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Security Plans Don't Float With Owners Of Small Boats

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 2, 2007

Thousands of Tampa Bay boaters and millions of boaters nationwide could feel the impact of the Department of Homeland Security's push to better scrutinize the nation's small boats.

The department and the U.S Coast Guard, fearful of a terrorist attack at a major port, are discussing ways to make themselves more secure from boats weighing less than 300 gross tons.

A small boat security summit was held in Washington, D.C., this summer, and attendees discussed ways to keep waterways safe. A final report from that event should be out this month, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Metro, Page 6

•Some boaters don't like the suggestions, saying they could be too restrictive or expensive.

•The Coast Guard wants required state boating courses to teach security protocols on the water. It has pushed for a new federal requirement for boat operators that would force them to carry government issued identification on the water such as passport or driver's license.

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