Aground in Trenton: other states may mimic New Jersey's expanded regulation of harbor pilotage.(Ports)

As they prepare for life under a New Jersey law whose preamble declares its intention to address safety and security problems related to vessel pilotage in New York harbor, many people familiar with the issue ale still asking: What problems?

"This is flawed, unnecessary legislation, a solution to a problem that doesn't exist," said Edward J. Kelly, executive director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey. "It will raise costs and do nothing to improve safety of security."

The New Jersey legislation, expected to be signed into law by Gov. James McGreevey, will change the regulatory system governing the port's two categories of …