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Alabama News
New Lake Boating Restrictions in Alabama
April 18, 2006 Update:
Alabama's Governor Riley has signed HB 756, enacting restrictions
on the use of certain boats.
Alabama HB 756:
- becomes effective on July 1, 2006
- effects three lakes: Lake Harris (Lake Wedowee), Lake Martin
and Weiss Lake.
- restricts the use of boats bigger than 26' 11” and capable
of 60 mph, after October 1, 2006
- prohibits the use of houseboats, after July 1, 2007, except
existing boats (see below)
- does not apply to sailboats
There are several exceptions. This bill:
• does not apply to houseboats that were licensed and in
use on July 1, 2006, meet applicable sewage discharge requirements,
are moored where there is a certified pump-out station, and are
inspected annually.
• does not apply to a boat bigger than 30'6” (but
not capable of going more than 60 mph) which is licensed and in
use (on one of these three lakes) on July 1, 2006. However, this
boat may be subject to additional rules, including a requirement
for an annual permit, inspection, and fee.
• does not apply to a boat bigger than 30'6” (but
not capable of going more than 60 mph) which is on site and available
for sale on one of the lakes on July 1, 2006.
• However, this boat may be subject to additional rules,
including a requirement for an annual permit, inspection, and
fee.
Click
here to read specific bill language.
###
Alaska News
Loran-C Public Meetings
The US Coast Guard will be holding a series of public meetings for citizens
to learn about the future of the Loran-C program and to help comment
on environmental effects involving the proposed alternative action plans.
The proposed alternatives include: decommissioning Loran-C, placing Loran-C
under another government agency, using more automated equipment for Loran-C
and reducing staffing as well as keeping Loran-C as is. Each person that
would like to speak on the issue will be given a chance; you may also
chose to submit written comments at the public meeting. If you are unable
to attend the meeting you may also electronically submit comments through
http://dms.dot.gov using USCG 2007-28460 as the docket number.
The public meetings will be held August 15, 21 and 23, 2007 in Juneau,
Alaska. During each meeting there will be an informational open house
from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and a public scoping meeting from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Juneau meeting will be held at: Centennial Hall Convention Center,
101 Egan Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, (907) 586-5283.
###
California News
November 9, 2007: Helpful Tips For Recreational Boaters Affected By Nov
7, 2007 Bay Area Oil Spill
For thousands of San Francisco Bay area boaters, the November 7 Cosco
Busan oil spill could be a real mess. As daily tides and currents
move tens of thousands of gallons of thick bunker fuel closer to many
marinas, local boaters as well as marinas and yacht clubs are facing potentially
expensive clean up costs.
Fortunately, plans are already in place to help them. The US Coast Guard,
state and local officials, along with representatives of the ship’s
owners have established a Unified Command Post which will help mitigate
damage and provide cleanup.
In the meantime, BoatUS recommends the following tips for recreational
boaters:
• If the spill is sighted coming toward your marina or already there,
call 985-781-0804 to make a report. The phone number goes to a company
— contracted by the Cosco Busan owners — tasked with mitigating
the damaging effects of the oil. They can bring out booms to keep the
oil out of an area and may use other equipment to begin the clean up.
• If your marina or boat club already has booms in place, do not
attempt to cross the booms with your boat. This will only spread the oil
and damage the booms or possibly your vessel’s running gear.
• If there is oil in your marina, refrain from running engines or
other devices that have seawater intakes such as air conditioners or refrigerators.
• Call your insurance company as soon as your boat is in contact
with the oil. Uninsured boaters can call 866-442-9650 to file a claim.
• Damage to a BoatUS insured’s vessel that is caused by the
oil spill is covered. They are directed to call 800-937-1937.
• Hauling out your boat will prevent damage, but as of press time
it was undetermined if these costs were to be reimbursed by the ship’s
insurance.
###
February 13,
2007
Dana Point Redesign Needs Your Input
There are significant changes planned for the harbor at Dana
Point. The proposed $200 million rehabilitation/redesign will
change the mix of onshore boat storage and in-water dock options
and alter access and parking for the launch ramp.
The proposed plans will eliminate 1,150 slips under 30 feet in
length in the harbor, reduce launch ramp parking by more than
25% and turn nearly all of the on-trailer and mast up boat storage
area into a 400-unit dry stack storage building. While some of
the slips lost will be replaced with slips over 30 feet in length,
much of the parking and trailer storage space is being changed
to accommodate additional retail space in the form of a new mall,
and associated parking deck, and more room at the hotel.
The Dana Point Harbor Department has held a series of workshops
to discuss the plans with boaters. The next (and final) meeting
is scheduled for February 20th, 7 pm at the Dana Point Youth and
Group Facility, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point Harbor. A local
group of concerned boaters has formed as the Dana Point Boaters
Association. They will be holding their inaugural meeting March
15 th , 7 pm at St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church, 33926
Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629.
For more information on the proposals and what they mean to your
boating experience at Dana Point, please visit http://www.dphplan.com/ or visit the Yahoo user group dedicated to the revitalization,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DanaPointharborRevitalizationBoaters.
###
Connecticut
News
Connecticut–
More No Discharge Zones for 2007
Boaters should be aware that additional No Discharge Zones (for sewage)
were officially added to Connecticut’s waters on June 15, 2007.
The area covered includes Branford, East Haven, New Haven, West Haven,
Orange, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk,
Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich. The area also includes the Housatonic
River from the Derby Dam and the Quinnipiac River from the southern border
of North Haven, CT. Under federal regulations, Type I and Type II marine
sanitation devices must be locked in NDZs to prevent any sewage discharge
– treated or untreated.
To see a graphic map of the area covered by Connecticut No Discharge Zones
click here: http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/nodiscrg/images/lis_west_lg.gif
http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/nodiscrg/images/lis_east_lg.gif
For a listing of pumpout stations available in the No Discharge Zone,
click here: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2705&q=323708&depNav_GID=1635
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2705&q=323708&depNav_GID=1635
###
Florida News
May 28, 2008: Boating Advisory From: Marine Industries Association of South Florida
Please Be Advised of Bridge Closures & Waterway Restrictions for the Davie Blvd. Bridge & New River, FL for June 2008
As a result of several meetings with Florida’s Department Of Transportation, United States Coast Guard, and the Astron General Contracting Company in June 2007 and again April/May, 2008 the below schedule was approved for the Davie Blvd. repairs that will take effect from June 1, 2008 – June 30, 2008.
The contractor is requesting the Davie Blvd. Bridge be closed in the down position with waterway restrictions to all marine vessels between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday for the month of June 2008 due to barge placement as a containment/work system. This waterway restriction will only allow for vessels to that require less than 21 ft of vertical clearance at mean high water and less than 25 ft of horizontal clearance pass through the bridge.
In addition, the contactor is requesting that the bridge remain in the closed position to all marine traffic during the afternoon closure period from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The waterway channel will remain open and clear of restrictions in the afternoon. This will allow vessels that require less than 21 ft of vertical clearance at mean high water and less than 60 ft of horizontal clearance to pass through the bridge.
The contractor will be responsible for safe passage of all marine vessels through the construction zone and provide warning signs at each entrance to the waterway channel. All construction equipment will be marked in accordance with USCG "Navigation Rules (CG-169)". All construction equipment will be removed from the channel when not engaged in construction activities and will be removed from the channel upon completion of each work day. The contractor will not use the channel for a staging area. If at any time during the project, weather conditions, emergencies or any other conditions threaten the safety of marine traffic, the contractor shall cease operations and clear all barges and equipment from the channel.
Additionally, the contractor will close the Davie Blvd. Bridge to all vehicular traffic for two weekends only, from 7:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.; marine traffic will be maintained. A Detour will be signed and advertised two weeks in advance of the vehicular closure. The total vehicular closure/detour is necessary to paint and rehabilitate inaccessible areas and paint the top of the bridge deck. The contractor tentatively plans to utilize the last two weekends of June 2008 (6/21-22 & 6/28-29) contingent on weather and the delivery and availability of parts.
The above schedule was agreed to as a compromise following the 2007 and 2008 planning meetings.
Please try to coordinate your vessel movements accordingly and publicize this schedule to your customers.
Please call Darlene at (772) 467-1124 with any questions. Marine Industries Association of South Florida, 2312 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
###
Marco
Island Anchoring Case Update - November 1, 2007:
A Collier County,
FL, court ruling was made. See summary in BoatUS
Press Release dated Nov. 1, 2007.
Marco
Island Anchoring Case Update – August 16, 2007:
The August 14th court date for boater Dave Dumas’ case resulted
in yet another delay. (The previous court hearing in June was also delayed.)
On Aug. 14, Marco Island city attorneys appeared in court with state attorneys,
arguing they (the state) wanted to now assume the prosecution of the case.
While Dumas’ defense team was prepared with witnesses and ready
to proceed, the prosecution was in disarray. Neither the state nor the
city was prepared to proceed. The judge, while highly displeased, had
no option other than to reschedule the hearing; it will most likely be
in October. BoatU.S. provided the defense team with an expert witness
on recreational boatering and cruising.
Marco Island Waterways and Boating Safety Ordinance Update - June 22,
2007
The last meeting in court was June 7th. The prosecution was to
have presented to the court their arguments answering the two
motions filed by the defense on April 18th. The first motion was
for dismissal of the case and the second motion was to declare
the ordinance unconstitutional on ten different grounds. The prosecution
was delinquent and the judge set a new date, July 10th, by which
time their response is required to the court.
The judge established August 14th as the date for the hearing
of the case. It is anticipated that the hearing will take a full
day. It will be presided over by Judge Rob Crown starting at 0900
in the Collier County Courthouse in Naples, Florida.
Update - July 2007 BoatU.S. Magazine (press time early June)
Motions Filed in Anchoring Case
The attorney defending a Marco Island, FL, resident who deliberately
got arrested for anchoring his boat in city waters past a local
time limit has filed a motion to have the town's strict anchoring
ordinance declared unconstitutional under Florida law. The motions
were filed April 23. Another court date was set for June 7, after
this issue went to press.
Attorney Donald
Day of Naples, FL, asked the 20 th Judicial Circuit Court to dismiss the
charges against boater Dave Dumas and rule that the Marco Island restrictions
are in direct conflict with a Florida statute passed in 2006 that protects
the rights of non-liveaboard boaters to anchor outside of designated mooring
fields. Marco Island does not have any mooring fields but sets a three-day
limit for boats in the town waters and a 12-hour limit for any boat within
300 feet of a manmade structure. (See previous story in May 2007 issue
of BoatU.S. Magazine. )
The United States Constitution,
federal law and Florida's Constitution, statutes and 100 years of judicial
precedent prohibits local municipalities from passing laws regulating
or controlling sovereign waterways,” Day stated in his motion. He
has said previously that the state constitution protects the rights of
citizens to use state navigable waterways and that local municipalities
do not have the authority to regulate state waters.
Dumas, a BoatU.S. member, chose to make himself a test case and
challenge an ordinance that became of symbol of the ever-increasing “not
welcome” signs for boaters by some towns throughout Florida.
Wrongfully or not, many towns enact ordinances in fear of boats
being abandoned in their waters or in response to vocal waterfront
property owners who do not want vessels “spoiling” their
view of the water.
May 2007 update:
The May 2007 BoatU.S. Magazine featured the court case of Dave
Dumas of Marco Island, FL who anchored his boat in Marco Island
Bay exceeding the 12 hour anchoring limit within 300 feet of
a manmade structure. His hearing was held after press time,
however on April 23 Dumas’ attorney filed a motion to
dismiss the charges. In addition, attorney Donald Day also filed
a motion to have the Marco Island ordinance declared unconstitutional
under Florida law. The next scheduled Naples Circuit Court action
is June 7. To read more, go to the April 26, 2007 Marco Island
News article.
Additional Information: March 2007 BoatU.S.
Magazine “Cruisers
Contest Anchoring Limits”
###
May 24, 2006
US Customs
and Border Protection
Announces 2006 Pleasure Boating Clearance Procedures
See
the Customs and US Border Travel Information for Recreational Boaters
page under the State & Regional Information section.
###
Kansas News
May 20, 2008
New Boating Laws Affect Kansas in 2008
In April several changes took affect to Kansas Boating Law. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks announced several of these changes that include changes in registration, speeds and sanitation devices.. Please click here to view changes in the law
###
Maryland News
April 1, 2006
New Life Jacket Law for Children Becomes
Effective April 1
On April 1, 2006, a new Maryland law governing
personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children goes into effect. Under
the new law, if a child is less than 4 years of age or weighs
under 50 pounds, the child must wear a PFD with specific additional safety
features including: a strap that is secured between the child's
legs to fasten together the front and back of the PFD; an inflatable
headrest or high collar to keep the child's head above water; and a web
handle to ensure the ready accessibility of the child from the vessel.
For more information and diagrams visit: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/pfdlaw2006.pdf
###
Maryland House Bill 140 on Mandatory
Life Jacket Wear
April 19, 2006 Update
Maryland House Bill 140 on Mandatory Life Jacket Wear died.
February 8, 2006
BoatUS Government Affairs Vice President Margaret Podlich
testified before the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee today
on H.B. 140, a bill that originally proposed to require everyone on the
outside of a moving boat to wear a life jacket. The bill was introduced
by Baltimore Del. Catherine Pugh. BoatUS also submitted written testimony
on behalf of more than 34,000 BoatUS members in Maryland, to oppose this
bill.
Yesterday, BoatUS spoke with Pugh's staff that there
would be substantial changes in the bill. These changes were not made
available in writing prior to or during the committee hearing. However,
at the beginning of the hearing there was clarification from Del. Pugh
on her intent to address safety issues of water taxis only .
Because of the potential impact on recreational boating,
the hearing room was packed and, in addition to BoatUS, there were representatives
of many boating groups, commercial captains and dozens of boaters. Of
three pages of witnesses signed up to testify, no one supported H.B.
140 as introduced. Because the bill had substantially been altered from
its previous draft, much of the verbal testimony that recreational boating
representatives planned was shortened, however BoatUS made a point of
thanking the committee for its work to remove recreational boaters from
the bill.
Last year, an accident with multiple fatalities occurred
in Baltimore Harbor when a water taxi capsized. Del. Pugh wants to require
safety briefings and demonstrations on how to don a life jacket at the
beginning of water taxi trips of any length. At the hearing, representatives
of water taxis and tour boats presented information on existing U.S.
Coast Guard regulations requiring safety briefings to passengers. In
the event of shorter trips (less than 15 minute segments), the taxi is
allowed to display this information on written placards. This is existing
law, and commercial captains work with their local USCG inspectors to
assure compliance. Differences between federal law and Del. Pugh's bill
will have to be worked out.
BoatUS appreciates the high level of interest and involvement
that members have shown on this issue in the last two weeks. BoatUS will
continue to monitor this bill and insure that any rewrite of this bill,
or newly introduced bills, are acceptable to recreational boating interests.
###
Nevada News
Nevada
PFD Requirement
On June 13, 2007 Governor Jim Gibbons signed into law Assembly Bill 13,
changing the minimum age for mandatory wear of PFDs.Currently, children
under the age of 12 are required to wear a Coast Guard approve PFD, this
new law would increase the PFD age requirement to include children under
the age of 13. This new law will go into effect on October 1, 2007. Assembly
Bill 13 can be viewed at: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/74th/Bills/AB/AB13_EN.pdf
###
New
Hampshire News
May 20, 2008
Boat Speed Limit Bill Clears Panal
The New Hampshire Senate Transporation Committee voted for the passage of a boating speed limit on Lake Winnipesaukee. This bill proposes a 45 mile-per-hour daytime speed limit and a 25 mile-per-hour nighttime speed limit. The bill also includes a provision that states if the bill is not reauthorized it will go away within 2 years. For more information please visit: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/GJNEWS02/832284798/0/citrss6.
Lake
Winnipesaukee Hearing
August 2007
A public hearing
on a petition to prohibit rafting of boats on Lake Winnipesaukee, East
Cove on Long Island will be held on August 31, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the
Moultonborough Town Offices in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Please refer
to the follow link for more information:
http://www.nh.gov/safety/news/documents/003_NOTICE_EastCove_NoRafting.pdf
###
New
Hampshire PFD Requirement
On June 18, 2007 Governor John Lynch signed into law House Bill 519, changing
the minimum age for mandatory wear of PFDs. Currently, children 5 years
and under are required to wear a Coast Guard approved PFD, this new law
would increase the PFD age requirement to children 12 years and under.
This new law will go into effect on August 17, 2007. House Bill 519 may
be viewed at http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2007/hb0519.html
###
New Jersey News
NJ Life
Jacket Bill Withdrawn
Update: Effective June 11, 2007, Assembly Bill 2212 was withdrawn from
the New Jersey Legislature. This bill was introduced by Assemblyman Jeff
Van Drew, and if passed it would require any child less than 16 years
of age to wear a flotation device at all times on board a recreational
vessel.
March 29, 2006
Proposed Change in Life Jacket Law in New Jersey
New Jersey Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (District 1: Cape May, Atlantic and
Cumberland), has proposed a bill (A2212) that would require kids ages
13-15 to wear a life jacket when a boat is underway. Current state law
requires kids 12 years and younger to wear a PFD whenever the boat is
underway.
No state currently has life jacket requirements for kids older than 12.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators has written
a model act for states recommending requirements for kids 12 and younger.
More than thirty states require kids 12 and younger to wear life jackets,
while approximately a dozen states have lower age requirements. In the
four states where there are no life jacket requirements, federal Coast
Guard regulation requires kids 12 and younger to wear life jackets on
federal waterways.
###
Mandatory Education Bill Passes in New Jersey
January 2006
In early January 2006, New Jersey became the latest state to
join the ranks of those that require boat operators to take an
accredited safely class or pass a test. A bill passed in the final
days of the New Jersey legislative session took effect immediately,
raising concerns over the extremely short time frame for compliance.
How the state is going to certify the owners of 209,000 registered
boats practically overnight is unclear.
Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1978 is required to immediately take
an approved boating safety course, even though the state has barely
had time to determine which courses are approved. The new law
applies to anyone 16 and older who operates a motorized vessel
larger than 12 feet. A potential stumbling block is that volunteer
boating instructors mainly offer their classes in the winter months.
Those born after Dec. 31, 1968 must take the course before June
1 of this year; those born after Dec. 31, 1958 must comply by
June 1, 2007; those born after Dec. 31, 1948 must comply by June
1, 2008. All boat operators must comply by June 1, 2009. The law
also updates requirements for the use of personal watercraft.
Anyone 16 and older who operates a PWC must take a safety course.
While BoatUS members generally support mandatory education, BoatUS
expressed concern to the bill's sponsor, Assemblyman Robert J.
Smith, that the bill also required criminal background checks
of all instructors — who are largely U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarists
and U.S. Power Squadrons members — at their own expense.
This makes little sense as they are mainly teaching adult students
and such a burden on volunteers may shrink the number of available
instructors when they are needed most.
The bill as passed also allows an “experienced” boater
to take an equivalency test instead of a course but the level
of experience is not defined. In addition, out-of-state boaters
are not necessarily exempt from the law as the final version “exempts” them
only if they have an equivalent education certificate from their
home state. Many boaters who visit or pass through New Jersey
come from states where they have no such requirement. The vast
majority of state education laws exempt out-of-state boaters.
How the state boating office will handle these enforcement issues
is still up in the air.
The New Jersey State Police Marine Services has created a new
web site to aid in answering boating questions: http://www.njsp.org/maritime
###
New Mexico News
New Mexico Enacts Mandatory Education starting 2007
April 2006
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has signed a bill passed this
year into law requiring mandatory education for boaters, beginning
in 2007 with 18-year-olds.
The law takes effect January 1, 2007, for all boat operators
born after January 1, 1989. They will be required to complete
a safe boating education course approved by the National Association
of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and carry a certificate
card while motorboating/sailing on New Mexico waters.
According to the New Mexico State Parks boating office, state
residents may r egister for classes held monthly throughout the
state for the formal course. On-Line Courses and approved Home
Study with a proctored exam will shortly be available.
Operators who hold a U.S. Coast Guard or Canadian operator's
license are exempt from the course requirement. Boat renters must
go through a safety briefing by the rental company prior to operating
a rental boat.
New Mexico State Parks will be looking for enthusiastic boaters
with an interest in teaching boating safety to become a registered
boating safety instructor. State Parks provides instructor training
for those interested in teaching the Boating Basics Classroom
Course. In exchange for being a volunteer the parks also provides
free camping and hookups at our state parks. For information contact
Officer Stephen Verchinski at 505-476-3390 or e-mail your interest.
Click here to read a full copy of the bill or to find New Mexico
boating classes.
###
North Carolina News
NC Legislature votes to over-ride Governor Easley's veto
HR 2167 passes - no oversize permit needed for boat trailers up to 10'
August 27, 2008
The NC General Assembly voted to override Governor Easley's veto this morning by a vote of 92-7 in the House and 39-0 in the Senate.
Click here for a copy of the bill Click Here.
This bill allows boat trailers less than 120" wide to be towed without a permit.
It also allows boat trailers 102" to 114" (8.5' to 9.5') to be towed any day at at any time.
Boat trailers 114" to 120" (9.5' to 10') may be towed only between sun up and sun down any day.
A boat or trailer wider than 102" but less than 120" must have a minimum of 2 operable amber lamps at the widest point of the boat and trailer.
NC Trailering Bill Awaits Governor’s Action
July 31, 2008
The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation July 17 that would modify the state’s boat towing regulations but Gov. Mark Easley has yet to act on the bill.
If signed, H.R. 2167 would ease some towing restrictions based total boat and trailer width. Among other provisions, it would allow for towing boats and trailers up to 10 ft. wide without an oversize load permit. Boats and trailers up to 9 ft 6 in wide could be towed at any time, day or night and including weekend and holidays. Boats and trailers between 9 ft 6 in and 10 ft would be restricted to towing during daylight hours only.
Boat manufactures in the state and many anglers who tow large boats to tournaments in North Carolina sought the change. A spokesman for the Governor says he has until August 17 to either sign or veto the bill. To contact Governor Easley and ask him to act on H.R. 2167, Please Click Here.
###
Oregon News
January 2007
Boating Education Required for Oregon Boaters 60 or younger in
2007
Boaters 50 and younger must now carry a boater education card
when operating powerboats (including personal watercraft or any
motorized watercraft) greater than 10 hp. Law enforcement officers
are issuing citations for non-compliance with the Mandatory Education
Law. The citation fines are $97.
Youth 12-15 also need a boater education card when operating
boats 0-10 hp alone. When operating over 10 hp, a card-holding
adult (16 or older, 18 for personal watercraft) must be in direct
supervision (on-board, and able to immediately take corrective
action in case of emergency).
There are many different options available to help you meet the
requirements of this law. For more information visit: http://www.boatoregon.com/Education/index.html
###
Virginia News
April 19 , 2007 Update
Virginia Boating Safety Bill Passed
The Virginia Legislature has passed House Bill 1627, Boating
Safety Education, that will require all motorboat and PWC operators
to take a boating safety course and carry a certificate showing
successful completion of a written test, phasing in all boaters
through 2016.
Official Summary: Mandatory
boating safety education; civil penalty.
Makes it $100 civil penalty for anyone to operate a motorboat
with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater without having successfully
completed an approved boating safety education course. The education
requirement is phased-in so that by July 1, 2016, all motorboat
operators will have been required to complete and pass the course
or an equivalency exam.
The Board is directed to develop and administer the boating safety
education program through the promulgation of regulations, taking
into account comments from the public. There are a number of ways
a person can comply with the law other than successfully completing
an approved course, such as passing an equivalency examination,
possessing a valid license issued to maritime personnel, being
registered as a commercial fisherman, etc. This bill is identical
to SB 1241.
The following is an excerpt from the bill:
D. Such regulations shall include provisions that phase-in the
requirements for boating safety education according to the following:
1. Personal watercraft operators 20 years of age or younger to
meet the requirements by July 1, 2009;
2. Personal watercraft operators 35 years of age or younger to
meet the requirements by July 1, 2010;
3. Personal watercraft operators 50 years of age or younger to
meet the requirements by July 1, 2011;
4. All personal watercraft operators, regardless of age, to meet
the requirements by July 1, 2012;
5. Motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger to meet the
requirements by July 1, 2011;
6. Motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger to meet the
requirements by July 1, 2012;
7. Motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger to meet the
requirements by July 1, 2013;
8. Motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger to meet the
requirements by July 1, 2014;
9. Motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger to meet the
requirements by July 1, 2015; and
10. All motorboat operators, regardless of age, to meet the requirements
by July 1, 2016.
SOURCE: Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=071&typ=bil&val=hb1627&Submit=Go
Information about Boating in Virginia: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/
###
Washington
Loran-C Public Meetings
The US Coast Guard will be holding a series of public meetings for citizens
to learn about the future of the Loran-C program and to help comment
on environmental effects involving the proposed alternative action plans.
The proposed alternatives include: decommissioning Loran-C, placing Loran-C
under another government agency, using more automated equipment for Loran-C
and reducing staffing as well as keeping Loran-C as is. Each person that
would like to speak on the issue will be given a chance; you may also
chose to submit written comments at the public meeting. If you are unable
to attend the meeting you may also electronically submit comments through
http://dms.dot.gov using USCG 2007-28460 as the docket number.
The public meetings will be held August 15, 21 and 23, 2007 in Seattle,
Washington. During each meeting there will be an informational open house
from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and a public scoping meeting from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The Seattle meeting will be held at: Seattle Hilton, 1301 Sixth Avenue,
Seattle WA 98101, (206) 695-6060.
###
Washington D.C.
Loran-C Public Meetings
The US Coast Guard will be holding a series of public meetings for citizens
to learn about the future of the Loran-C program and to help comment
on environmental effects involving the proposed alternative action plans.
The proposed alternatives include: decommissioning Loran-C, placing Loran-C
under another government agency, using more automated equipment for Loran-C
and reducing staffing as well as keeping Loran-C as is. Each person that
would like to speak on the issue will be given a chance; you may also
chose to submit written comments at the public meeting. If you are unable
to attend the meeting you may also electronically submit comments through
http://dms.dot.gov using USCG 2007-28460 as the docket number.
The public meetings will be held August 15, 21 and 23, 2007 in Washington
DC. During each meeting there will be an informational open house from
4:30-6:00 p.m. and a public scoping meeting from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Washington
DC meeting will be held at: Ronald Reagan Building and International
Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004, (202)
312-1426.
###
US Virgin Island News
April 13, 2007 update
Mandatory Life Jackets in US Virgin Islands
The USVI legislature passed a law, effective September 2006,
requiring everyone on board a vessel to wear a life jacket. Click
here to view Bill No. 26-0206 Act No. 6823.
BoatU.S. has asked the USVI Senator who originally
sponsored this legislation to clarify its intent, and narrow the
scope of this requirement. This may require a new law to be passed
through the Legislature. As of 4/13/07 there is no change to report
in the law. If you are lucky enough to be headed to the USVI's
this winter, please contact us so we can tell you the latest,
and what we are hearing from fellow BoatU.S. members who have
recently cruised the USVIs. Email the BoatUS Government Affairs
office at GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com |
