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[Descant]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

As this thread has pointed out and I see my share of them, they think boating laws do not apply to them. And that is a major pain in my butt! The laws applies to all vessels on water! Hopefully this will sink in before, god forbid, a casualty happens!

This is one of those cases where, regardless of the law, common sense should prevail. Doesn't matter which state issued your safe boater certificate. I can't tell from the picture, but some people likely think it's safe as long as you're wearing a ski vest or PFD. If they get a ticket, a remedial safe boater safety course for everybody in the boat should be an available penalty. Who gets the ticket? Driver or bow rider? Both are equally guilty, aren't they?

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Descant

This is one of those cases where, regardless of the law, common sense should prevail. Doesn't matter which state issued your safe boater certificate. I can't tell from the picture, but some people likely think it's safe as long as you're wearing a ski vest or PFD. If they get a ticket, a remedial safe boater safety course for everybody in the boat should be an available penalty. Who gets the ticket? Driver or bow rider? Both are equally guilty, aren't they?

Operator is guilty. As for the “bow rider” blissful ignorance reads it’s ugly head.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Operator is guilty. As for the “bow rider” blissful ignorance reads it’s ugly head.

I have a friend who got a ticket for going too fast, too close to land. He was water skiing, starting up from shallow water. The skier got the ticket, not the driver. The law has been changed in favor of safe skiing practices. Nevertheless, I think both should get the ticket, if both are adults. If one is under age, the adult should get a double whammy. BTW, MP does great job deciding when to ticket and when to make it a teaching moment.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Descant

I have a friend who got a ticket for going too fast, too close to land. He was water skiing, starting up from shallow water. The skier got the ticket, not the driver. The law has been changed in favor of safe skiing practices. Nevertheless, I think both should get the ticket, if both are adults. If one is under age, the adult should get a double whammy. BTW, MP does great job deciding when to ticket and when to make it a teaching moment.

I agree but my point was anyone that is “in charge” of passengers, be it boat or
other conveyance, should be held responsible for putting his charges in danger.

[XCR-700]

Sorry but in my lifetime I have found fines to be WORTHLESS.

Driver or passenger or anyone, I have never seen anyone change their ways based on a fine, unless its just an insignificant matter of concern like a parking ticket.

Its been my observation fines only annoy the recipient and reinforces their notion that the laws are stupid. Fines dont seem to change really bad behavior.

Not sure anything changes really bad behavior, just look at how many times a drunk driver can be arrested again and again,,,

People only change really bad behavior when they are ready to change, and in too many cases its because of a serious near-miss or something horrible that actually happened, but but rarely because they got yelled at, got fined or even lost some privilege for any period of time.

Your opinion may vary.