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Message
Does Louisiana Require Any Type of Boating License?
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:27 pm
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:27 pm
Many probably already know there was a fatal boat collision in Orange Beach Saturday evening. It looks like one boat on plane ran over another boat that was at idle speed in/near a no wake zone. The victim was on a 2024 27’ Albury. The boat that ran them over was a 2013 23’ Key West. The driver and crew on the Key West were from Louisiana. Someone asked me if Louisiana requires any type of boating license or instruction to run a boat. I didn’t know, but I bet this place will. Does Louisiana require any kind of license or classes to legally operate a boat? There are some very sad and very pissed off people in Orange Beach and Mobile about this.
quote:
Drew Delaney left The Wharf headed east a little after 8 p.m. Saturday evening. They were departing from the Blue Marlin Grand Championship weigh in, which some of the Delaney family had fished in. The Key West was coming west without navigation lights and 8 people on board. As Drew exited the no wake zone near the Wharf he saw the Key West in front of him hauling arse in his direction. Drew turned and hit the throttles to try to get out of the Key West’s path. He was not successful, the Key West hit the back port side transom of the Albury where Kristen was sitting.
7
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:35 pm to captdalton
That is sad news. There is a boating course required for anyone born after January 1, 1984. It is basic instructions and navigation rules.
LA WLF
quote:
We encourage every boater to take a boater education course. However, if you were born after January 1, 1984, you must successfully complete an LDWF-approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, unless you are accompanied by someone over age 18 who has a successfully completed an LDWF-approved boater education course, if required.
LA WLF
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:47 pm to StonewallJack
So the operator does not have to have one, they just have to have someone on board who has one?
Posted on 7/20/26 at 1:52 pm to captdalton
quote:
without navigation lights
quote:
little after 8 p.m.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 2:14 pm to captdalton
quote:
So the operator does not have to have one, they just have to have someone on board who has one?
Correct.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 2:43 pm to captdalton
Heard about this.
I’m guessing everyone in that Key West was three sheets to the wind also!
I’m guessing everyone in that Key West was three sheets to the wind also!
Posted on 7/20/26 at 2:56 pm to captdalton
Yes, but you can be a complete idiot and get one.
I almost got ran over by an idiot in a ski boat this weekend while I was on anchor next to a bridge. I was about 500 yards out of the channel. Dumbass was running wide open straight down the opposite side of the bridge about 30 yards off the pylons, and decided to cut in through the gap I was anchored in. He saw me, went hard over, missed me by about 15 yards and the pylon by about 5 feet. Good thing that boat turned hard.
Its a miracle that 50 people dont die every day on the gulf coast in boat wrecks.
I almost got ran over by an idiot in a ski boat this weekend while I was on anchor next to a bridge. I was about 500 yards out of the channel. Dumbass was running wide open straight down the opposite side of the bridge about 30 yards off the pylons, and decided to cut in through the gap I was anchored in. He saw me, went hard over, missed me by about 15 yards and the pylon by about 5 feet. Good thing that boat turned hard.
Its a miracle that 50 people dont die every day on the gulf coast in boat wrecks.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 3:00 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
Its a miracle that 50 people dont die every day on the gulf coast in boat wrecks.
Truth. I've been in a few minor events as a kid. Many boat drivers are utterly oblivious.
I hesitate to buy another boat and that's a big reason. I know I'm reasonably safe but many honest people make mistakes. However you have the mouth breathers that cannot slow down, chill out, turn on some lights, basically get a f***ing clue on what they're doing.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 4:38 pm to StonewallJack
My son and I took the class. He needed to. I’m 65+ but wanted to. It was worth it and they serve you a GOOD lunch and the course and lunch is free. . Not a cake walk but they teach you right and help you pass the test. Good for fresh and salt water. I was proud of LWF for the way they did it.
Posted on 7/20/26 at 5:35 pm to captdalton
Seems like this happens on a regular basis.
Been two instances in the past few years of people running wide open in the ICW at night and running into the front of a barge. Also remember one in the mid-90s around Houma/Morgan City.
Conroe is bad for this too. A number of similar incidents of people running over the top of people at night.
Also the guy on Aransas that ran directly into the bow of a deep-draft.
People get way overconfident at night and easily disoriented.
Been two instances in the past few years of people running wide open in the ICW at night and running into the front of a barge. Also remember one in the mid-90s around Houma/Morgan City.
Conroe is bad for this too. A number of similar incidents of people running over the top of people at night.
Also the guy on Aransas that ran directly into the bow of a deep-draft.
People get way overconfident at night and easily disoriented.
Posted on 7/21/26 at 8:18 pm to captdalton
Have there been any updates on the driver of the Key West? I heard he was arrested after being released from the hospital but haven’t seen anything definite.
Posted on 7/21/26 at 9:20 pm to GeauxTime9
They were all from the Houma area is what I read.
As a govt hater it pains me to say that there should be min requirements to operate a motorized vessel. Min being a water test similar to the driving test everyone took to get their license.
I see far too many idiots young and old that have zero clue about navigation or rules of the road. Looking at you Mr Disco lights.
As a govt hater it pains me to say that there should be min requirements to operate a motorized vessel. Min being a water test similar to the driving test everyone took to get their license.
I see far too many idiots young and old that have zero clue about navigation or rules of the road. Looking at you Mr Disco lights.
This post was edited on 7/21/26 at 9:33 pm
Posted on 7/21/26 at 9:34 pm to GeauxTime9
I haven’t heard any real updates from law enforcement. Just supposed witness commentary on social media.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 3:45 am to captdalton
Drivers licenses don't prevent stupid drivers on the roads nor do they on the water.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 8:40 am to iron banks
Correct BUT, they would establish a base line for increased penalties, decrease the number of stupid operators.
It’s IMO, similar to the self clearing permits you sign to enter WMA’s. It establishes that you read and understand the rules you broke.
#36 Spicers you can sit on my dock and watch stupid all day Saturday.
It’s IMO, similar to the self clearing permits you sign to enter WMA’s. It establishes that you read and understand the rules you broke.
#36 Spicers you can sit on my dock and watch stupid all day Saturday.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 9:26 am to captdalton
quote:Just to be clear, if you were born before the given date, you don't need one and do not have to have a person in the vessel with one.
So the operator does not have to have one, they just have to have someone on board who has one?
Posted on 7/22/26 at 9:53 am to Shexter
quote:
without navigation lights
quote:
little after 8 p.m.
I'm not trying to make excuses or anything at all.
Sunset is around 7:45. Legal shooting time would be 8:15. Legally your Nav lights are usually supposed to be on at legal sunset. So this was breaking the law, but realistically if it was 8:05 or so it was still likely plenty of light to see well for a long way on the water.
I'm not trying to make excuses or anything at all.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 9:58 am to baldona
This story is so sad.
I know one of the guys on the boat from houma.
Driver turned himself in this morning.
I know one of the guys on the boat from houma.
Driver turned himself in this morning.
Posted on 7/22/26 at 10:10 am to captdalton
Louisiana does have a drivers license requirement for automobiles but we still find a way to crash into shite all the time. 
Posted on 7/22/26 at 10:24 am to jose
quote:
This story is so sad. I know one of the guys on the boat from houma. Driver turned himself in this morning.
I would be curious if you know anything more than what has been reported.
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