What Are The Requirements For Legally Driving A Boat?

Question

Hello,

I am very interested in buying a boat in the near future, I have very little knowledge about boats and boat-driving, so I'd like to know what is required for me to be able to drive aboat legally. Are there any courses, test etc?

Thank You

Answer 1

US Coast Guard Axillary and

US Power Squadrons in the US

Royal Yachting Association in Britain

Answer 2

maybe 16

Answer 3

some states require a boating safety course. in Maryland any person born after 1972 must take the course.

Answer 4

In the UK there are no licence requirements for "drivers" but a licence is needed for canals, river Thames and several other waters. These relate to the boat and are simply a fee to use the water space. There are navigation rules and penalties may be charged. In many European waters you need a certificate of competence and risk being impounded if you come to the attention of the authorities. There are many boat handling courses that will give you the basic qualifications. Insurance though not compulsory is really essential

Answer 5

What a great idea... and you are off to a great start.

the "short answer" to your question is:

     Yes - there are courses you can take...

     NO - there are no "legal" requirements or "tests".

Boating is a wonderful - enjoyable way to spend the day (or night). For many, boating offers some of the greatest (and most memorable) time of their lives...  

Though many boaters believe there should be laws and license requirements...  currently there are no laws, or legal requirements to "drive" a boat for your own personal use and pleasure.

The only exception to this is that "in some states" laws have been inacted to require a boating safety course with regard to "jet skis"... these fun and fast little rascals - have caused unbeleavable damage and a lot of people to get hurt... as a result, some states have passed laws that require younger operators to complete a boat safety course.  

I suggest a visit to the Coast Guard Auxilary site at:

> nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.... <

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels from beginners and general boat safety to more advance courses.  I suggest you simply start off with a beginners general safety course, and don't worry about any others until you "get your feet wet" so to speak...

And... might I suggest, that you visit some Marinas in your area... meet some boaters and ask them questions...

Answer 6

You don't which English-speaking Country you are in.

In the U.K. the Royal Yachting Association can give you information about courses in boat-handling in your area.

Even if there are no legal requirements, there is a certain amount of satisfaction in learning to "do it properly" from an instructor and you pick up many tips in a short while which may take years of experience to discover from practice.

Answer 7

Talking from experince as a fisherman, there is no legal requirement for to be able to drive a boat!! ( happy Days).

Do you know what to do when you brake down late in the evening when you have no phone coverage, the wind is picking up and you have 3 young children on board???

Probably not, and its not that you should know but take my advice and get some knowledge by taking some relevent boat handling courses and also get a V.H.F. Radio operators Licence. V.H.F radios are used in all boats around the world, Channel 16 is linked direct to your local coast guard who you can make contact with at any time of the day or night!!

I hope i didnt scare you, i didnt mean to!! Just letting you know the realities!!

Go do your courses lad and buy a boat and have some serious fun!!!

Hope this was of some help to you!!

Cheers Buddy!!