Maine Debates Boater Safety Training
Comments:
The boating community of Maine is divided over the possibility of introducing mandatory boater safety training in the state. State Rep. Thom Watson would like to see legislation approved that would require all boaters to take part in a certified safety training course.
Under his recommendation the training would be phased in gradually starting in 2011 with boaters twenty years old and younger being required to obtain certification. By 2016 all boat operators would need to carry evidence of their safety training with them while on the water.
Watson’s put forth the education bill in response to an accident that occurred on Long Lake last August when two people in a small boat died after their craft was hit by a larger boat. The people in the smaller boat did not have their lights on because they were trying to observe a meteor shower. Since the time of the accident the driver of the larger boat has been charged with manslaughter and operating under the influence.
Prompted by the same accident, fellow state Rep. Richard Sykes has created a bill recommending that boats operating on Long Lake and Brady Pond in the towns of Bridgton, Harrison and Naples can not be more than 500 horsepower.
The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee heard numerous residents during a standing room only public hearing on Jan. 15 where concerned citizens were invited to comment on both bills. Many such as George Smith of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine argued that the new regulations are unnecessary and that the area just needs greater enforcement of the laws that are currently in place. As well, Rep. Jonathan McKane argued that the regulations were just red tape that would prevent the people of Maine from enjoying their outdoor heritage.
Others who supported the idea pointed out that 16 deaths occurred on Maine waters in 2007 and at least some of them may have been prevented if the operators had had more safety training. Right now 38 other states require certified boater safety training, including the neighbouring state of New Hampshire.
Following the Jan. 15 public hearing the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted against both bills, defeating Watson’s education bill in a vote of 7-6. Watson is now amending the bill believing that it has a better chance of passing if he brings the debate to the House and Senate floor.
Watson’s newly amended version of the bills stipulates that boaters under 16 years of age do not have to undergo training provided that they are operating a boat that is less than 10 horsepower and they are under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
He has also clarified that the certified training could be provided by the U.S. Power Squadron and Coast Guard Auxiliary which would charge the public only $25-$30 for the course and would be of minimal cost to the state.