Enforcement resources limited on waterways

The collision of two boats in New York Harbor, which left one man dead and another facing criminal charges of boating while intoxicated, is a prime example of what can go wrong when basic boat-safety rules aren't followed, local boating experts said Saturday.

"When you look at an accident where alcohol is involved, there's no amount of education that can help when someone makes the poor decision to have one or two extra drinks," said Richard Werner, director of education for Safe Boating America, a Bethpage-based boating education provider for recreational and commercial boaters.

New York City police arrested Richard Aquilone, 39, of Jersey City, Friday after he failed a Breathalyzer test. Aquilone's 30-foot Proline boat slammed into a 17-foot boat Friday evening near Liberty Island, police said, killing one.

More enforcement of state boating while intoxicated laws would help keep the waterways safer, but law enforcement has limited resources, and intoxicated boat operators are harder to spot than the driver of a car or truck that weaves in traffic, Werner said.

"You can't put on binoculars and tell if someone is operating while intoxicated," said Werner, whose boat safety classes cover New York State's boating-while-intoxicated laws.

The Coast Guard also recommends boaters:

Make sure equipment, such as the radio, navigation system and flares are working properly.

Wear a personal flotation device.

Make sure passengers do not ride on the bow of the boat.

Don't go more than 5 mph if operating within 100 feet of a dock, pier, anchored boat or raft.