"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 20:00:15 -0500, "RCE" wrote:

Private aviation is regulated in the respect that you need to be licensed
to
fly, have a up to date physical (which is basically confirming that you
are
breathing) and the aircraft have mandatory maintenance and inspection
requirements. Other than that, there's not much regulation other than
flying by the rules.
And some don't.

If boats fell from the sky you can be sure that we'd be regulated the
same way. Thank heaven that the lobsters do not have an effective
lobbying organization.

With regard to more regulation, I'd suggest that we should be careful
what we ask for.

The lakes, seas and oceans of the world have run their own licensing
program for thousands of years, and it works: Those who pass get to
keep enjoying our sport, and those who fail, don't.

Seems fair to me and no additional taxes, fees or enforcement are
required.


I would agree with you Wayne, if boating today remained the way it was in
the days of self-policing by the participants, commercial and recreational.
In those days most respected the rules and tradition of being at sea.
Unfortunately, that respect has faded, and boating is just another "right"
to many.

RCE