Getting a license to drive a car has become increasingly more difficult in recent years. The law requires a learner to keep a log book to record a set amount of driving practice and when this is complete that person has to exhibit a sound knowledge of the road rules - and pass an actual driving test.
Even then, the newly licensed driver has to pass through a phase of license categories - starting with the display of a red " P " plate - before becoming a fully licensed driver.
What a difference in obtaining a license to skipper a power boat. Until recently the applicant simply paid a fee - and without any sort of knowledge or practical test - was handed a full license.
Little had changed since the days after the second world war when power boat engines were puny compared with today's monsters. Inboard and outboard motors could propel a craft little faster than walking pace - and consequently a skipper was unlikely to get into any major degree of trouble.
Today's power boats are often capable of reaching well over a hundred kilometres an hour and hence a change in license regulations is long overdue.
New legislation will require a license applicant to keep a log book and attain a yet to be determined number of hours tuition under the watch of a licensed skipper.
The details have not been fully determined but presumably there will be a knowledge - and probably a practical test - before a license is granted.
Boat accidents have been steadily increasing as the number of pleasure boats on our waterways increase. The new licensing regime will bring a little sanity into water safety !
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