Why do Clubs and Boaters Need RBOC?

Recreational boating is big business in California!  The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) estimated that California boater contribute $17 Billion to the States economy.  Recreational boating also contributes more than $1.6 billion in state and local taxes, creates 284,000 California jobs, and supports more than 8,500 California businesses.  The only organization committed to the protection of all recreational boaters in the state of California is Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC).

What are RBOC's Goals?

1. to protect all California recreational boaters and boating rights;
   
2. to achieve and enhance a balance between protecting the environment and the responsible use of our waterways;
   
3. to pursue effective education prior to new regulations;
   
4. to increase safety on the waterways;
   
5. to oppose unreasonable taxes & fees paid by boaters;
   
6. to ensure that recreational boating is excluded from proposed laws aimed at the maritime industry.

How does RBOC Work for Us?

There are (9) Directors elected by the Pacific Inter Club Yacht Association (PICYA) and (9) by the Southern California Yachting Association (SCYA).

Richard Schwartz, Chairman and Founder of BoatU.S. and Michael Sciulla, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for BoatU.S. are ex-officio member of the RBOC Board.  BoatU.S. advocates the interests of California boaters at the federal level.

Also the sitting commodores of both PICYA and SCYA are ex-officio members of the RBOC Board of Directors.

RBOC’s State Governmental Affairs Committee reviews all legislation submitted to the California State Assembly and Senate for issues affecting recreational boaters.  The number of bills introduced in a legislative cycle can reach 3,000 or more!  Directors testify at Senate and Assembly Hearings as bills work their way through the various committees of the State Legislature.

RBOC takes positions on all bills that could impact recreational boating.  A position may be support, oppose, support if amended, oppose unless amended, or watch.

RBOC also sponsors legislation that benefits the recreational boater.

RBOC lobbies those bills that have the most impact on recreational boaters.  Since 1971 the firm of Desmond & Desmond has provided professional legislative advocacy for RBOC.

RBOC’s Regional Affairs Committee is involved in local and regional issues when requested by a PICYA or SCYA member organization or a not-for-profit organization representing all local and regional recreational boaters.  The RBOC Directors testify in behalf of recreational boaters at all levels of local and regional governments.

RBOC Directors maintain continuous contact with their own state legislators including the authors of all bills that RBOC has taken a position.

How is RBOC Funded?

RBOC is supported by the voluntary contributions made by member organizations of PICYA and SCYA .  Contributions may be from individuals or budgeted by the member organizations as part of their annual operating budget.

Donations from individuals not associated with PICYA or SCYA are made via this  website or mailed  to RBOC.

RBOC also receives a very generous donation from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.).   Their donation is based on the number of  BoatU.S. Members  in California.

Where Does the Money Go?

RBOC's yearly budget is approximately $100K.  All Directors volunteer their time; extraordinary travel expenses can be reimbursed.  Approximately 85% of the budget covers legislative advocacy efforts and lobbying fees.  The remaining 15% includes travel expenses and administration costs.

Copyright 2006