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The Question: Should we regulate boat traffic like automobile traffic? (Asked at the National Motor Boat Show)
VICE-ADMIRAL ALFRED C. RICHMOND
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard
The boating situation has needed a thorough study and the Bonner Committee has finished a nationwide survey. Its recommendations should be revealing. In my opinion this will result in the enactment of sensible laws which will help the Coast Guard in protecting boatmen.
REAR-ADMIRAL H. C. PERKINS, USCG
Commander
3rd District and Eastern Area
No. Education, similar to what yacht clubs do in educating their youngsters, is the answer. They're talking about barring persons for age, old or young. That's wrong. A man should know his seamanship, which is a lot more important than a certificate like an auto license.
RALPH EVINRUDE
Outboard Marine and Mfg. Co., Chairman
Exec. Comm.
We need intelligent legislation. I do not go along with the contention that since this is a free country, and there is a lot of room in the ocean, a man can operate as he pleases. We should have one set of national regulations which will help everyone and not hinder boating.
JOHN TRUMPY JR.
Annapolis, Md.
President
John Trumpy & Sons
All we need is legislation requiring boats to be numbered. However, I think it is necessary for every dealer who sells a boat to instruct the purchaser in its operation, just as automobile dealers did years ago when they sold automobiles to people who didn't know how to drive.
COLONEL CLARENCE E. LOVEJOY
The New York Times
Boating editor
I'm afraid so. The commendable U.S. Power Squadrons have been educating boatmen for 40-odd years, but we now have more cowboys than ever. We may have state and federal laws this year. I wish there could be just one law, federal, because a lot of us take our boats into other states.
RALPH G. KLIEFORTH
President, Natl. Assn. of Engines and Boat Manufacturers
Over the years, boating has been the safest sport. We want to keep it that way. This requires better education and some legislation. Our organization has requested the Bonner Committee to study and determine whether or not additional legislation governing boating is necessary.
JOHN W. MULFORD
Detroit
President, Gray Marine Motor Co.
Yes. Understanding boats and their operation is necessary to safe boating. Currently there are many who violate the rules of the road and who operate boats dangerously. One of my strong convictions is that the handling of violations can be done better for stricter enforcement.
R. E. REYNOLDS
Port Clinton, Ohio
Vice-President, The Matthews Co.
Yes, but only on a federal level. If states think it necessary to initiate legislation, it should parallel the federal pattern. However, I've always felt that education in the use of boats is better than requiring a man to take a test for a license, similar to an auto license.
THAYER QUINBY
Marblehead, Mass.
Ex-Commodore, Corinthian Yacht Club
Yes. I hate to see legislation because those of us who have had boats for years can handle them. We're seagoing men. But there are too many people today operating outboards and other craft who know so little about boating that they make the waterways a hazard for all.
TEN PHOTOS
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