Jack Fichter

CAPE MAY — The Christian Science Monitor reported Aug. 1 the U.S government is considering requiring all states to license boaters and require them to carry a federal photo ID card.
The story quotes a retired State Department terrorism expert who said boats are potential instruments for terrorist use.

A U.S Coast Guard spokesperson told the Christian Science Monitor the issue of recreational vessels is the next logical step when considering gaps in security.
There are 17 million boats in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented new measures this year requiring marine workers to carry identification at 98 percent of ports.

The Monitor story said DHS is looking at secondary threats from Cape May to Catalina Island, Calif.
Locally, Rick Traber of Pier 47 Marina on Route 47, said this state requires recreational boat owners to carry a boating safety course certificate but photo identification cards are not required.