Well it's about time

[Ron C]

John Ragsdale, the Senior Lifeguard at Castaic Lake, just forwarded this to me. It is a press release for a proposed Assembly Bill (AB 2110) that would require all boaters to take a one-time certification test to receive a life-time license to operate a motorized vessle.

In my opinion, this should have been done many years ago, as it probably would have prevented countless boating related injuries and deaths.

I, for one, am in support of this proposed Assembly Bill.

Ron C

===============================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Walt Kadyk, President
(909) 941-6622
Jerry Desmond, Jr.
Director of Government Relations
(916) 441-4166

California Vessel Operator Certification Bill Introduced

Sacramento [February 21] – Assembly Member Mike Duvall [R-Brea] has introduced AB 2110, legislation to phase-in a requirement that operators of vessels propelled by engines pass a one-time, state-approved test and have a card with them.

Assembly Member Duvall has introduced the legislation at the request of the boater advocacy organization Recreational Boaters of California [RBOC]. The effort carries forward the momentum initiated by the Assembly Member in 2007 with AB 1458, a similar proposal also requested by RBOC.

RBOC President Walt Kadyk stated that “The intent of AB 2110 is to ensure that individuals have the necessary knowledge on the laws and regulations that apply to the operation of vessels, through certification, in order to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities. We are pleased that Assembly Member Duvall will be spear-heading this effort.

“It became clear in discussions that involved many stakeholders throughout 2007 that the majority of California boaters support certification – provided that it will provide a measure of assurance that the other person on the waterways will have a knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to the operation of a vessel.â€

[buddy brown]

That's good news. I hope I pass

[propgun]

About time

[dockboy]

'Bout time. Maybe this keep the bad influences down a bit. Even moderately hard certification test might prove hard to pass for those powerboaters who couldn't drive a boat in the first place. In fact, if you don't mind, here's what I propose;

You are granted a lifetime certification license. HOWEVER, if you are caught by any lake security, life guard, or police boat abusing the laws of the body of water on which you have perpetrated your misconduct or found to be putting other recreation boaters in danger, you are to be fined for your actions and a mark made against your boating certification record. Upon a second violation, your lifetime license is to be temporarily suspended until you prove your ability to boat safely with another certification exam. Failure to pass the exam in order to regain your certification will result in further suspension of your license until you are able to pass the certification exam again. For each retake of the exam during your suspension or during further violations of your certification, the base fee is $100, not including those fines the fore mentioned lake waterbody authorities may find appropriate for your violations of the waterbody guidelines and rules.

Just my 2 cents, of course. But I think making the certification subject to violations fines would make safe boating seem like a much cheaper and sensible option. In any case, a good idea.

[Ron T.]

Thank God, Ive thought for years people should have a seperate licence for boating . Just as the case for riding a motorcycle or driving a big rig . Makes a lot of sence to me . Hopefully boating will be regulated as the driving privelage . If you screw up than the same tickets , fines and suspensions from law enforcement and DMV. This bill is a start .

[Bill Hutcheson]

While I have not read the text of the proposed legislation, I am going to hope that those who have a USCG Captain's license are exempted from this???

Hutch

[fishinman]

Yeah I'll go right along with that! How many do think will fail. I'd say 60%!!

[Ron C]

While I have not read the text of the proposed legislation, I am going to hope that those who have a USCG Captain's license are exempted from this???

Yes they are:

"676(d) This section does not apply to a person who has in his or her possession a valid marine operator license issued by the United States Coast Guard."

Here is (proposed) AB 2110 in its entirety:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bil ... duced.html

[Dave Wilson]

Wow- I'm actually exempt from a proposed law! Go U.S. Merchant Marine. Probably the largest benefit would be people will learn "right-of-way" rules......

[Steve Del Tour]

You guys have a lot more faith in our state legislature than I do. I simply do not trust them to do the right thing. Somehow they will screw it up and we will all pay dearly. Some knucklehead will find a way to line the state coffers and spend the money in an anti-fishing way. The possible good intentions of one legislator will be bastardized by the majority and amended into some unrecognizable final law. I'd rather keep an eye out on my fellow boater. I trust the worst of them more than that bunch in Sacramento.

Do you think my 34 years as a cop has influenced my point of view?

[DeltaBound]

Here we go again Californians. Just like the California Drivers test we have in place that keeps the drunks off the road and the idiots off the highway. This will do nothing, do you really think this is going to tame the Water Skier idiots at Castaic in the Summer? This is just more bureaucratic nonsense.



"Long live Hippie"

[macinckirk]

To take a test on paper will do NOTHING for on the water, look at the way people drive on land and they have taken a driving test in a car/truck or bike

All this is when it comes down to it is a Tax/Money pit, Hell they cann't inforce the LAWS that are on the Books NOW, why add more?? Oh wait they want MORE $$$$

All I can say to this is

[KMAC]

I think a lot of our boater frustations out there could be eliminated if we just gave everyone a basic I.Q. test before they can operate a boat. Maybe 60 or something.