It scares me to think a “boating safety consultant” in the Bismarck Dinius case feels comfortable driving a boat 60 to 70 mph at night! He even stated that speed isn”t very fast! That speed is over our Lake County roads speed limit!
California boating regulations states “safe speed should be maintained at all times so that: a) action can be taken to avoid collision and b) the boat can stop within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. An operator should be prepared to stop the vessel within the space of half the distance of forward visibility.” California boating education states “Collisions can be prevented easily if every vessel operator fulfills three major responsibilities.
1) Practice good seamanship.
It is the responsibility of every boat operator to take all necessary action to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and limits of other vessels.
2) Keep a proper lookout.
Failing to keep a sharp lookout is the most common cause of collisions. Every operator must keep a proper lookout, using both sight and hearing, at all times.
3) Maintain a safe speed.
Safe speed is the speed that ensures you will have ample time to avoid a collision and can stop within an appropriate distance. Always reduce speed and navigate with extreme caution at night
It is clear the practice of good seamanship, keeping a proper lookout, and maintaining a safe speed at night was nonexistent! Several boating laws were broken by all participants involved in the fatal collision. In reading “Letters to the Editor” it is clear that people are upset about this case. And this reflects to me Clear Lake should have a reliable policy for nighttime boating so no one is confused about what is safe and what is not safe.
I love to be on Clear Lake to watch falling stars. There isn”t a better place to be to enjoy the tranquility, stillness, and natural beauty of our universe, but now I”m scared to be out there at night. We live on California”s largest natural lake with no nighttime speed policy. Lake Shasta has a speed limit of 15 mph at night. It might be time to think about genuine safety on our lake so people can enjoy the beauty of night excursions without fear of a boat operator not implementing the practice of good seamanship!
