Probaly a stupid question but...

nuf · 11 July 2006, 10:53

Hi

Do you have to be a certain age to drive a rib, or have any licenses

Thanks for any help.

fast fred · 11 July 2006, 11:53

hay Nuf,
whats up out that way? hear i think its 12yrs old to run by your self, mitebe diffrent over your way.
what you got?

Andy Moore · 11 July 2006, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuf

Hi

Do you have to be a certain age to drive a rib, or have any licenses

There are no requirements.

nuf · 11 July 2006, 12:27

thank you very much

Jon Brooks · 11 July 2006, 12:28

There is no requirement on age to drive a RIb.
There is no requirement to have any training to drive a rib.

Would always say training is a great way forward.

You can take your RYA Level I Powerboat at 8, my daughter is doing hers this summer!

Regards

Cookee · 12 July 2006, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

There are no requirements.

Actually it depends on the bylaws - if you're driving a boat in open water then you should be ok, but in many harbours there are bylaws prohibiting children below a certain age operating a motor boat including tenders of big boats.

In Salcombe it gets very busy and despite the fact that we have such a bylaw the harbour authority seem reluctant to do anything about it despite the fact that many people have to take avoiding action to avoid under age drivers who have no idea what they are doing! How long is it before a kid gets run over and it stops all the fun?

Rant over

Mike B · 12 July 2006, 10:48

Also worth checking your insurance.

My Lloyds policy from Porthcawl Insurance states:

Drivers Age: You warrant to us that when the vessel is In Use on the water and unless we agree in writing to the contrary all drivers will be aged 21 years or over.

Driver’s Experience: You warrant to us that when the vessel is underway all drivers will be experienced in handling vessels of the type and power insured.

So for me that means unless you want to risk your craft - minimum age is 21 and at least some training or experience.

Mike

whitingiom · 12 July 2006, 12:17

I have a NU policy from Porthcawl Insurance and thought it was 'any driver'....certainly my 18 year old (with Level 2) has driven it to Ireland & back!

Checking now!

Having checked the policy booklet on line, the 21 age restriction applies to Personal Watercraft users.

The skipper must be experienced in the type of vessel - don't know how they define that, but if they want RYA qualifications there must be an awful lot of invalid insurance out there.....

I was going to teach the 8 year old...now I'll have to check.'

Jon

jgrace · 12 July 2006, 14:30

Here in Ireland, you have to be over 16 to drive a boat capable of over 17 knots. We're more regulated than you guys

Of course, enforcement is another issue entirely

Jim

Downhilldai · 12 July 2006, 20:52

Didn't think age was an issue, as long as you could reach the pedals

Carlo · 15 July 2006, 06:56

On the same theme, doeas anyone know what the minimum age is (if any) for taking Powerboat 1 & 2?

vince · 15 July 2006, 07:03

I think its from age 8 ! They still have to be supervised while on the water though.

Carlo · 15 July 2006, 07:07

Thanks Vince. Wife and two sons about to sign up. Younger son is 14. Sounds like it should be fine.