BoatU.S.: EPA is working on clean boating requirements, make your voice heard

BoatUS is encouraging boaters to speak now by providing their concerns and suggestions to the USEPA prior to a June 2 comment deadline. Boaters can email the EPA directly at CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV.

Boaters can be heard at the agency’s alternative weekly online webinars that started March 21 and end April 25. Information is in the this BoatUS Press Release.

The USEPA is asking boaters to provide information on how they operate and maintain their boat as the Agency moves forward developing and eventually implementing management practices.

An excerpt from the BoatUS press release: “Management Practices would be methods, techniques, or tools which could mitigate any environmental impact of normal discharges into our waters,” said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “They will vary according to boat type and what that vessel could potentially discharge. For example, the EPA is looking at engine maintenance and could create a management practice that requires the use of a bilge sock to soak up oil in your engine compartment. Of course, this couldn’t apply to a rowboat. But it’s important to understand they are looking at all recreational watercraft.”

Continued Podlich, “BoatUS has been working with boaters for years to help them understand how to minimize their impact while enjoying the water. We know that boaters are strong, clean boating advocates, and we firmly believe that any new mandatory management practices must be based in science, and should be practical, realistic, and economical. That’s why we need boaters to speak out now.”

For updates and other information, visit BoatUS: is also available directly from BoatUS: http://www.boatus.com/gov/cba/.

Boaters and Swimmers at Pine Flat Lake Have New Life Jacket Rule
Increasing Federal Regulation for Many Boaters, Says BoatUS

[Download press release here]

Jumping off your boat for a swim in Pine Flat Lake, California, without a life jacket? As of April 1, anyone found swimming more than 100 feet from shore without a life jacket – including boaters who routinely jump in to try to beat 100-degree-plus temperatures – could result in a $175 fine as part of the new life jacket regulations put in the place by the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), which manages the lake.

“Unlike state agencies, or even the US Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers can make this kind of change without any public comment,” said Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “As part of a multi-year study, they have instituted similar requirements in the Pittsburgh, PA, area and some lakes in Mississippi. While the word ‘study’ implies a temporary ruling, the Corps says they are considering more permanent life jacket rules in the future that would cover much larger geographical areas.”

Boaters are encouraged to share their thoughts about these requirements by logging in at www.BoatUS.com/gov/action to send email comments to the Pine Flat Lake Park Manager and their members of Congress.

BoatU.S.: Mandatory lifejacket wear debate reaches the national level

April 4 - Over the weekend, the US Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council met to develop a mandatory lifejacket wear recommendation for the US Coast Guard. Since this Council was asked to consider this idea by the Coast Guard nearly a year ago, there has been considerable debate and research into the pro’s and con’s of such a potential mandate that would impact all ages of boaters. While there are some people who feel that every life is worth saving at any cost, there are others who feel that adults on most boats should be left to make the “when to wear it” decision for themselves. In the end, a resolution was passed with a 16 to 5 vote. This resolution recommends that the U.S. Coast Guard develop regulations (with substantial public comment opportunity) to require that while underway, a USCG approved lifejacket is worn by all boaters aboard:

• personal watercraft regardless of length;
• human-powered vessels (such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, etc) regardless of length;
• any vessel less than 18’ in length, and
• for any person towed while engaged in watersports.
  

BoatU.S. has been actively engaged in this debate over the last year, and will remain so. Stay tuned for future opportunities to weigh in on this important matter.

Click here for a copy of the full resolution.

BoatU.S. joins in petition to EPA to ensure the availabilty of E10

March 23: Joining with other marine and non-road engine groups, BoatU.S. has petition the EPA to ensure the contiued avaialblity of E10 in the marketplace.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the oldest and largest association of boaters, for boaters. For over four decades BoatUS has focused exclusively on providing the highest quality boating services, significant savings and a strong voice fighting to protect boaters from unfair taxes and burdensome regulations that take the fun out of boating.

RBOC supporters can join BoatU.S. for only $15, a 50% discount by using GARBOCAY as their BoatU.S. Cooperating Group code.

BoatU.S. Foundation Online Boating Safety Course, click here: (http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/California.asp)

BoatU.S. Government Affairs, click here: (http://www.boatus.com/gov/default.asp)

BoatU.S. Membership Department, click here: (http://www.boatus.com/membership/default.asp)