Got a Skippers?

drew · 07-11-2008, 09:53 AM

Hi All.

Maybe winter has frozen a few brains, so thought I'd highlight what it actually means to hold a skippers ticket.

By holding a ticket, you can not plead ignorance to the rules of the water. That ticket is proof that you have been tested and are aware of the rules and regulations that are now law. So what does this mean on the water?

Most of us at some stage have a drink or two at the local pub and drive home. If caught, the rammifications are severe. The road traffic act is actually a reference for drinking and driving your boat in terms of punishment, so expect the same treatment if you drink and drive your boat.
The rule of the road on water is anti clockwise, and then there are narrow channel rules as well. None of us would go the wrong way around a turning circle in our cars, so why do it on the water? If you think about it, it's the same thing and poses the same risk should all factors not be in your favour.
You would not drive down a street that had a no entry sign on it, so then don't cross a buoy line where the local regulations prohibit you from doing this.
If you ride a motorcyle you'd probably wear a helmet and if driving a car should have a seat belt. These are your safety and possible life saving items. The same applies to your life jacket. It could save your life, so just wear the bloody thing. It will save someone the difficult task of having to inform your loved ones you will not be coming home!!!
Some people drive highly capable 4X4 vehicles, but when in public stick to the tarred surface and within the flow of traffic. This is the same as buoys placed to control inflow and outflow of traffic in a certain area. If they are up, then adhere to the rules that pertain to them. They are there for not only your safety, but the safety of all boaters.
No wake zones are like speed limits where fines are applicable for transgressions. In the US there are rather large fines for transgressing no wake zone rules, and in SA I would not be surprised to see the same in areas that are dedicated no wake zones for both safety reasons, as well as wildlife sanctuaries.

Your ticket is not your license to thrill. It is a drivers license for a boat. Make sure you are aware of this, and keep yourself and fellow boaters safe. :blue-biggrin:

Hawkeye · 07-11-2008, 01:16 PM

[quote="drew"]Hi All.

large fines for transgressing no wake zone rules, and in SA I would not be surprised to see the same in areas that are dedicated no wake zones for both safety reasons, as well as wildlife sanctuaries.
Providing there are the necessary officials to Police this Drew, But I guess that will come . I heard that on Harties a few months ago a Guy under the influence had his Boat confiscated by SAPS Waterwing and a R5000.00 fine on top of this. :blue-mad:
I guess the youngsters on jetskis are going to be affected as well as age limit will be 18 and that a COF will be required as well :blue-shock:

Riem · 07-12-2008, 04:13 PM

Did me skippers today. Learned a lot!

If they manage to implement and police this law it will have major benefits for the law abiding boaters!

Ninja · 07-13-2008, 11:57 AM

Ruffneck Wrote:Did me skippers today. Learned a lot!

Ruffy, I have had so many different reports on the skippers it's not even funny, from clubs that offer the course and exam in one night, to clubs that offer it over 3 nights for the training and a 4th to write the exam, to clubs that say there is no CETA approved exam available yet and the list goes on. Then the cost, it range from free to R900 and even more!

As a matter of interest where did you do your course and what did it consist of and was the certificate a SAMSA one? Maybe the other guys can also tell us where they did their caurses and what did it consist off. :blue-rolleyes:

Riem · 07-14-2008, 07:38 AM

Norkie,

Our club contacted Piet Swanepoel from SADSAA. He is a SADSAA/SAMSA accredited examiner. He agreed to present the course to us in Witbank if we could get enough guys together. We got 35 guys together and he came out on Saturday. Did a 4 hour lecture and then wrote an hour exam. We will be notified of the result in a week's time. Phone their offices if your interested: (012) 8090663

Some facts: There is another year's extention (August 2009) on the Bouyancy Certificate requirement. When this comes into effect, the life rings will no longer be accepted as substitute for the 30% floatation.

The COF is still required with all the safety items and so on, but for the next year you can get a COF without a Bouyancy Certificate.

Interesteing fact: More than 5 times more people died in boating related accidents on inland waters than in saltwater accidents. Makes you think...

Hawkeye · 07-14-2008, 11:44 AM

Ruffneck Wrote:Norkie,

Our club contacted Piet Swanepoel from SADSAA. He is a SADSAA/SAMSA accredited examiner. Did a 4 hour lecture and then wrote an hour exam. We will be notified of the result in a week's time. Phone their offices if your interested: (012) 8090663

Different strokes for different folks.
There does NOT seem to be a set standard on how the course is presented .
I did a practical on Rhinefield dam after 2 evenings of course Also had to demonstrate the knots and do the pre launch check etc etc Also had to provide a log of previous launches Affadavit
We had two weeks to study for our exam. Maybe that why I got 98%. ( Im sure they mixed me up with someone else. )
Have got our Temporary Skippers and waiting for original.
Now to get the COF for the boat. I have a Buoyancy cert from manufacturer :blue-smile:

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