Is anyone paying attention to this? You should be. There is potentially
more involved than just another expense and piece of paper.

If the bill doesn't pass, and recreational boats are required to have
permits, it's likely that the Homeland security coneheads will see a chance
to piggyback on it. After all, setting off dirty bombs and blowing up oil
docks could be considered a polluting activity. Then, you'll need a
background check before getting the clean water permit that Coast Guard can
tie you to the dock for not having on board. Permits and checks for a
zillion boaters. Think about the current passport fiasco. I don't think
having most of the recreational boat fleet tied to the dock for a couple
years would upset them. It would clear the waterways to make the overworked
Coast Guard's job easier and fit the current political agenda of creating
maximum hysteria and inconvienience to produce votes.

--
Roger Long