Editorial: Time for a serious look at boating

You don't need any qualifications to drive a boat. Photo/Thinkstock

I find it absurd that anyone can jump on a powerful boat, take the wheel and charge out into the water without so much as a single lesson.

Add some alcohol to the mix and ... well we have all heard, seen, or worse, been a victim of the results of this.

According to Maritime New Zealand website: "While your boat does not need to be surveyed or inspected and you do not need any 'official' qualification or licence to operate a pleasure boat (other than a radio operator qualification if you own a marine VHF radio), ignorance of the rules is not accepted as an excuse.

The website also says: "Operating a boat is at least as complicated as driving a car, and a boating accident can be just as lethal as a road accident. Many people who would never drive drunk think it's safe to operate their boat after drinking. It isn't."

Isn't that reason enough to change the rules?

If a boat is at least as complicated as driving a car surely people need to know how to do it properly. And no, it's not just another way of taxing people. It doesn't need to cost a lot and let's face it - if you can afford a boat you can afford some lessons.

Drinking and driving a boat is another matter.

It would be difficult to police. However, fishery officers manage to be on hand to control what is coming out of the water so surely we could have people on hand to patrol what is going on, on the water.

I think it's time for a serious look at these issues before more lives are lost.