Pleasure Craft Operators Card

[The Penguin]

With all due respect fish man the courses are better than just a pco l

I think it just like a drivers liscence in that a 16 yr old gets his DL and hes off in the car zooming around but having no real experience finds him self in strife a few times till he gains experience.

A power squaderon course is the same thing you learn all about the rules of the watrer the hazards the marker bouys etc then they test ya on the course material. you learn sfety etc and all about everything. then you go out and get experience on the water hopefully you get to keep your life and your loved ones life.

I say it one final time - its better than a pco card course and far better than nothing at all.
If anyone wants to suggest a better reasonably priced course by all means do so I would love to take it

I personally got allot out of the PS course I took I also believe the course gave me the tools to appreciate the waters danger more and to be more cautious out there

One thing is for sure if you are foolish or make a mistake out there it could be very costly

 

[Tanglefoot]

Nothing can compete with years of experience when that experience is combined with good judgement. No question. But until one has gained years of experience to combine with innate superior judgement and (not so common) common sense, the tenets of the Power Squadron's teachings may just keep a few of the otherwise inexperienced (the majority) boating enthusiasts alive.

The choice is simple; to learn seamanship, join the Navy, join the Sea Cadets, join the Merchant Marine or similar, or simply take advantage of agencies with knowledgeable folks (CPS)volunteering their time to help keep you off the rocks or worse. Not a panacea but better than venturing out and floundering around on one's own. And we've all seen those folks [xx(]!

Actually, The CPS is always looking for volunteers and would welcome someone like 'fishin_magican' with his extensive marine experience, as an instructor [8D]. What better way to serve the less salty of the boating community and have a hoot doing it !

Tom

 

[teamchachi]

My Dad made me go and get my operators card before he would let me take out his 1989 34' Tollycraft on my own.

I've spent a lot of time on the water ever since I was 10, but I found that I learned quite a bit even studying the online materials at boaterexam.com

I studied for a couple of hours, took the test, and got 96% in about a third of the alotted time. It's not very hard if you study.

 

[fishin_magician]

I'll go with you on that...far better than nothing at all..however, NOTHING will and can replace experience. NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As for Power Squadron...driving lessons teach you the technicals of navigation and stuff like that......NOT the characteristics of the watercraft, knowing what effect snow, rain, or wind or other factors have on you.

Anyways...for those of you looking to sharpen your skills..I'd recommend getting on the Power Squadron....

quote:Originally posted by The Penguin

With all due respect fish man the courses are better than just a pco l

I think it just like a drivers liscence in that a 16 yr old gets his DL and hes off in the car zooming around but having no real experience finds him self in strife a few times till he gains experience.

A power squaderon course is the same thing you learn all about the rules of the watrer the hazards the marker bouys etc then they test ya on the course material. you learn sfety etc and all about everything. then you go out and get experience on the water hopefully you get to keep your life and your loved ones life.

I say it one final time - its better than a pco card course and far better than nothing at all.
If anyone wants to suggest a better reasonably priced course by all means do so I would love to take it

I personally got allot out of the PS course I took I also believe the course gave me the tools to appreciate the waters danger more and to be more cautious out there

One thing is for sure if you are foolish or make a mistake out there it could be very costly