licensing boaters

[dickiej]

Greetings!
I'm new to the forum and find it really interesting. Lots of good, thoughtful people posting. My dad had a place in Alton bay for years in Peggy's Cove. Sadly, we had to sell it due to financial reasons. Boy, do I wish we could have held onto it! Anyway, maybe this is a good time to bring up the subject of licensing boaters. You need a license to cut hair, do carpentry, even wash dogs, but any fool can buy a power boat and head on out. I live on the ocean and see things that would curl your hair! If boaters were licensed, the threat of having their operating license revoked is one more tool that can be used to possibly educate and threaten them with.

[upthesaukee]

Greetings!
I'm new to the forum and find it really interesting. Lots of good, thoughtful people posting. My dad had a place in Alton bay for years in Peggy's Cove. Sadly, we had to sell it due to financial reasons. Boy, do I wish we could have held onto it! Anyway, maybe this is a good time to bring up the subject of licensing boaters. You need a license to cut hair, do carpentry, even wash dogs, but any fool can buy a power boat and head on out. I live on the ocean and see things that would curl your hair! If boaters were licensed, the threat of having their operating license revoked is one more tool that can be used to possibly educate and threaten them with.

I think you may be looking at doing more than the current laws do, equating it a car or a plane.

Not sure how long you may have been away from the lake, but in case it has been a while, NH does have a requirement that in essence requires anyone 16 or older to complete a boater safety course, passing a course upon completion. However, just like in a car, it doesn't matter how much you try to educate a person, some will just not do the right thing.

Thanks for your input, and again, welcome to the Forum.

[Misty Blue]

As "up" said there is a requirement for safe boating education in NH. It must be NASBLA approved and is good in all states for life or until you do something stupid.

I assume that you are not near NH or you would be aware of the current laws, but no matter.

These NASBLA classes are taught all over the country and there are many ways to attend one. Check out some websites. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary probably has a Flotilla in your neighborhood or the US. Power Squadrons also have the same classes, great folks. They are fun and you will be supprised at what you will learn.

Good luck and we will see you out there!

Misty Blue

[Kamper]

No offense intended but you appear to have what is known as "Columbus Syndrome." You have recognized a problem and think you are the first one to 'discover' it.

Since we enjoy rehashing previous arguments here, you will probably be getting a lot of informative responses to your post. If you don't want to wait for them, use the Search function for 'license' and 'safety certificate'.

Welcome aboard and good luck.