Just to be safe, brush up on your side stroke

You can learn something about government by studying the Coast Guard's role in response to Katrina and in the sinking of the Ethan Allen on Lake George. Its performance in rescuing Katrina survivors was superb. Its safety standards for the vessels it regulates are considerably less impressive.

In determining if a boat is overloaded, an average weight of 140 pounds is used for each passenger. This standard was applied by the state of New York to the Ethan Allen with tragic results. Its passengers were all adults, many of whom, in this age of obesity can be assumed to weigh much more than 140 pounds.

Years ago, I wrote about another vessel regulated by the Coast Guard, a ferry that crosses the wide mouth of the Delaware Bay, noting that it had a sign reading, "Life Boats this way," that pointed its 700 passengers to two boats with a capacity of 25 persons each. Over the years, changes were made. First, the sign reading "Life Boats This Way" was painted over. Later, the sign was restored and six life rafts were added to the two lifeboats. The lifeboats and the life rafts now had space for 200 passengers. That left 500 who needed to be good swimmers.

There are a number of reasons for the Coast Guard's rapid reaction to Katrina, including a culture that encourages flexibility, but one sure factor is the universal support for its rescue function. We all want to see those in peril saved.

On the other hand, few businesses like being regulated, so the interests of the passenger have to be weighed against the complaints of the owners about the heavy hand of government. And it is usually the owners who are the most resolute in their lobbying, meaning that the regulators tend to lean their way.

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