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jrc · 03-19-2006, 05:02 PM

In an auto you need to demonstrate the ability to operate an auto to get a license. There is no real way you're going to learn this from a book or class. So the law allows someone to teach you in a real car on a real street.

But in a boat you're only learning safety rules and you only need to pass a test to prove you've learned the rules. The boater education is not concerned with physically operating a boat. There isn't even a section on operating a throttle, or raising a sail. Given the gamut of boats out there, a class covering all recreational boats would be extensive. After you've learned the rules, you can learn to operate a boat, but that's beyond the scope of the boater education certificate.

03-19-2006, 05:02 PM	#5
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	Apples and oranges In an auto you need to demonstrate the ability to operate an auto to get a license. There is no real way you're going to learn this from a book or class. So the law allows someone to teach you in a real car on a real street. But in a boat you're only learning safety rules and you only need to pass a test to prove you've learned the rules. The boater education is not concerned with physically operating a boat. There isn't even a section on operating a throttle, or raising a sail. Given the gamut of boats out there, a class covering all recreational boats would be extensive. After you've learned the rules, you can learn to operate a boat, but that's beyond the scope of the boater education certificate.