qualifications

R

robertj

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 May 2007
Messages
7,313
Visit site
do the forum feel its time to have compulsory sailing qualifications or stay as we are?
a government based test or the rya tickets or go the icc way that one has to pas before venturing out on the water?
 
robertj said:
do the forum feel its time to have compulsory sailing qualifications or stay as we are?
a government based test or the rya tickets or go the icc way that one has to pas before venturing out on the water?
Click to expand...

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Do we have more boating accidents than those countires who require bits of paper. If no then no and if yes then still no as any government produced figures are unlikely to compare like with like to get the result they want.
 
Who Polices the Police

nimbusgb said:
I have no doubt that this would be the start of a very slippery slope for boating should it come about.

Recently the gliding fraternity in the UK got suckered in to accepting European driven legistlation around airworthiness for sailplanes. This sport has been safely and successfully self governing since the dawn of flight in the UK. The net result is that costs have leapt dramatically for the average pilot with no apparent benefit and a lot of needless hassle. The ripple across Europe has one major sailplane manufacturer balancing on the edge of the precipice in terms of the threat to its future viability.

Just what 'problem' are we trying to solve? A couple of semi-suicidal looneys in a small boat set out across a dangerous piece of water in the dead of winter, putting volunteer, donation based rescue services and personel at risk. Sure its stupid but how would compulsory licencing solve that? Some people are idiots even with a bit of paper in their hands.

And how do you police it? A whole fleet of plods in ribs? Someone would have to pay for them, bet your bottom dollar it is factored in to the cost of the 'regulation' in the first place. make harbour masters and marina owners responsible? Won't work since marina owners are not policemen.

Do you have a minimum sized boat in mind before a licence is required? Perhaps a tender does not need a licence. Problem - a high percentage of water related accidents revolve around the tender. Ok so now you need a waterborne licence to pilot everything right down to a surfboard or blow up lilo!

Don't expect a law to be applied using common sense. Here in the UK the opportunity to make a buck off soft targets is just too attractive!
Click to expand...



when they are this stupid :D
 
I have no doubt that this would be the start of a very slippery slope for boating should it come about.

Recently the gliding fraternity in the UK got suckered in to accepting European driven legistlation around airworthiness for sailplanes. This sport has been safely and successfully self governing since the dawn of flight in the UK. The net result is that costs have leapt dramatically for the average pilot with no apparent benefit and a lot of needless hassle. The ripple across Europe has one major sailplane manufacturer balancing on the edge of the precipice in terms of the threat to its future viability.

Just what 'problem' are we trying to solve? A couple of semi-suicidal looneys in a small boat set out across a dangerous piece of water in the dead of winter, putting volunteer, donation based rescue services and personel at risk. Sure its stupid but how would compulsory licencing solve that? Some people are idiots even with a bit of paper in their hands.

And how do you police it? A whole fleet of plods in ribs? Someone would have to pay for them, bet your bottom dollar it is factored in to the cost of the 'regulation' in the first place. make harbour masters and marina owners responsible? Won't work since marina owners are not policemen.

Do you have a minimum sized boat in mind before a licence is required? Perhaps a tender does not need a licence. Problem - a high percentage of water related accidents revolve around the tender. Ok so now you need a waterborne licence to pilot everything right down to a surfboard or blow up lilo!

Don't expect a law to be applied using common sense. Here in the UK the opportunity to make a buck off soft targets is just too attractive!
 
SWMBO came up with an excellent idea while we were ghosting up the Solent one evening last year. Having been passed at very close quarters and high speed by the fourth powerboat in succession and her gin and tonic had been spilt for the second time, after she had finished swearing at the driver, she suggested that all new boat owners should be forced to take the Day Skipper sailing qualification.

This seems a good idea to me because with any luck some of the would-be mobo drivers would take up sailing instead of ruining everyone's weekend with their noise and wash.
 
robertj said:
do the forum feel its time to have compulsory sailing qualifications or stay as we are?
a government based test or the rya tickets or go the icc way that one has to pas before venturing out on the water?
Click to expand...

This subject is done to death on these fora about every 6 months. The outcome is always the same.

There is no credible evidence of "accidents" being caused by lack of competence
There is no support for compulsory training or licencing from the main bodies charged with or involved with safety in Pleasure boating (principally RYA, RNLI and MCA)
There is no pressure from insurance companies to demonstrate competence
There is currently no political pressure to introduce any compulsory training or licencing.

So, in a sense it is a non-issue, although of course that could change, so important to be vigilant.
 
Yes, everyone should have qualifications. I would set the level at second degree or higher, so, if you don't have a Doctorate or Masters' you will have to sell your boat.

Great idea, far fewer people sailing & they will all be "clever" people. Mind you, they may not be very practical so they may need rescueing more often - DOH. :rolleyes:

Incidentally, if you think training is expensive - try ignorance!

Any more daft ideas for the New Year? Not had a silly anchor thread yet have we?
 
The governments record on legislation over the past few years seems rather shaky to me, unless you consider the creation of yet more, new and exciting levels of bureaucracy to be a good thing in itself.

Does that answer your question ?

Bit like Canute waving a manifesto at the advancing tide ?
 
Many who are rescued by RNLI, Coastguard etc. are beach users cut off by the tide and coastal path walkers. Should they have qualifications as well ?
I have friends who occasionally accompany me who have Day Skipper or other bits of paper. However, you wouldn't want to be in charge of your vessel for half an hour.
Surprising how many 'paper holders' do not even know what direction the wind is coming from!
 
robertj said:
do the forum feel its time to have compulsory sailing qualifications or stay as we are?
a government based test or the rya tickets or go the icc way that one has to pas before venturing out on the water?
Click to expand...

Change is inevitable !

Except from vending machines !

Seriously. Do you want to see grown men crying in marinas ?

Conservative estimate would be about a 60% failure rate for most marina dwellers.

They know this. That's why we don't go out !
 
robertj said:
do the forum feel its time to have compulsory sailing qualifications or stay as we are?
a government based test or the rya tickets or go the icc way that one has to pas before venturing out on the water?
Click to expand...

I'm fed up with this subject, its been done to death on here.

And you know what - I don't even care any more. I've done the voluntary tickets, so whatever happens isn't going to bother me.

- W
 
i for one who has been sailing and boating for over 45yrs now dont think we should be certificated.
Just wanted to know what forum feels as so much legislation seems to get in when us the public/boating fraterity accept what ever the law maker put on us.
this was propted by life jacket issues on her and the case of drinking in charge of boats.
thats another mine field. The law passed which is some what a sledge hammer to crack a nut, or am i wrong?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

R
Moving on.
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
Greg2
Greg2
C
VDO water meter sender
Replies
3
Views
126
Caladh
C

Share this page

Top