[§271G-2]  Declaration of policy.  The
legislature of this State recognizes and declares that the transportation of
persons and of property, for commercial purposes, by water within the State or
between points within the State, constitutes a business affected with the
public interest.  It is intended by this chapter to provide for fair and
impartial regulation of such transportation, so administered as to recognize
and preserve the inherent advantages of such transportation, in the interest of
preserving for the public the full benefit and use of the waterways consistent
with the public safety and the needs of commerce:  to promote safe, adequate,
economical, and efficient service among carriers, to encourage the
establishment and maintenance of reasonable rates and charges for
transportation 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 transportation
system by water.  This chapter shall be administered and enforced with a view
to carrying out the above declaration of policy. [L 1974, c 94, pt of §1]