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Skipper of the Sea Que · 10-23-2007, 10:11 PM

Boating safety education is quite important and certainly makes sense. I think that the implementation of the system in NH is not working as they intended. It was well intentioned but I think the execution is a bit messed up. Yes there are more boaters aware of the rules due to boater ed requirements but there are still many that are clueless.

Whether or not you are/were in favor of the NH on-line safety test the way it is handled in NH today almost defeats the purpose of the requirement, IMHO.

A NH Boater Education Certificate at least exposed you to some of the NH specific rules. On-line or in a classroom you would discover the 150 foot rule and the system of navigation aids and a few other NH specific items - but ONLY with a NH specific course and test.

Today the State of NH does not allow for a NH State specific on-line test for the safety certificate. But NH DOES accept state issued certificates from 41 OTHER STATES that do NOT cover NH specific rules. How can that possibly be safer than allowing NH State issued on-line certificates? In this instance, the State of NH made it easier to get non-NH on-line accreditation from ANOTHER State's course and test without any knowledge of NH specific boating rules. This is better?

Now how do visitors or other boaters even know that a safety certificate is required? Only a few launch ramps have signage or the NH Marine Patrol digest of NH Boating Laws and info booklet. No signage at major points of entry to the State. How do people know that there are rules? My slip neighbors are aware of the rules at the YC, but at the motel docks where transients launch that's a different story. Renters, that's another story.

As already mentioned, a safe boating certificate does not mean one can pilot a boat well - does it?

And the certificate neglects what I think is a major problem. You can be almost blind and drive a boat with a safe boating certificate. Good vision is not a prerequisite for the certificate. Eye sight is not even tested. Which do you think is a bigger threat. A sight impaired boater approaching you at 45 mph or a captain with perfect vision approaching your direction at 55+ mph (both more than 150' away from you of course).

Boater Education is a great idea. I'm not sure that we (NH) found the best way to educate boaters. That said, I'm not sure I have any better ideas how to proceed from here.

10-23-2007, 10:11 PM	#4
Skipper of the Sea Que Deceased Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 1/2 way between Boston & Providence Posts: 573 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 32 Thanked 55 Times in 22 Posts	Some Flaws in the system Boating safety education is quite important and certainly makes sense. I think that the implementation of the system in NH is not working as they intended. It was well intentioned but I think the execution is a bit messed up. Yes there are more boaters aware of the rules due to boater ed requirements but there are still many that are clueless. Whether or not you are/were in favor of the NH on-line safety test the way it is handled in NH today almost defeats the purpose of the requirement, IMHO. A NH Boater Education Certificate at least exposed you to some of the NH specific rules. On-line or in a classroom you would discover the 150 foot rule and the system of navigation aids and a few other NH specific items - but ONLY with a NH specific course and test. Today the State of NH does not allow for a NH State specific on-line test for the safety certificate. But NH DOES accept state issued certificates from 41 OTHER STATES that do NOT cover NH specific rules. How can that possibly be safer than allowing NH State issued on-line certificates? In this instance, the State of NH made it easier to get non-NH on-line accreditation from ANOTHER State's course and test without any knowledge of NH specific boating rules. This is better? Now how do visitors or other boaters even know that a safety certificate is required? Only a few launch ramps have signage or the NH Marine Patrol digest of NH Boating Laws and info booklet. No signage at major points of entry to the State. How do people know that there are rules? My slip neighbors are aware of the rules at the YC, but at the motel docks where transients launch that's a different story. Renters, that's another story. As already mentioned, a safe boating certificate does not mean one can pilot a boat well - does it? And the certificate neglects what I think is a major problem. You can be almost blind and drive a boat with a safe boating certificate. Good vision is not a prerequisite for the certificate. Eye sight is not even tested. Which do you think is a bigger threat. A sight impaired boater approaching you at 45 mph or a captain with perfect vision approaching your direction at 55+ mph (both more than 150' away from you of course). Boater Education is a great idea. I'm not sure that we (NH) found the best way to educate boaters. That said, I'm not sure I have any better ideas how to proceed from here. __________________ Amateur HAM Radio What is it? You'll be surprised. When all else fails Ham Radio still works. Shriners Hospitals *providing specialized care for children regardless of ability to pay*. Find out more or refer a patient. Last edited by Skipper of the Sea Que; 10-24-2007 at 05:31 AM. Reason: proper spelling (or lack thereof)