Required Diplomas for US boats

[frelin]

Hi, me and my friend are currently planning to go to US this January to buy a sailboat. The plan is to cruise the Pacific ocean for a year. This question is about Diplomas. I've got a Swedish costal yachtmasters diploma. Im on my way getting the Swedish, offshore yachtmasters diploma. Would this be enough to sail an American boat or do I need anything else? I tried to ask the US cost guard but they're not helping at all. So if you don't know the answer, who do I need to get in contact with?
Were either getting the vessel in Florida or California.
Cheers /Oskar

[Vasco]

There is no requirement for certification to operate a private boat in the US.

[frelin]

Not even for US sailors if they visit other countries?

[Vasco]

nope, if you can buy a boat you can operate it.

[frelin]

Well, that good for me then. not the same as europe then.
cheers

[Vasco]

frelin,

You're right many countries require some certification to operate private pleasure craft. Here in Canada we now are required to have an operators license but it is a fairly rudimentary requirement and does not include any practical test.

[David M]

We could probably use some sort of certification here in the US given the total incompetence of a handful of skippers. Its a free country in this respect.

[Chief Engineer]

It never cease to amaze me that Boating is the only endeavour where you can plunk down a fazillion dollars and be "in command" of a H-U-G-E machine....with an array of systems....and not know how to start/steer/dock/stop it.

Originally Posted by David M

We could probably use some sort of certification here in the US given the total incompetence of a handful of skippers. Its a free country in this respect.

[Soft Air]

I have the very same opinion that Chief Engineer does, I come from the airline's a very procedural and regulated scenario. It also amazes me that the only requirement to OPERATE a huge watercraft is money.

mmm.....

[Soon2BCruiser]

The last thing the US needs is more government regulations.

[frelin]

Originally Posted by Soon2BCruiser

The last thing the US needs is more government regulations.

In sweden you only need a diploma if you want to drive a boat bigger than 12 x4 meters. But the government is now discussing that you should need a license to drive small fast boats as-well since we had a lot of accidents.

I really think those regulations is a good thing to prevent people from getting hurt. You do need a drivers license over there dont you?

[Morgan Paul]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Soon2BCruiser
The last thing the US needs is more government regulations.

I agee totally.

In sweden you only need a diploma if you want to drive a boat bigger than 12 x4 meters. But the government is now discussing that you should need a license to drive small fast boats as-well since we had a lot of accidents.

This is what a lot of freedom loving Americans call a "slippery slope".

I really think those regulations is a good thing to prevent people from getting hurt. You do need a drivers license over there dont you?

I do not really think more government regulation is the solution for preventing people from getting hurt.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by frelin

not the same as europe then.

Your part of Europe may require bits of paper. Not mine

[Pblais]

We could probably use some sort of certification here in the US given the total incompetence of a handful of skippers. Its a free country in this respect.

It's being added state by state. Most states (41 states) have already added it with some phase in based on age. The fundamental justification is to prevent many of the stupid while drunk boating fatalities. While there are no federal activities there state activities. The requirements are exceptionally rudimentary and aimed at small power boats and personal watercraft.

This is all being done with a simple exam about like knowing the rules of the road for an automobile: Boating Safety Course with Online Exam - Get Your Boating License or Certification

You can take an on line course in about an hour and if you pass the test they send you a card for $20. Depending on where you live and your age this is coming and will be a requirement. So for many this card as well as meeting USCG vessel requirements are US law already.

[David M]

Paul,
It makes perfect sense to start regulating the demographics where most boating accidents occur. A large segment is personal water craft being operated by those in their teens and twenties.