Final answer:
The grandfather clause is a legal provision that exempts certain individuals from new requirements. In the context of boat operation, it may set a cut-off date after which new regulations apply.
Step-by-step explanation:
The grandfather clause was a legal provision that exempted certain individuals or groups from meeting new requirements, in this case, to operate a boat. It derived its name from the idea that if a person's grandfather had the right to operate a boat, then that right would be automatically extended to the person as well.
In the context of boat operation, the grandfather clause may set a specific cut-off date after which new requirements apply. For example, if a new regulation is implemented stating that all boat operators must have a boating license starting from January 1, 2022, then individuals who operated boats before this date may be exempt from the requirement based on the grandfather clause. However, those who started operating boats after this date would need to meet the new requirement by obtaining a boating license.