New N.C. Law?

[scattered_grass]

Last night I heard from a friend that as of next year, you will be required to complete a boater's training/safety course if you are under the age of 26, to operate a boat legally. You guys heard anything about this?

[Reel Fanatic]

I heard something about it last year. My understanding is that it was a bone tossed out as appeasement in order to get the boat towing law repealed. I don't know how true that is but it doesn't make a lot of sense if it is...not the first time that's ever happened. If the course is comprehensive and involves trailering, launching and loading of one's vessel, and highway handling then it would make perfect sense.

[Glenn W]

Yup, go to the NC DNR site and you will see a discussion of this new requirement.

[Robja]

Here you go.

Do I have to have boater education?
On or after May 1, 2010 any person under the age of 26 must complete a NASBLA approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.
For more information and exemptions use the link below to see an actual copy of the law.

G.S. 75A-16.2 (pdf)


Here is the link to read the G.S. http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating_Wa...ating_FAQs.htm

[nautiduck]

Why do they put an age limit on it? Do they honestly think all new boaters are under the age of 26? Hell half the dumbasses I see on the water are grey haired balding pot bellied types with their gold chains hanging out, actually they are probably the biggest offenders cause they think they own the world and dont give a shit while their out trying to impress the little bimbos or the silicone filled old bar hags they pick up in the lakeside bars. I think everyone operating a vessel on the water should have to be licensed and pass a pass a safety course. Your at twice the risk on the water with no designated lanes or roadways, and just the very basic traffic laws which most of these dumbasses dont know. Ive taken a USCG approved boaters course, really wasnt difficult but its something. Im starting on getting my 6 pack license but that is more of future career necessity (not fishing).

disclaimer: the above was not intended to mean that all of you resembling that comment (grey haired balding pot bellied types with their gold chains hanging out) are an unsafe inconsiderate ass on the water, just some of you.

Just saw reelfanatics post and I think that would be perfect. Make everyone take a very comprehensive test, trailering, towing, (especially towing, have you ever read some of the trailering posts on the hull truth website? Some of these people should not be towing any thing down the road) basic navigation, safety, and the rules of the road.

[WAHOONBOX]

THE REAL EXCITING NEW LAW IN NC IS : NO MORE SMOKING IN FOOD HOUSES AND BARS...EFFECTIVE JAN 2010 WITH MANY JOINTS PUTTING IT IN EFFECT IMMEDIATELY

[Reel Fanatic]

Hell half the dumbasses I see on the water are grey haired balding pot bellied types with their gold chains hanging out, actually they are probably the biggest offenders cause they think they own the world and dont give a shit while their out trying to impress the little bimbos or the silicone filled old bar hags they pick up in the lakeside bars.

I take serious offense to that! I don't pursue old hags with silicone funbags in the bars though.

[scattered_grass]

Thanks for the replies guys! I've been giving my younger brother (age 21), who has had a boat since he was about 9 years old, crap all morining about having to take a class before going out with his buddies next summer. Thats some funny sh**!

[scattered_grass]

Does anyone know if this course is going to be offered online? Or will you actually have to sit in a classroom for it?

[luv2fish67]

Here in Canada they have been telling everyone to get this new boaters card for a few years now, but it is finally down to the wire. As of the end of September everyone operating any type of watercraft must have the card, or it will cost you a $200 fine. The course is available online for $35.