Re: catalina27-talk: Mandatory PFD usage in Maryland

[Lawrence Pinto]

Sorry Phil, but, respectfully, I do not agree with you. It should be any adult's right to make his or her decision as to whether or not to wear a PFD on a boat (or a captain's right and responsibility to do so for the crew), not some legislator's. And it shouldn't matter whether you own a powerboat or a sailboat.

What you would be saying with your suggestion to expand PFD requirements to powerboats 22 feet and under is that you have the right to decide whether or not to wear a PFD, because you captain a 27 foot Catalina, but the owner of a 20 foot Sea Ray does not have that same right. To me that's not reasonable or fair. Who is to say who is more responsible?

But a more important point is this: We in the boating community have political power because of our numbers. Boaters have influenced legislation locally and nationally. But we need to act in concert. It would be a mistake for us in the sailboat community to protect our rights at the expense of those of the powerboaters. It's that old story...a house divided against itself shall not stand.


Larry Pinto

Hardtack
Calvert Marina
Solomon's Island, Maryland
27' Catalina (#3401M77H)


On Feb 6, 2006, at 7:04 PM, Phil Agur wrote:

<x-tad-bigger>Does Maryland have any mandatory PFD laws now?</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>We have one related to children, which has spawned PFD sharing programs at various family beach outing hot spots. I’m sure it’s saved more than a few. It includes children on the dock.</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>I think in the wake of the Egyptian ferry disaster you may do better in focusing the language of the law rather than mount opposition. Maybe expand jet ski PFD requirements to power boats 22 feet and under. And pick it up vessels traveling at more than 12 knots or with more than 12 aboard.</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>That would let lawmakers be responsible and leave open ground for responsible small boat skippers.</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>Phil Agur</x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>                    </x-tad-bigger>

s/v<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>Wing Tip</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>Commodore</x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>,             </x-tad-bigger>

Call Sign<x-tad-bigger> </x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>WCW3485</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger>IC27/270A</x-tad-bigger><x-tad-bigger>                   </x-tad-bigger>

MMSI<x-tad-bigger> 366901790</x-tad-bigger>
www.catalina27.org<x-tad-bigger>      </x-tad-bigger>

Vessel Doc#<x-tad-bigger> 1039809</x-tad-bigger>
<x-tad-bigger> 
</x-tad-bigger>

Hardtack
Calvert Marina
Solomon's Island, Maryland
27' Catalina (#3401M77H)