kids and boating law question

Grandpa Redneck · 05-23-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

You are correct. 4 year old can drive but a 16 year old can't. Dumbest rule I have ever heard.

I agree with you there, I personally feel the law should be anyone can drive as long as some one with a boating certificate is on board(and sober) similar to getting a cdl drivers license when I got mine many years ago I spent 2 weeks driving the routes with the regular driver with me, then went and took the test, and passed with no problems. I feel it was because of the 2 weeks of practical experience as well as reading the book.
But most laws seem to be written by idiots with no common sense, this is just another perfect example.

jrc · 05-23-2011, 11:50 AM

The reasoning as I understand it is:

a) The safety test is written with no boat operation required, so there is no need for learning to drive a boat before taking the safety test. No learners permits needed. Take the safety test, then someone can teach you to drive a boat.

b) If they allowed anyone to drive with a licensed driver on board, then the second drivers, or occasional drivers would never get licenses. They want as many people safety educated as possible.

Grandpa Redneck · 05-23-2011, 12:04 PM

JRC, I agree no driving experience is "needed" to pass the test as both my wife and myself took the class and passed with no problems and no previous experience, but hands on practical experience would definately be helpfull to anyone planning on operating a boat. at least in my opinion.

jeffatsquam · 05-23-2011, 01:00 PM

I've always said that you could pass that test with flying colors,

And still be in trouble the moment you embark on your maiden voyage

VitaBene · 05-23-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffatsquam

I've always said that you could pass that test with flying colors,

And still be in trouble the moment you embark on your maiden voyage

Agreed Jeff, unfortunately I think there is no way to get a law in place that would require a "road" test!

Winnipesaukee · 05-27-2011, 01:26 AM

MP: "I suspect your child may be under the 18-pound limit. Please hand her over to my vessel for a weight measurement."

Winnipesaukee · 05-27-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

You are correct. 4 year old can drive but a 16 year old can't. Dumbest rule I have ever heard.

RG, just to clarify your post because some might not have understood it:

There are 3 people in a boat. A toddler, "Uncle Larry" (with no cert), and "Dad" (certified).

As long as Dad is in the boat, the 4 year-old can legally drive it. However, if Uncle Larry took the wheel, that would then be illegal (even with Dad).

"Dumbest" is about right.

VtSteve · 05-27-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnipesaukee

RG, just to clarify your post because some might not have understood it:

There are 3 people in a boat. A toddler, "Uncle Larry" (with no cert), and "Dad" (certified).

As long as Dad is in the boat, the 4 year-old can legally drive it. However, if Uncle Larry took the wheel, that would then be illegal (even with Dad).

"Dumbest" is about right.

That was pointed out many times, but was misunderstood by some to mean a loss of rights for their 12 YO. The goal was to eliminate the loophole that exists (the Dumb part), and revise the law so that children could take part in the educational aspects of the safety certificate.

I doubt the existing law has caused any real problems. But it wasn't written well, and should be revised so common sense prevails.

KeepItSimple · 05-27-2011, 09:09 AM

Sounds like your wife's friend might have confused the USCG's current guidelines on PFDS for infants with a law. From the USCG website:

"Question: What PFD does the Coast Guard recommend for infants.

USCG response: The Coast Guard does not recommend taking infants onboard a recreational boat. The PFDs currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit to perform as expected. Unless the parent is able to test their newborns out in a PFD, sized for infants, in a swimming pool, they will not know if that device will float their child with his/her head out of the water. You must be sure you know the PFD you have works for your infant. Otherwise we recommend the child not be exposed to any risk in a boat on the water."

RailroadJoe · 05-27-2011, 01:08 PM

What do you do? Leave them in the car or give up boating until the kid gets bigger! Typical USFG

Bear Islander · 05-27-2011, 06:58 PM

I don't think the USCG is considering people that LIVE on an island. I have seen an infant under one week old come over in a boat. The life jacket was a joke. Like putting socks on a rooster.

Also funny how they call it a "recreational boat". I have used my boat for several things that would NOT be considered recreation.

05-23-2011, 12:04 PM	#3
Grandpa Redneck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: White Mountain Area NH Posts: 155 Thanks: 310 Thanked 112 Times in 59 Posts	JRC, I agree no driving experience is "needed" to pass the test as both my wife and myself took the class and passed with no problems and no previous experience, but hands on practical experience would definately be helpfull to anyone planning on operating a boat. at least in my opinion. __________________ Freedom Lovin' gun crazy Redneck

05-27-2011, 01:26 AM	#6
Winnipesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 233 Thanks: 14 Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts	MP: "I suspect your child may be under the 18-pound limit. Please hand her over to my vessel for a weight measurement." __________________ Sail fast, live slow!

05-27-2011, 01:08 PM	#10
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Typical What do you do? Leave them in the car or give up boating until the kid gets bigger! Typical USFG

05-23-2011, 11:50 AM	#2
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	The reasoning as I understand it is: a) The safety test is written with no boat operation required, so there is no need for learning to drive a boat before taking the safety test. No learners permits needed. Take the safety test, then someone can teach you to drive a boat. b) If they allowed anyone to drive with a licensed driver on board, then the second drivers, or occasional drivers would never get licenses. They want as many people safety educated as possible.

05-23-2011, 01:00 PM	#4
jeffatsquam Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: moultonborough/sandwich Posts: 187 Thanks: 173 Thanked 77 Times in 50 Posts	I've always said that you could pass that test with flying colors, And still be in trouble the moment you embark on your maiden voyage

05-27-2011, 09:09 AM	#9
KeepItSimple Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Watertown, MA Posts: 19 Thanks: 70 Thanked 21 Times in 5 Posts	Sounds like your wife's friend might have confused the USCG's current guidelines on PFDS for infants with a law. From the USCG website: "Question: What PFD does the Coast Guard recommend for infants. USCG response: The Coast Guard does not recommend taking infants onboard a recreational boat. The PFDs currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit to perform as expected. Unless the parent is able to test their newborns out in a PFD, sized for infants, in a swimming pool, they will not know if that device will float their child with his/her head out of the water. You must be sure you know the PFD you have works for your infant. Otherwise we recommend the child not be exposed to any risk in a boat on the water."

05-27-2011, 06:58 PM	#11
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	I don't think the USCG is considering people that LIVE on an island. I have seen an infant under one week old come over in a boat. The life jacket was a joke. Like putting socks on a rooster. Also funny how they call it a "recreational boat". I have used my boat for several things that would NOT be considered recreation.