Missouri Boater Certification

[Boat Newb]

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c300-399/3060000127.htm

What are your opinions of this law??? I'm going to vent and I hope that's ok. I think it's stupid, but I'm biased due to the start date of the requirement. In 2005, they decided that anyone, born after January 1st 1984, wanting to operate a motorized boat in Missouri needs a Missouri boaters certification. I was born on January 11th, 1984. My wife was born December 20th, 1983. I've spent most of my life on and operating boats. My wife's boating experience consists of a couple of pontoon rides, 1 failed kayak trip, and a couple of Carnival cruises. She can operate a boat without a certification. I cannot. See the issue??? Also, The water patrol gives the course for free at their convenience and then you pay $15 for the certification. Or I can take the test online at my convenience for $20 through an out sourced company and then pay $15 for the certification. The only time they offer the course this year through the water patrol is September 24th in Warsaw. So apparently, I get to pay $35 to get a certification that before 2005 I didn't need. I just don't get my luck sometimes. :rolleyes:

[Chief Grey Bear]

I felt the same way about the Hunter Ed. I had been hunting for years and years before that. I have yet to shoot anything other than my target. But I had to get certified if I wanted to hunt. So, I did. I understand why they did it. There are a lot of citified and some country idiots in the woods now days. Not that a once in your life course will be the cure but maybe it can help some.

I have seen a huge change in the speeds and attitudes on the lakes over the years. There is zero common courtesy out there. One reason I don't fish lakes anymore. Except early spring. Another reason is there is just way too many people out there on the water anymore. The bigger the boat the bigger the attitudes. Same goes with some bass boats with big motors too. It is probably not to far off when they install a buoy system and lakes will look like they have roadways on them.

If operators were more courteous, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation, and you wouldn't have to take a test. Bummer dude.

[Boat Newb]

I felt the same way about the Hunter Ed. I had been hunting for years and years before that. I have yet to shoot anything other than my target. But I had to get certified if I wanted to hunt. So, I did. I understand why they did it. There are a lot of citified and some country idiots in the woods now days. Not that a once in your life course will be the cure but maybe it can help some.

I have seen a huge change in the speeds and attitudes on the lakes over the years. There is zero common courtesy out there. One reason I don't fish lakes anymore. Except early spring. Another reason is there is just way too many people out there on the water anymore. The bigger the boat the bigger that attitudes. Same goes with some bass boats with big motors too. It is probably not to far off when they install a buoy system and lakes will look like they have roadways on them.

If operators were more courtesies, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation, and you wouldn't have to take a test. Bummer dude.

You missed the 1967 cuttoff , eh? I think it's a crock. The reasons you mentioned above is some of the many reasons I plan to stay off Table Rock. Lake Of The Ozarks is possibly worse. Lots of egos on the lake. I guess I'll have to suck up and pay the 20 for the online test or wait until next year. I can't drive to Warsaw on the 24th.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Yeah. I had alread been out of high school for two years when that happened. I was 19 when this became law.

[Boat Newb]

Yeah. I had alread been out of high school for two years when that happened. I was 19 when this became law.

I'd love to know why, when they decide these laws, that they don't start with the year the law is passed instead of randomly picking a year from the past? Do they all pick a year and then play paper, rock, scissors to see which year wins???