Boat kills diver NZ

[wgw04024]

As for licensing, the people that would get the most out of it didn't need it in the first place. The others, will go through the motions, but probably it won't improve things much.

 

[Bob DBF]

unlike other countries in NZ theres basically no requirements or licensing that stops anyone from buying a boat and going out and sailing with little or no knowledge or experience - most weeken warriors have little understanding of maritime laws

Until recently, the US was the same, however an online licence course is not likely to help much. Regardless, no course will would have given him the experience needed in that case.

 

[BoltSnap]

Until recently, the US was the same

Have things changed in the US recently? There were no operator licensing or training requirements in the US AFAIK.

 

[happy-diver]

"Yang learned how to operate the boat from a two-day course and maritime exam that focused on theoretical training in 2018, the year he bought the boat."

 

[Belzelbub]

Have things changed in the US recently? There were no operator licensing or training requirements in the US AFAIK.

It's a state by state thing. Most states require some form of boater education. There are still a few with no requirements. For most, it's not a license per se, but an education requirement. Most states with this requirement will have a list of approved courses that meet the boaters education requirement.

I'm most familiar with FL. In FL the boater education requirement is in place for boaters born in 1988 or later. The state does not issue a license, but does have a list of education providers. However, if you show proof of education at the time that you renew your driver's license, you can get an anchor stamp added to your license for a nominal fee ($1.00, IIRC), as long as the course meets FWC requirements.

Where I boat, it's pretty easy. I'm only in FL or US Federal waters. I'd need to go pretty far to be in another state's jurisdiction. In other areas, though it can be confusing. The requirements for neighboring states can be different, so if you are legal in one state, and cross into another on the water, you may not be legal.

 

[Bob DBF]

In FL the boater education requirement is in place for boaters born in 1988 or later.

In California, all boaters have to have a California Boaters Licence (boaters card) in possession when operating a boat by January 1, 2025. This January, all boaters 50, or younger, must have a boaters licence when operating. According to the state, "Your California Boater Card will be accepted in all states that require NASBLA-approved certification and the card is good for life."

 

[PR_SMITH]

Here in Ontario Canada you have to have a Boaters card, but it's an online "course", with nothing to stop a cheater, and no practical exam. Pretty much a joke and a money-grab.

 

[BoltSnap]

the boater education requirement is in place for boaters born in 1988 or later.

This January, all boaters 50, or younger, must have a boaters licence when operating.

So, us the "mature and wise" folks are exempt?

 

[Jcp2]

So, us the "mature and wise" folks are exempt?

You are exempt not because there is this magical fund of experience with age, but for the practical implementation of safety measures that older stubborn people will not likely be accepting of. Call it a grandfather clause, but you could always pursue this course voluntarily.

 

[Belzelbub]

So, us the "mature and wise" folks are exempt?

Pretty much, though as mentioned below, we can take the courses if we want. I did.

You are exempt not because there is this magical fund of experience with age, but for the practical implementation of safety measures that older stubborn people will not likely be accepting of. Call it a grandfather clause, but you could always pursue this course voluntarily.

Maybe. Though, apart from the boater education requirement, every other safety requirement applies. There are varying requirements based on size of vessel, but nothing that varies by age of the operator.