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.