Some items the legislators are trying to get passed...

[IrishAyes]

A few things that are going thru our legislatures...

Mandatory wearing of a PFD on boats under 21' from November 1 to May 1.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/S0500/487_I1.PDF

Forbids use of cell phone while operating boat.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/S1500/1179_I1.PDF

Just a heads up on some stuff that's happening that most of us are unaware of.

[paul-e]

Thanks for the info. Joe.

PDF use is probably a good idea.

Cell phones too, but look how well that law is working for motor vehicles the next time you go for a drive.

[IrishAyes]

Yup. I would like to see them try to pass some legislation that is actually meaningful and of worth.

[fellinger]

I think they (especially NJ) love to pass legisilation just for the sake of passing it. I'd be very interested to see the statistics of boating while on a cell phone accidents, let alone fatal accidents. There is plenty of evidence that says doing ANYTHING including, eating, talking on hands-free kits, drinking etc increase your risk of a driving accident. Perhaps we should ban breathing next?

[DJ76]

I'd be very interested to see the statistics of boating while on a cell phone accidents, let alone fatal accidents.

its called job creation...now a bunch of bean counters can get paid to watch boat traffic all day and spend years writing reports on it!

[Bucktail]

I'd be very interested to see the statistics of boating while on a cell phone accidents, let alone fatal accidents.  There is plenty of evidence that says doing ANYTHING including, eating, talking on hands-free kits, drinking etc increase your risk of a driving accident.

Here you go.  http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.aspx  Page 18 of the 2010 stats shows the "Primary contributing factor of accidents and casualties 2010".  The only thing I see that would, most likely, include cell phone use is "Operator Inattention".  As you said, that would also include many other things as well.

its called job creation...now a bunch of bean counters can get paid to watch boat traffic all day and spend years writing reports on it!

I doubt any more positions will be created as a result of either of these regulations.  On the contrary, I think the state will have a tough time enforcing them due to the lack of manpower.