Author Topic: driver training  (Read 4352 times)

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Offline coachbc

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driver training
« on: August 27, 2015, 06:44:25 PM »
Here in Connecticut a new law was passed and will go into effect on October 1, 2015 that requires any driver towing a waterslide have an endorsement on their boaters certificate that indicates completion of skier driver training. I've been towing waterslides for 45 years! In one month I will no longer be able to do that. I am required to take a course THAT HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED YET! While I agree that the accident that led to this law was a tragic accident, requiring ALL boaters to take a non-existing class is idiotic.OLR Bill Analysis
Here is the law.....

sSB 699 (File 552, as amended by Senate "A")*

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM AGE FOR TOWING ANY PERSON BY VESSEL AND REQUIRING THE COMPLETION OF SAFE TOWING INSTRUCTION PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A SAFE BOATING CERTIFICATE.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires, with limited exceptions, a person who operates a vessel engaged in water skiing to:

1. be at least age 16;

2. hold a (a) valid U.S. Coast Guard-issued vessel operator license, (b) Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)-issued safe boating certificate (SBC) or certificate of personal watercraft operation (CPWO), or (c) a boating safety certificate from a state with a reciprocal agreement with Connecticut; and

3. hold a DEEP-issued safe water skiing endorsement obtained after completing safe water skiing instruction.

The bill also prohibits a vessel owner from knowingly allowing someone under age 16 to operate the vessel while engaged in water skiing.

Violators of the above requirements are subject to a fine of between $60 and $250 for each violation.

The above requirements do not apply to towing a person or vessel during an emergency that threatens human life or property. The safe water skiing endorsement requirement also does not apply to anyone who held a valid vessel operator license, SBC, CPWO, or boating safety certificate from a reciprocal state before October 1, 2015.

The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to amend regulations that set out the content of safe boating operation courses. The revised regulations must (1) require the safe boating courses to include content on safe water skiing and (2) provide procedures for DEEP to issue and revoke safe water skiing endorsements. DEEP must include safe water skiing questions in the safe boating certificate examination.

The bill also requires the commissioner to publish on DEEP's website safe water skiing instruction equivalent to what is included in the safe boating certificate courses.

*Senate Amendment “A” replaces the original bill (File 552), which set similar requirements for anyone towing another person by line while operating a vessel.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2015, except for the provision requiring the DEEP commissioner to amend the safe boating regulations, which is effective on passage.

BACKGROUND

Water Skiing

By law, water skiing is towing anyone behind a vessel under power and similar forms of activity (CGS § 15-127). Under the law, no one may:

1. operate a motorboat engaged in water skiing unless there is a responsible person at least age 12 on board assisting the operator and observing the water skier's progress;

2. water ski or operate a motorboat engaged in water skiing (a) anywhere water skiing is prohibited or (b) in a way that strikes or threatens to strike another person or vessel; or

3. water ski (a) from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise and (b) when weather conditions limit visibility to less than 100 yards (CGS § 15-134).

Minimum Age Requirements for Operating Motorboats

By law, a person must be at least age 12 to operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower (HP), unless the person is accompanied on board by someone who is at least age 18 and holds a safe boating certificate.

Table 1 describes whether a Connecticut resident is allowed under state law to operate a motorboat based on age and whether he or she has obtained a safe boating certificate (i.e., certified or uncertified).

Table 1: Motorboat Operating Privileges in Connecticut

    
Motorboats 10 HP and Under

Motorboats Over 10 HP

Under age 15, uncertified

Only with onboard certified adult supervisor

Only with onboard certified adult supervisor

Age 16 and over, uncertified

No

No

Under age 12, certified

Yes

Only with onboard certified adult supervisor

Age 12 and over, certified

Yes

Yes

Related Bill

SB 868 (File 92) reported favorably by the Environment Committee, extends the definition of water skiing to include watersports performed behind a vessel whether or not the person is tethered (e.g., wake surfing). It prohibits (1) the total number of water skiers and vessel occupants from exceeding the manufacturer's specified carrying capacity and (2) operating a vessel engaged in water skiing in a way that causes wakes to damage or injure property or people.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Yea

27

Nay

1

(03/20/2015)

Judiciary Committee

Joint Favorable

Yea

42

Nay

0

(04/20/2015)

Offline RonT

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Re: driver training
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2015, 08:04:30 AM »
Its unfortunate how our government / laws continue to erode our freedoms, and common sense is fast becoming a rare commodity. I think if I lived in your state I would apply for the job of ski boat driving instructor.  About 30 years ago I took a US Power Squadron safety course which was suppose to lower my insurance costs, it was a 10 week course one night a week, I distinctly remember being asked to teach the "safe water-ski towing" chapter which I gladly did. For the record I failed the course! I messed up on plotting the navigation course up the Chesapeake river. I told the instructor that the navigation courses I drive through has red bouys about 6 feet apart & I drive right between them till I get to the end, turn around and do it again until my skier falls. ;)