No, not right now. Recreational boaters are not required to
demonstrate boat operating skills to operate their vessels.
However, the US Coast Guard has requested from Congress the
authority to regulate and license recreational boat operators.
It may be two or ten years before this authority is granted;
however it is most likely that recreational boaters will
eventually have to be licensed. Further, some states already
require young boaters, born after 1988, to have a
Boating Safety
Certificates issued by the DNR. However, there
are no regulations in the US that requires on-the-water
demonstration of boat handling skills like the BOC program would
do.
2.
So, what will BOC do for me?
As
the program builds and becomes recognized nationally and
internationally, BOC will provide proof of boat handling skills
in the form of a license. This could allow you to rent boats
more easily and to operate boats in foreign countries where
licenses are currently required. It is the intent of USPS that
BOC will satisfy Coast Guard requirements for licensing whenever
they are established and enforced. Since it will take time for
the program to become established and recognized, these benefits
will not accrue immediately. However, within a few years, the
program should be implemented and recognized; benefits will
follow at that point.
3. Why
is USPS doing this?
USPS believes that licensing is coming. As Congressional
authority is granted for recreational boater's licenses, a
mechanism that can handle the licensing tasks will be needed.
USPS intends to be able to meet the licensing needs for our
members and for the public in general. Being able to license
boaters will provide a major public service is in keeping with
our mission of boater education and safety and will increase the
prestige and visibility of USPS. It may also attract members.
4. What
is the BOC program?
Ultimately the Boat Operator Certification will license boaters to
boat in four marine environments:
i. Inland Navigation within two nautical miles of shore in
daylight, under good weather conditions and in a power boat
under 23 feet (sailboaters can be certified too). Currently this
is the only certification program available. By June,
DCSPS will have Advanced Certifiers qualified to offer this
level of license to our members.
ii. Coastal Navigation within twenty nautical miles of shore in
boats up to 12 meters (39.4 ft), in daylight with good
visibility and weather conditions. This program will be
launched in 2009, but is currently under development and has not
yet been released.
iii. Advanced Coastal Navigator is scheduled to be launched in
2010 and will include ex- tended waters within 50 nm of shore,
boats up to 65.6 feet and operations at night, restricted
visibility and winds up to 31 mph.
iv. Offshore Navigator is scheduled to be launched in 2011 and
will cover ocean navigation.
5. What
do I need to do to be qualified as an Inland Navigator?
This is the only available program currently. Many of the
requirements below have already been met by our members.
A. Academic Work:
i. Have completed an approved boating course (ABC-3, Squadron
Boating or equivalent.)
ii. Have completed Engine Maintenance
iii. Have taken Marine Electronics
101 (the first section of the Marine Electronics course.)
iv. Have taken Seamanship
v. Have completed the Chart Seminar or completed Piloting or
Chart Smart.
vi. Have taken the Onboard Weather Forecasting seminar or have
completed the Weather course.
vii. Have completed the GPS seminar or the new P or the new AP
(or have taught any of the above.)
viii. Have completed VHF-Radio seminar or ME 102 or the new
Marine Communications System course.
B. On
the Water Demonstration of Skills
