License to drive a boat

Check it out. Apparently it has passed. What do you all think!

http://www.fishhound.com/content/ca-requiring-boaters-pass-safety-test-do-you-agree

Next you will need one for a kayak and then a special permit to float down the river in an inner tube.
yoking aside, I think it is a good law if they make it fair, quick and inexpensive.

For it with some minimum HP and boat length exemption. 

Sure hope the test includes awareness training of kayaks.  I've come close to getting hit because boat operators are too busy to stay alert at the helm... 

For it with some minimum HP and boat length exemption. 

I just read the text. ANY vessel that has an engine on it even if not the principal form of propulsion. So, a sailboat with a 5 horse back up is required. Also, if I read right, rentals are not required to have it. That is where the biggest problem is. Renters out for a day cruise for the first time. Especially PWC's. Some of you law guys read that for me and see if I'm right.

Here is the text.

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140SB941

I'm down with this. It's essentially required training if you want to run a boat.  Not much different than a drivers license or hunters safety.  Boats are dangerous and can be weapons in the wrong hands. I'm surprised there's no indication of suspension/revocation of license for bad behavior.

Its about flipping time

it should be on the test.
if you cant back a trailer down a ramp you cant drive the boat....
im not in for more laws hqw about they inforce some of the local lake rules .

it should be on the test.
if you cant back a trailer down a ramp you cant drive the boat....

A driver license should require a towing endorsement, not just for boats.  I can't tell you how many times I've seen people 'forget' they are even towing a trailer. 

Its about flipping time

678.11. (a) Subject to the schedule in subdivision (b), a person shall not operate on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the state a vessel that is propelled by an engine, regardless of whether the engine is the principal source of propulsion, unless the person has in his or her possession a vessel operator card issued by the division pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 678.
(b) A person is subject to subdivision (a) according to the following schedule:
(1) On and after January 1, 2018: A person 20 years of age or younger.
(2) On and after January 1, 2019: A person 25 years of age or younger.
(3) On and after January 1, 2020: A person 35 years of age or younger.
(4) On and after January 1, 2021: A person 40 years of age or younger.
(5) On and after January 1, 2022: A person 45 years of age or younger.
(6) On and after January 1, 2023: A person 50 years of age or younger.
(7) On and after January 1, 2024: A person 60 years of age or younger.
( On and after January 1, 2025: All persons, regardless of age.

It will be my time in 2021!

Does anyone really think taking a safety test and paying $50-100 will make you a better boater?  When was they last time some 16 year old in a Valco ran you down?  Did the $500 you gave your 16 year old to get his driving license and insurance somehow miraculously make him a better driver?   The people who are the problem honestly will not be detoured AT ALL by this, but you did just willingly, and with cheer I might add, decided to cheer  the mandatory handing over of more of the publics cash back to the same state government that is looking to drain the Delta and send it to SoCal or gas companies for fracking.   Some solid logic on display here folks...solid

Does anyone really think taking a safety test and paying $50-100 will make you a better boater?  When was they last time some 16 year old in a Valco ran you down?  Did the $500 you gave your 16 year old to get his driving license and insurance somehow miraculously make him a better driver?   The people who are the problem honestly will not be detoured AT ALL by this, but you did just willingly, and with cheer I might add, decided to cheer  the mandatory handing over of more of the publics cash back to the same state government that is looking to drain the Delta and send it to SoCal or gas companies for fracking.   Some solid logic on display here folks...solid

It will not make every boater more concentious, but a few is better than none, and it gives better legal standing to those who are harmed by boaters for acts of negligence or unsafe behavior.
The slippery slope paranoid anti government argument will not go far with me.  I am a fairly paranoid anti government person to begin with, but I recognize a decent thing when its available for MY safety and that of the general public.

Does anyone really think taking a safety test and paying $50-100 will make you a better boater?  When was they last time some 16 year old in a Valco ran you down?  Did the $500 you gave your 16 year old to get his driving license and insurance somehow miraculously make him a better driver?   The people who are the problem honestly will not be detoured AT ALL by this, but you did just willingly, and with cheer I might add, decided to cheer  the mandatory handing over of more of the publics cash back to the same state government that is looking to drain the Delta and send it to SoCal or gas companies for fracking.   Some solid logic on display here folks...solid

I was going to pick this apart logical fallacy by logicall fallacy, but its late and I'm tired.  Anyway, I see false syllogism, argumentum ad hominem, argument from incredulity, and non sequiter.  That's just for starters.

Logic.  I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Does anyone really think taking a safety test and paying $50-100 will make you a better boater?  When was they last time some 16 year old in a Valco ran you down?  Did the $500 you gave your 16 year old to get his driving license and insurance somehow miraculously make him a better driver?   The people who are the problem honestly will not be detoured AT ALL by this, but you did just willingly, and with cheer I might add, decided to cheer  the mandatory handing over of more of the publics cash back to the same state government that is looking to drain the Delta and send it to SoCal or gas companies for fracking.   Some solid logic on display here folks...solid

Bravo Sir, I concur.