How have legislation & regulations changed in water based outdoor activities over the years?

Question

How have legislation & regulations changed in water based outdoor activities over the years?

Answer 1

I would say (like just about everything in life) legislation and regulation has been used to improve safety. However, it's interesting to see our US participants referring to mandatory training for any powered water craft. This is still not a requirement in the UK.

Basically anyone can just buy a power craft from small runabout to high performance, huge horsepower racing rigs and take them on the water with absolutely no training.

Where i live (Devon, UK) the authorities do have the right to refuse access to a slipway without proof of insurance but I've never known them to ask anyway.

Answer 2

NJ just passed this year a mandatory boating safety certification for anyone operating any powered vessel (from a jet ski to a yacht) in either tidal(ocean) or nontidal (rivers and lakes) waters.

For nontidal waters, a NJ boat license is required, regardless of whether you are a resident.  

If you are caught operating a powered vessel without the safety certificate, (and/or license if on nontidal water), the minimum fine issued by the NJ State Marine Police is $250, and the minimum issued by the Coast Guard is $1000.

Word to the wise, if you plan on operating a powered vessel in any NJ water (other states are considering similar legislation), be sure to get certified.  It's good for life, and recognized in all states, as well as several other countries.

Answer 3

Mostly, they have been involved with improving safety factors. For example, life jackets are now compulsory. Lights are compulsory for after-dusk boating. Power boat users must be licensed -- there is an exam that they have to pass, which covers all the signage and signals used at sea, as well as the 'rules of the road' to be followed at sea.

It is necessary to have observers in the boat, in addition to the driver, when towing water skiers or inflatables such as tubes. Some people are annoyed by these rules, but most of them are common sense.

Answer 4

What jurisdiction?

Answer 5

In relation to what areas? eg access, health and saftey etc?