Since September, 2009 all powerboat operators are required to have this proof of competency card to travel in Canadian waters. This also applies to nonresidents (that's most of us) who cruise in Canada for 45 consecutive days, or more. However, if you hold a Washington State Boater Education card, you're covered in Canada.
Washington has a graduated age requirement: for 2011 anyone 35 and younger must have this card to operate anything 15 horsepower or bigger (including any personal watercraft). Each year the age level increases.
However, if you were born before January 1, 1955, you don't need this card - - you get a free pass. They seem to assume that we elders are safe and wise!
Now here's the hitch. Neither Canada nor Oregon honor this age exemption, or the graduated age phasing in. Every age needs a card if in Canada 45 days or more.
Perhaps they have a different take on "safe and wise elders" than Washington. So if in Canada for 45 consecutive days or more, we safe and wise elders, too, need a Washington State Boater Education card. (And please don't call it a license. . . proponents of the card were very careful not to imply that this was in anyway a license - - so go figure.)
A further hitch? Oregon doesn't have the 45-day "free ride" like Canada. You need to have a card even for one minute on Oregon waters. Check out their regulations.
Need to get this card? You first need to take an exam, the best one is online at BoatUS. While this course and test are free, there is a $10 cost to get the card.
Be safe, be legal, and cruise wisely. And don't let the Mounties get you!
No comments:
Post a Comment