[§271G-2]  Declaration of policy.  Thelegislature of this State recognizes and declares that the transportation ofpersons and of property, for commercial purposes, by water within the State orbetween points within the State, constitutes a business affected with thepublic interest.  It is intended by this chapter to provide for fair andimpartial regulation of such transportation, so administered as to recognizeand preserve the inherent advantages of such transportation, in the interest ofpreserving for the public the full benefit and use of the waterways consistentwith the public safety and the needs of commerce:  to promote safe, adequate,economical, and efficient service among carriers, to encourage theestablishment and maintenance of reasonable rates and charges fortransportation and related accessorial service, without unjust discrimination,undue preference or advantage, or unfair or destructive competitive practices,all to the end of developing, coordinating, and preserving a sound transportationsystem by water.  This chapter shall be administered and enforced with a viewto carrying out the above declaration of policy. [L 1974, c 94, pt of §1]