Quote:
Originally Posted by ApS
Those of us who have boated on Lake Winnipesaukee for more than 70 years remember the Marine Patrol Reserve--who were paid nothing.
Why the Marine Patrol Reserve was dissolved needs another examination.
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That question came to mind recently. The Auxiliary (?) reserve(?) was active in the 80's. I knew two of the group commanders and it seems they both had personnel (not personal) issues with the MP liaison and they resigned. If you dig back into your 70 years experience, recall that until the late 60's, there was no Marine Patrol. The Public Utilities Commission had two Steelcraft boats based in the Weirs Channel. Their duties revolved around maintaining aids to navigation (buoys and flashers) and they published navigation charts which were clear and uncluttered, easy to read. There was no 150' rule., NRZ, etc etc. Not many rules, so not many rule breakers. Many boaters belonged to the US Power Squadron and there was a lot of professionalism in boat operation. The federal clean water act pushed states to make rules about boat discharges and staying overnight on anchor or at public docks was banned. Once you start making rules you have to create an enforcement mechanism. They field complaints and push for more rules.
Now we have the internet where everybody can complain that we don't enforce or obey all these rules.