to be licensed in a bid to protect marine life and other water users.

Speaking in the House of Assembly during a debate on the Green Paper on Marine Resources and the Fishing Industry, she said Monday's tall ships' parade of sail made her realise how many boat owners there now were in Bermuda.

And although she said it was good news that there were 9,000 private boats and yachts on the Island, it was time that the operators, as well as the vessels, were registered.

She said not only would it make operators more accountable, but it would enable the Government to provide a central meeting point where safety advice and guidelines could be available for boat-users, as well as information leaflets on protecting marine life.

She said: "We need to look at the fact that boat operators are not licensed.

Boats are, but not operators.

"With the number of craft that we have out on the water...we have to consider basic safety, especially when you look at the jet skis.

"We want to make sure there is a balance -- that swimmers are not compromised.

"If you have to go in and get a licence, you will then be able to get a central focal point where you can pick up information.'' She said boat operators needed to be made aware of how fuel omissions can damage marine life, along with discarded garbage, noise pollution and the lowering of anchors onto the coral reef.

However, she commended the hundreds of people who took out their boats last Monday to escort the tall ships on their voyage out of Bermuda and into the Atlantic.

She added: "They must be commended. We had no major boat incidents. People were operating their boats in a responsible manner.'' Earlier in the day, Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said the Green Paper would be looking at a number of issues, including the licensing of boat operators.

However, that could be some way off. The Green Paper is only for discussion and a White Paper would have to be created and then passed into legislation before the tighter controls could be introduced.

Patricia Gordon Pamplin