Boats are the protagonists of the summer. However, there are some rules we need to know to enjoy the seas safely and avoid accidents.
According to the legislation, the requirement for a license to operate a boat depends on whether it is considered a speedboat. To be considered a speedboat depends on the engine’s horsepower and the type of boat.
Below, we give you some relevant information you may need!
A speedboat skipper’s license requires training and passing the prerequisite exam. The requirements for someone to apply for the exam, conducted at any Port Authority, are as follows:
- To be 18 years of age or older
- Not to have health problems
- To know good swimming
- To have attended the theoretical and practical training of at least 9-hour courses (6 hours theory and 3 hours practice) from an approved training school for prospective high-speed boat operators
- To have passed the exam
The exam consists of two parts, the written and the practical, and the candidate must pass both. Otherwise, they will have to retake it. The written exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, of which the candidate must answer 18 correctly. The practical part involves handling the vessel, reading a nautical chart, using life-saving and fire-fighting equipment, and rescuing a shipwreck.
Furthermore, as far as boats are concerned, a license is required:
- Regardless of their type or construction material, when they have an outboard engine with a continuous horsepower of more than 30 hp/ or an inboard engine or an inboard gasoline engine with a maximum continuous horsepower of more than 40 hp / or an inboard diesel engine of more than 70 hp.
- When they are inflatable and have an outboard engine of a maximal continuous horsepower of more than 15 hp / or an inboard engine or an inboard gasoline engine of a maximal continuous horsepower of more than 40 hp / or an inboard diesel engine of a maximal continuous horsepower of more than 50 hp.
- If it is a Jet Ski type of boat
- Or finally, if it is HOVER CRAFT type
In two cases, no boat license is required:
- When it is inflatable with a horsepower engine of up to 15 hp.
- When it is a conventional (polyester) boat with a horsepower engine of up to 30 hp.
Speed boat operator’s license is valid until the holder reaches the age of sixty-five (65). Then a renewal is required. The interested party has to apply for renewal, submitting a medical certificate of good health condition. The renewal is valid for another 3 years.
Additional information, according to current legislation: the holder of a Speed Boat Operator’s License has the right to drive an up to 20-meter boat, provided it is a rental. If privately owned, the boat must not exceed 100 knots. (knot= unit of measurement of the volume of a vessel. 1 knot = 2.83 cubic meters)
Further important information for someone to steer a boat is:
- Boats do not have brakes. Therefore, you must be extremely careful and anticipate cutting the throttle to stop the speed and the boat at the right time.
- The Quick Stop red spiral. You connect one end of this to the special controller socket or directly to the engine and the other to the captain’s hand or someplace on his body, for example, on his swimsuit. So in the event, the driver falls into the water for some reason, the operation of the engine comes to a stop.
- Passengers position for safety. There should be no people in the front, in the bow. Because as the boat moves against the waves, the bow strikes the waves, which can lead to some injury, but it can also cause discomfort to the passengers. The ideal location is the center of the boat.
- Approaching organized beaches, which are determined by buoys, is prohibited. If one wants to approach such a beach, one should do so very carefully so as not to injure a swimmer. The speed should not exceed 3 knots. That is, while the boat moves, the propeller does not create foam. And of course, to lift the engine when it reaches shallow waters. Also, the propeller must be marginally in the water for the rudder to work and for the engine to draw water to cool itself.
The people on board must definitely know how to swim. The captain is responsible for that. Life jackets are essential for those who do not know how to swim very well and, of course, for children.
We hope the above article was helpful and gave you relevant information to take the necessary steps for a responsible and safe sail for you and those around you, so you can enjoy beautiful marine experiences without risks!
