Has anyone seen?

[TheBoatman]

That the RYA are intending to change the level of powerboat training/sylibus to included (amonst other things) children of 8years old and over.

Now, I may have misread the instructors leaflet and got it completely wrong, but I don't think that an 8 year old should be in charge of a powerboat under any circumstances.

If there is any one out there that can put me right, I would be more than happy to listen, but the way I read it, there are major changes on route and I for one am dubious of the RYA's thinking.

If it is true then I'm seriously thinking, as a PB instructor, of giving up RYA PB training.

Please don't get me wrong, I would always be happy to "show" youngsters how to drive powerboats, in fact I have always done it, but I would never be happy with a 8 year old being in charge of a boat.

Maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick, if so tell me.

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[BrendanS]

Why should training for kids on ribs be any different to kids on dinghies. Happens all the time.

I saw Salcombe Powerboat school doing a very realistic training course for kids (it's on their website).All looked very professional, the kids taking it very seriously, and obviously thoroughly enjoying it!

No one suggested they should be let loose on a 40'er by themselves. If their family go boating, it's reasonable to teach the kids the basics, especially if they enjoy it, and want to learn. I know a lot of 10 year olds who can handle the family tender as well as any adult, and they often sail dinghys just as well. Under supervision.

The other changes that are happening are also interesting, Moving Advanced powerboat up a level, and putting a new certificate in between, to take care of those that want more advanced training, but aren't ready to do night passages. Also changing the requirements for commercial endorsements to be more rigourous.

All seems quite sensible to me

<hr width=100% size=1> I asked an economist for her phone number....and she gave me an estimate

 

[Mirelle]

My 8, soon to be 9, year old wants to join our local club dinghy training course but officially he should be 10 for that.

However, I do regularly give him the helm of our 16 ft motor launch and he is a perfectly safe little helmsman; knows the Rule of the Road, keeps a good look out, is diligent about slowing down for dinghies and rowing shells, and can lay her alongside in a tideway without cracking an eggshell.

I would not let him have the boat on his own (he does sail the 9ft dinghy by himself) but if the RYA are thinking of training and certification for children to use low powered motor boats under supervision, then I think that is perhaps reasonable.

(Gosh, I've said something nice about them!)

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[Will_M]

Why on earth not???????

I had free use of our RIB-of-the-time by the time I was 7/8yrs, admittedly it was only 4mtr/30hp Flatercraft.

The point been my training was through a life time spent with boats power & sail of all shape size etc and at that time of 7/8yrs I was deemed sensible enough to be let loose on my own under power!! Only ever stayed local & in the Solent, skiing and cruising around with mates etc etc.

Had been let loose a couple years before that under sail!!!!!!

So I say good on the RYA for acknowledging the 'little ones' so they are able to gain a cert in powerboat training, after all the way Adolf Blair rules his empire it wont be to long before you cant even step outside your front door without having been 'trained' beforehand!!!!

Just hope the training is suitable & practical.


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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Don't see a problem, kids are always bombing around anchorages in dinghies and small ribs, if the parents want to give them some training and handling skills all the better.

Most kids I see at pwllheli in the tenders are very sensible, so why not?

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.topcatsail.co.uk/movies.html>Dolphin Movie From Top Cat</A>

 

[Guest]

Whats better ?

Untrained 8 year olds banging around on water-bikes, ribs etc, as I see often ........ or trained 8 years olds who might ealise a bit more what they doing ?????

Agreed I don't like the idea of young kids playing with powerful toys ..... but when you have the likes of a VERY young girl - about 7 - 8 yr old in my marina who regularly gets davit'd into the water on the grossly overpowered RIB from the back of the Princess 44 ........ and then proceeds to open throttle and scream around causing unholy wash etc. The Marina operators have tried, others have tried ..... but to no avail.......... by the way Daddy is an important EU official who just happens to have friends and helping the Govt join EU ..... so no chance we will have any success there .....


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I came - cos they said was FREE Guinness !
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