RBOC objects to the proposed mass decommissioning of traditional navigation aids, as unlikely to make the waterways safer, and as creating greater risks likely to outweigh whatever benefits are expected from the closures.
In RBOC’s comment letter submitted today to the United States Coast Guard, President Jamie Clark “respectfully noted with deep concern the Coast Guard’s apparent plans to decommission a majority of the light and/or sound markers guiding craft into California harbors.
“As published in the Coast Guard’s 6/24 LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS, it appears that USCG has concluded that electronic and virtual markers and guidance (V-AIS) are sufficient, and sound or whistle buoys or lighted buoys are no longer needed to guide recreational and other mariners into port in low visibility or bad weather conditions.
“RBOC urgently requests that the Guard reconsider this planned mass removal of tangible aids to navigation. Literally every boater, sail racing group, and day sailor we’ve had the chance to consult so far, since your bulletin last month, thinks it’s a bad idea, if not actively dangerous.
“Acknowledging that your buoy removal plans are subject to a series of comment deadlines, it still seemed clearest to respond to the entire program of degrading navigation guidance. Kindly accept this as a comment against all of the LLNR requests for comment.”
For a copy of the RBOC comment letter with more information and the list of known affected navigational buoys: click here