Over 18's only

[whitingiom]

Sorry if there is another thread on this, however quite important.

I just spoke to my broker (Steve at Porthcawl Insurance - very helpful would recommend them). Apparently powered craft now have to be under the control of someone 18 plus.

Something to do with the new Merchant Shipping Act, if anyone can provide more info, please do.

From experience there are lots of kids who drive ribs, and they may not appreciate that this change has taken place.

[Mike B]

Sounds a bit strange to me. Does that mean the RYA are breaking this with their Youth racing schemes? or is that excluded?

J250 class - 15hp = 9 - 16 yo

K series - 25 / 60hp ranges from 8 yo to 15 yo minimum age depending on engine size.

Honda RYA youth RIB championship - 50 hp - 8 to 16 yo

Mike

[Biggles]

might only be relating to your insurance company. Each company has its own rules. If your not happy move.

[mdt]

I am foo to check my insurance tonight when I get in… never as we all know read all the small print. and have been letting my son off out on his own (yes with me keeping an eye on him)



I fear there might be a very grumpy 13 year old tonight

[Matt]

Reckon it's bollocks, unless you're operating commercially.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1995...n_4.htm#mdiv24

[Matt]

Put it another way. If compliance to the merchant shipping act is a requirement, how would any junior sailing dinghy (optimists etc) comply, or get insurance.

[Ribald]

Might be worth checking with the RYA to see if they know anything about this.

[nick wood]

Being a responsable and experianced 19y/o boater, I would not agree with age limits, but applying a drive test, like you take in a car would be a very good idea. but make it so as it can be taken by anyone of any age, you can not judge age on boat handerling, you must go on experiance. I think this would also stop a lot of mishaps that go on. you can do a lot more damage in a boat than a car so why do you not have to be tested by law.

sorry getting a bit on my hi-horse but.

[rugrat]

100% in agreement with nick.
why not judge people on their ability rather than their age?

[Bluestreak]

Not that i disagree but just because a 12 year old can drive a boat does not mean that they are old or mature enough to handle an emergency situation that may arise whilst they are at the helm. Regardless of training.
The law in Torbay Harbour is no under the age of 18 years old may drive a boat capable of more than 17 Knots and that no one under 18 may drive any PW.
Not that i agree 100% with that, but it works. Perhaps 16 and a level 2 or PW certificate?

To be perfectly honest i am sure this has been discussed to death and realistically nothing is going to change in the near future as even if they brought in a test or min age or MOT for boats, who would Police it? No one is going to happily pay more tax to fund a water Coastguard Presence.