A couple of general points.
In America, laws are determined by different entities.
Some are local, some are state, some are federal.
These laws are often different and sometimes conflicting.
Some places have laws about certain conduct while others have none.
Examples:
Some states require helmets while on a motorcycle while some don't.
Driving "under the influence" or "driving while impaired" is 0.10 in some states, 0.08 in others. (I think it is 0.05 in OZ)

There are no accidents.
Every crash, sinking, near-miss, injury or death can be traced back to a bad decision by someone.


Darryl,
Don't flatter yourself.
I don't sit around waiting for your response.
I prefer to let several people speak-up so I can respond to several comments.

I see you have become a true clone of KW, totally avoiding the hard questions.
At least your non-answer proves my point even better.

I AM NOT potraying myself as an expert on American or international law.
On the contrary, YOU WERE.
Tell us your qualifications.

Boomer,
Yes you are.
Do your rescue teams decide to save only some of the people and let the irresponsible people die?

Steve,
I did not advocate anarchy, where anybody can do anything they want.
In America, we have a higher level of freedom, not unlimited.
We choose to fund our Coast Guard and other agencies in order to give us more freedom and safety.
If you choose not to, that is your business.
Why do you care how we spend our money?

Robi,
I am very dissapointed that someone who actually works for the U.S. Coast Guard would lie like that.
or perhaps it is just your ignorance.
What is the federal limit for alcohol?
There are many waterways with no speed limits.
In many places it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. Where is it illegal in a boat?
In many places it is illegal to stand up in a moving vehicle. Where is it illegal in a boat?
In most places ii is illegal for a 15 year old to drive a vehicle. Where is it illegal in a boat?
Is that enough looking for you?

Again your ignorance. In many places jaywalking is a crime. A cop will give you a ticket. And you can go to jail if you don't pay.

Rolf,
A very good example.
But compare BASE jumping to the average mountain hiker.
A hiker can easily slip and break a leg and need a rescue.
This is about where the different societies decide to "draw the line" betweeen irresponsible and "accidental".

Steveh,
True, more agencies are going after the people who caused the problem, but they are still in the minority.
I wish they would sue the people who cause expense to the government, but that is not the same as a cop handing you a bill for "Services Rendered" after an accident.
As you said, you are one of the people willing to give up freedom for safety.