hellwoman
02-27-2007, 07:26 AM
Bill requiring testing for boaters is introduced in California
Recreational Boaters of California is sponsoring legislation that would require a test and a certificate for all vessel operators in the state.
The bill, AB 1458, was introduced into the state legislature Friday by assembly member Michael Villines.
The intent is to ensure that vessel operators 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, said Lenora Clark, president of RBOC, in a statement.
AB 1458 would enact a new section in the Harbors and Navigation Code, requiring boat operators to have a vessel operator certificate issued by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, after passing a test approved by the department. The certificate would be valid for the life of the individual.
The legislation also contains provisions providing for online testing; specific requirements for operators renting vessels; the operation of boats by minors under adult supervision; funding for the certificate program; an infraction penalty for violators; and an annual report on the total number of certificates issued as well as the correlation between certificates and the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities.
The certificate requirement would be phased in as follows:
● Jan. 1, 2011 all vessel operators 20 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2012 all vessel operators 25 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2013 all vessel operators 30 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2014 all vessel operators 40 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2015 all vessel operators 45 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2016 all vessel operators 50 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2017 all vessel operators 60 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2018 all vessel operators.
This effort carries forward the discussions that the DBW initiated in 2006.
RBOC says it is working in a leadership role with several boating groups and interests. These include organizations comprising boat manufacturers and dealers, public and private marinas, harbor masters and port captains, boating law enforcement, course providers, and others.
Recreational Boaters of California is sponsoring legislation that would require a test and a certificate for all vessel operators in the state.
The bill, AB 1458, was introduced into the state legislature Friday by assembly member Michael Villines.
The intent is to ensure that vessel operators 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, said Lenora Clark, president of RBOC, in a statement.
AB 1458 would enact a new section in the Harbors and Navigation Code, requiring boat operators to have a vessel operator certificate issued by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, after passing a test approved by the department. The certificate would be valid for the life of the individual.
The legislation also contains provisions providing for online testing; specific requirements for operators renting vessels; the operation of boats by minors under adult supervision; funding for the certificate program; an infraction penalty for violators; and an annual report on the total number of certificates issued as well as the correlation between certificates and the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities.
The certificate requirement would be phased in as follows:
● Jan. 1, 2011 all vessel operators 20 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2012 all vessel operators 25 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2013 all vessel operators 30 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2014 all vessel operators 40 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2015 all vessel operators 45 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2016 all vessel operators 50 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2017 all vessel operators 60 years old and younger,
● Jan. 1, 2018 all vessel operators.
This effort carries forward the discussions that the DBW initiated in 2006.
RBOC says it is working in a leadership role with several boating groups and interests. These include organizations comprising boat manufacturers and dealers, public and private marinas, harbor masters and port captains, boating law enforcement, course providers, and others.