my saftey course back in the '70s. i don't recall the authority that sanctioned it , but it was 6 hrs long on a 90º day

 

In my opinion everyone should have to take one before operating a boat, jetski, or other vessel. I've seen too many close calls because people didn't know what they were doing. I've passed the USCGA safety course, and plan on refreshing soon with a US Power Squadron course.

 

I took one in school years ago and passed but I never had a boat.But here in NJ you have to have a License to operate a PWC so when I got my first one and decided I liked them my wife and I took the class and then got our license both of us got a 100% on the test.Last year we got our first boat and I was a little scared the first couple of times out and couldn't remember much about the test but most of it is common sense.One thing that I know that I see a lot of morons out there that don't is how to read the water,can't tell you how many times I have seen some one running full bore and slam in to a sandbar.I carry all the required USCG equipment plus some.Around here I try to stay away from as much boat traffic that I can because there are just way to many idiots that shouldn't be allowed to have a boat in the bath tub let alone on open water.Now I just got another boat and she is almost ready to splash can't wait.One thing that still confuses me are all the markers on the inter coastal water ways trying to remeber what side of the marker I should be on going in said direction(theres a lot of them that seem altogether here in cape may).I do go to alot of online sites but most of what I see tell you what kinds of navigational lights are required and not much else.When in doubt go slow and follow a party boat LOL.

 

Yes, and I think everyone who intends on hitting the water should.
I can't believe how many idiots are out there, and it can certainly can get hairy once in a while. I'm astonished how many people are just totally oblivious to proper inland and coastal navigation rules!

 

Canadian gov't is phasing in mandnatory boater operator licences. I think it's a great idea.
Ironic thing is that I had to get a licence to operate my 12 foot, 8 hp fishing boat, but I don't need one yet for my 17' 115hp sportboat.

 

I have been operating boats since I was in high school, ugh, over 17 years now. I agree that there are way too many idiots out there who think if they can drive a car they can operate a boat. They don't understand the handling characteristics of watercraft much less the rules of the water when meeting other boats, sailboats, etc. I travel with work, 30 days at a time, and have little time at home, but am planning on taking a class as soon as time allows. All it can do is improve my skills, it can't hurt a bit. Despite my years on the water I am certain there is still plenty for me to learn.

 

boat owners/operators all should go thru a safety coarse and be tested and then licenced. I will never go out on a small pleasure boat ever again. Yes, I am terrified at what happens out on our lakes.

 

I took one a few years back. Half where common since type questions. Good information though.

 

find nothing wrong with taking classes--but--everyone has to have a license to drive--and theres plenty of idiots out there---sooooooo--- just because a person takes a watercraft license--doesnt mean that arent any idiots out there--like one alrady said