We receive a lot of calls from older boaters, who have a tendency of starting the call by informing us of either how old they are, or how many years they've been boating for. I suppose in their mind they reckon that upon hearing this, we will inform them that any obligation for them to know what they're doing on the water, will magically be waived, simply because other boaters have managed to avoid hitting them so far.
No, there is no 'grandfather clause' when it comes to boaters knowing the Canada Shipping Act. For that matter, there is no 'great-grandfather clause' either. Just because you've managed to survive thus far, should not be construed as you having a clue about what you're doing out there on the water. I will enquire of most of these callers: "And so I gather you must have a fairly extensive knowledge of the Canada Shipping Act by now?" They of course invariably reply: "The what!!???!?"
Point proven...
Many will retort derisively that the CSA pertains only to large commercial ships. Others will advise me that they are not navigating in the Great Lakes or anything like that, or that they don't intend on sailing in ocean waters. That's all well and good, but the same rules and regulations apply whether you're on a small inland lake or in the middle of the ocean. You either know them, or you don't. If you don't know them, you are required to learn them. Period. Full stop. End of story...
For folks who might believe that there should be some sort of amnesty for older boaters, let me ask you this:
If your grandfather has diminished capabilities brought on by age, are you going to support the notion that he no longer requires a driver's license to operate an automobile? Are you going to back the belief that it's now up to other drivers to steer clear of him, just because he's managed to survive this long? That the rules and regulations that all other drivers must comply with, no longer apply to him because he's made it this far without killing himself of others?
Before you reply that boating is not as dangerous as driving a car, let me assure you that it absolutely is and even more so. If something happens to your car, you can get out and leave it on the side of the road. If you have problems with your boat, you don't have that option. And if you're taking on water for any reason and are unprepared for this event, you are pretty much done for unless you're a good swimmer or there are other boaters in your immediate vicinity who are more on the ball than you were.
Boating is a lot of fun and is a very enjoyable passtime or lifestyle, for those who choose to immerse themselves into it. But the very environment it is conducted in is extremely unforgiving and can put a boater in peril in no time at all. This is why it is imperative that boaters be aware and prepared for any and all eventualities they may face on the water. It would stand to reason that the older the boater, the more prepared he/she should be. You can't be prepared if you don't know what you're doing in the first place...
No, there is no 'grandfather clause' when it comes to boaters knowing the Canada Shipping Act. For that matter, there is no 'great-grandfather clause' either. Just because you've managed to survive thus far, should not be construed as you having a clue about what you're doing out there on the water. I will enquire of most of these callers: "And so I gather you must have a fairly extensive knowledge of the Canada Shipping Act by now?" They of course invariably reply: "The what!!???!?"
Point proven...
Many will retort derisively that the CSA pertains only to large commercial ships. Others will advise me that they are not navigating in the Great Lakes or anything like that, or that they don't intend on sailing in ocean waters. That's all well and good, but the same rules and regulations apply whether you're on a small inland lake or in the middle of the ocean. You either know them, or you don't. If you don't know them, you are required to learn them. Period. Full stop. End of story...
For folks who might believe that there should be some sort of amnesty for older boaters, let me ask you this:
If your grandfather has diminished capabilities brought on by age, are you going to support the notion that he no longer requires a driver's license to operate an automobile? Are you going to back the belief that it's now up to other drivers to steer clear of him, just because he's managed to survive this long? That the rules and regulations that all other drivers must comply with, no longer apply to him because he's made it this far without killing himself of others?
Before you reply that boating is not as dangerous as driving a car, let me assure you that it absolutely is and even more so. If something happens to your car, you can get out and leave it on the side of the road. If you have problems with your boat, you don't have that option. And if you're taking on water for any reason and are unprepared for this event, you are pretty much done for unless you're a good swimmer or there are other boaters in your immediate vicinity who are more on the ball than you were.
Boating is a lot of fun and is a very enjoyable passtime or lifestyle, for those who choose to immerse themselves into it. But the very environment it is conducted in is extremely unforgiving and can put a boater in peril in no time at all. This is why it is imperative that boaters be aware and prepared for any and all eventualities they may face on the water. It would stand to reason that the older the boater, the more prepared he/she should be. You can't be prepared if you don't know what you're doing in the first place...
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