Age of Consent

paulineb

paulineb

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I've seen lots of kids driving their parents' boats. Is there a legal age requirement for this. I know you have to be 16 to handle a dinghy in France - but what about here? and what about big boats ?

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as far as i know, the qualifications of the skipper are the issue. the helm is just a part of the boat. If the skipper is on board, then whoever is helming - the skipper is in command and is responsible. I can think of several times when a skipper wd be better deployed elsewhere. Very good idea to teach as many as poss to drive the thing in case the skipper or anyone else falls overboard too. Of course, if the short person brought the boat into a marina, then one might have some explaining to do if there was an accident with the kids driving - but legally, as far as i am aware again - it's okay, and my ledest age 14 is quite slick at this. My kids are also loads better at dinghy driving than i am, and they compete to see how softly they can stop the boat to just nudge ashore at the pontoon. All boats the same, at least until 24 metres anyway.

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On Windermere the age is 16 for a powered craft !
It is lower for a boat with a small engine, not exactly sure but around 5 hp springs to mind.
Remember though that Windermere make the rules up as they go along so it may not be same elsewere. (or next week for that matter)

Ian




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My Dad found a photo the other day of me, aged about 7 we think, therefore mid-1960's, at the helm of a 14ft runabout with the throttle wide open and a big grin on my face. It was perfectly legal then and I'm pretty certain nothing's changed since. The old man was sitting next to me so could have assumed control if anything went wrong.

The photo was taken from the shore at Warsash, in front of the Rising Sun, with what is now Hamble Point Marina in the background. I guess the only thing that's changed, apart from the scenery, is that nowadays you would get taken to task by the Harbourmaster, and possibly the Magistrates, for doing upwards of 25 knots on the Hamble (but it was a winter day, and very quiet /forums/images/icons/wink.gif.)

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For Windermere its 4HP upto 16 years old, then no limit.

I let my girls drive the boat but only with me next to them, they are only 7 & 5 but they need to get use to it early. Only 740HP anyway so only slighly over the limit. Need to check the bylaws about if it is skipper or driver??



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Damn good question, does anybody know...

...at what age my son can take his PB 1&2?. He is 12 now and we have some good piccies of him driving my Windy from Porthmadog to Pwllheli. He is keen to take this up and get the qualifications.

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Re: Damn good question, does anybody know...

Dave your son can do his Level 2 now. From 12-16 the certificate is endorsed to say that a competant adult should be with the "child". From April this year a new level is being introduced for kids 8-12. There will also be a new Intermediate course between the Level 2 and Advanced Powerboat certificates. It isi felt that there is too bigger jump from Level 2 to Advanced which is put as Day Skipper Level

If you would like a more details then PM me.

<hr width=100% size=1>Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk>Serious</A> Fun
 
Re: Damn good question, does anybody know...

Some harbour authorities also put on local restrictions regarding age and max. engine power. Salcombe certainly does but I've forgotten what they are as they no longer affect me. Only just mind you.

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No age limit on the Broads for any size of private boat (comercial different obviously). As someone has already said its the skipper thats in "command" of the vessel, the helmsman just steers.

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Re: Damn good question, does anybody know...

I was simply ponting out the regulations pertaining to the issue of Powerboat Level 2 certificates. Local bye laws are a different subject and of course local knowledge is off benefit.

<hr width=100% size=1>Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk>Serious</A> Fun
 
Re: Damn good question, does anybody know...

I was simply pointing out the regulations pertaining to the issue of Powerboat Level 2 certificates. Local bye laws are a different subject and of course local knowledge is off benefit.

<hr width=100% size=1>Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk>Serious</A> Fun
 
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