Should Boating Be as Regulated as Driving?

When two children died in Oyster Bay waters, debate sprang up as to whether or not there were enough life jackets and if the driver should have had 27 passengers on his boat when it was reportedly made to hold up to 12.

Last month, a  in the Great South Bay. Following the accident the driver of the vessel who struck the boat, was charged with boating while intoxicated (BWI).

Right now there's no junior permit, junior license or license required to own and operate a boat. Even a heavily suggested boating safety course is not required once someone is 18.

That means anyone 18 years old or older could launch a boat in New York water and must only comply with Coast Guard regulations relating to working lighting, safety jackets and other required emergency items.

Local enforcement can detain boaters if it appears someone driving a boat is intoxicated.

Is it time the act of driving a boat be as regulated as driving a vehicle?

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