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Boater Training....or lack thereof !
Ten years ago my wife and I were anchored
off White Cloud Island just north of Wiarton.
A camp fire was glowing on the beach and
as cruisers are wont to do, we dinghied over
to meet out neighbours. Around the fire were
a man, woman, three children and two dogs,
all having a great time. As the evening progressed
we discovered that the 30' sailboat at the
public dock was not only their first boat
but they were also enjoying their first sailing
experience. They had bought the boat in Midland
and were cruising to Tobermory. they had
no experience, no navigation training and
were equipped with a road map and Loran-C
which they could not operate (they had also bought the boat without benefit
of a marine survey). For the rest of the summer we looked for
their names on the evening news.
I simply do not understand how someone with
no experience or training can purchase a
40' sailboat, a jet-ski or cruiser capable
of 30knots and set off on the water with
granny and a load of kids. It is unthinkable
that we would allow this on our highways.
Why on our waterways ?
I firmly believe that licensing of vessel
"drivers" is needed and that the
Canadian Power & Sail Squadron 12 week
"Boating Course" should be a minimum requirement for acquiring
such a license.
Our government has made a feeble attempt
at enforced education in the form of the
"Operator Proficiency Card" ( frequently
and incorrectly referred to as a license
) however, the test to attain this card can
be aced by any reasonably literate 10 year
old with no knowledge of boats or boating
whatsoever.
Sailboaters and powerboaters are equally
remiss in their lack of education and each
have their own particular failings. It is
more common than not to see powerboaters
with gasoline engines turn on the blower
then instantly fire up the engines, many
also have a complete disregard for what their
wake does to sailboats and then there are
the fisherman who claim they have right of
way because they are fishing ! The vast majority
of those fishing on the Great Lakes, including
all those trolling for salmon, are not fishing
boats according to the "Collision Regulations". Many sailboaters believe they have, and
often claim "right of way" over
powerboats regardless of the situation. NEWS FLASH"..... ! There is no such thing as "Right
of Way". This term does not appear anywhere
in the "ColRegs". Colregs mention
"Give way vessel" and "Stand
on vessel". In most cases a sailboat
is the "Stand on Vessel" and means
that the sailor shall maintain his course.
Think about it...this only makes sense. A
sailor maintaining his course allows the
other "give way" vessel" (powerboat)
to adjust their course and avoid collision.
Unfortunately many sailors believe that it
is their given right to tack or jibe at their
whim and even more unfortunately this is
what I have I have witnessed being taught
to young sailors in several nationally known
sailing courses.
I firmly believe that licensing vessel "drivers"
is long overdue and that the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons 12 week Boating Course should be a minimum
requirement for acquiring such a license.
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