I would say a vast majority of people who have boated all their lives in KY still do not know which is Starboard and which is Port. Something that simple could make a huge difference, especially if a non-boater DID know, used a term in split second situation and the driver didn't know which was which. What happens when an experienced boater who doesn't know he's in a situation where he is to show his red light reacts differently than another boater who is expecting the proper reaction? The boats could turn into each other (and usually do). How many of you know what you are supposed to do if you are entering a main waterway from a tributary?

Tournament fishermen do lead the way in proactive actions by requiring life vests and safety checks, etc. There is nothing that says clubs and organizations can't be further proactive and require their members to be water certified. Nothing says they can't lead the way even if it isn't a state or federal requirement.

There is nothing that says fishermen, in general, can't lead the way in being proactive even if it isn't required.

I don't really fish tournaments and even though I read the regs, I haven't been certified. I plan to change that and I plan to get mine.