do you need a licence to drive a boat?

Answer 1

If you were borne after 1985 then you have to take an approved water safety course through the water patroll or coast guard in the U.S.A.

Answer 2

If you are younger than 18, yes. If you want to ride a personal watercraft (Jetski, Seadoo, Waverunners), then you need a lisence no matter how old you are. I have a license and I had to take classes every week for a month, then I had to pass a test to get my license. I've had it for 5 years now. There are many laws to follow. Speed limits, the Right of Way, Water signs like slow down or do not make waves. And it is illegal to be within 100 ft of another boat or personal watercraft while driving.

Answer 3

No you do not need any kind of licence, training, knowledge or experience to go out on the waters inland or around the UK.

However if you want to stay alive and not be killed by your own actions or by experienced boaters or water users who you come into contact with then it is very highly recommended that you take some form of instruction.

I would suggest the RYA in the UK who will teach you how to sail/drive/navigate safely most craft.

Answer 4

currently to take a boat to sea you do not need a licence, however I strongly recommend that you should take a course in boat handling before doing so.
You should be aware that you sould know the rules of the road,basic navigation,radio proceedures and most importantly the International collision regulations.Failure to to adhere to this can lead to prosecution under international law resulting in a heavy financial penalty or even imprisonment.
It is always better to under go some training for your own safety and the safety of others.
If you are in the UK you can find out about courses on boat handling from The Royal Yachting Association

Answer 5

Regrettably not, in the UK, for recreational purposes. We get 'em every year in this neck of the woods, buy a fancy boat, put it in the water & set off at high speed without the foggiest idea.

Some die too; a few years ago, pitch black night, no lights at all and 40 knots head on, pissed out of their skulls . . .

Then some poor sod, usually the lifeboat crew, has to go and pick up the pieces.

Answer 6

Not for pleasure in the UK, though you may have to do a basic handling course as a condition of insurance. The boat may have to be licensed if used on inland waterways. Most other EU countries require a license above certain power levels.

Answer 7

Where do you live?

In Canada, if you were born after 1983, you need a Pleasure Craft Operating Card for a powered watercraft. It is becoming mandatory in 2009, regardless of your age.

In the United States, it depends on what state you live in. This website explains state-specific boating regulations: http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/html/state_boating_law.htm

Answer 8

it depends on what state u live in. I'm in Michigan. You have to be born before either 1968 or 1971 (I think) to drive a boat w/o a license. Just go down to your local DNR (department of natural resources) office and they will give u info. To find this office, search the phone book, or try asking at the post office or Secretary of State office. Hope it helps.

Answer 9

No but, in NJ, and CT, you must take a basic boating course, in NY all pwc operators MUST take the 8 hr course, it (NY) will probably follow NJ and CT with "Boat operators" needing the 8 hr course, I think it's a great idea, you should at least take the ABC basic boating course offered by the coast guard, learn from THE BEST ! It may very well save your life ! It's easy, it's fun, they do a really great job, and you get a CD for review of the basic course, just a little quiz at the end of the class, THEY WANT YOU TO PASS, and will help you if you need it. GREAT FOLKS !

Answer 10

unfortunately, no.

I've had so many near-misses with idiots who hire narrow boats and think its a laugh when they plough 20 tons of boat into the side of mine.

Just how would they feel if i did this to thier car, and then laughed ?