I read your article in WorkBoat. I disagree with your assessment.
I agree that recreational boaters can be a pain in the butt, but trying to get them all in a licensing course would prove problematic. First, they are not going to want to do it. Second, they are not going to want to pay for it. What do you suggest, not let them go boating?
Have you considered the economic impact that would have. I am a retired captain and run a towboat for TowBoatUS. I see your point of view, but I also foresee the damage that licensing would do to marinas and tourist areas like the one I live in with thousands of boats. Think of the motels and condos that would not be rented and the jobs that are lost.
While recreational licensing seems like a novel idea, it’s just not practical. I also think that the incident you mentioned would not have been prevented by licensing. The person driving the boat probably knew better, but he just didn’t care. No amount of licensing will prevent that.
