SEPT/OCT 2005 VOL.20 - NO.5 national association of state boating law administrators

Bounty of Boating Education Programs Available

EducationEducation StandardsStandards EvolveEvolve

NewNew ApprovalApproval ProcessProcess forfor BoatingBoating CoursesCourses

Produced under a grant from the Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard nasbla HELM

The official publication of the National Association of Randy Edwards State Boating Law Administrators NASBLA President Looking Forward For Education PRESIDENT This issue of Small Craft Advisory addresses boating by not meeting their needs in as many Randy Edwards various facets of boater education. We all know ways as we can. that boater education works and works well. As boating educators, we can and should VICE PRESIDENT Charles Sledd In 1973 there were 1,754 boating-related be very proud of our record of success. Yet, we fatalities. At that time there were approximately must never be satisfied that we have done SECRETARY/TREASURER 6.3 million registered boats and none of the states enough. Together, we shall successfully meet the Jeffrey Johnson had any form of mandatory boater education. demands and challenges that face us in the future. According to records kept by the National Well, this will be my last “From the Helm” EXECUTIVE EDITOR Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the first article as NASBLA President. This past year has John Johnson mandatory boater education program was been a truly extraordinary experience for me. I implemented in the late 1980s. The first four want to thank everyone who helped me along MANAGING EDITOR states to earn the Board’s State Advocacy Award the way – and that list is long. I have learned a Ron Sarver for their acceptance and completion of NTSB great deal about so many things. I’ve met many recommendations issued to improve new friends and partners. EDITOR recreational boating safety – including I particularly want to thank the members Kimberly Hermes mandatory education – were Maryland (1988), of the NASBLA Executive Board. They have ART DIRECTOR Vermont (1991), Connecticut (1992) and worked tirelessly to make our organization Michelle Huber-Kropp Alabama (1994). better by seeing the need for change and taking In 2004, we saw a record low of 676 action in developing our strategic plan and CIRCULATION DIRECTOR fatalities, in spite of the fact that boat moving it forward. Our organization will be Joan Minton registrations had increased to 12,781,476. This better for it. Please make a point to thank Fred remarkable decline in fatalities is a testament to Messmann, immediate past president; Charlie EDITORIAL OFFICES the value and effectiveness of boater education Sledd, vice president; Jeff Johnson, treasurer; 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 programs. According to records kept by the James Horan, WSBAA president; Jerome Lexington KY 40511 National Association of State Boating Law Madrid, SSBLAA president; Brian Kempf, Phone: 859.225.9487 Administrators, 44 states and territories now NABA president; John Simmons, member-at- Fax: 859.231.6403 E-mail: [email protected] have some form of mandatory boater large; and Lucia Francis, member-at-large. They education. Boater education is working and have worked hard for you. I hope you are being delivered in a variety of ways. As pleased with our progress. technology grows and further develops, so shall I must also thank and commend the © Small Craft Advisory (ISSN: 1066-2383) Published our delivery options and opportunities. We committee chairs and committee members for bimonthly by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, 1500 Leestown Rd, Suite 330, Lexington, have only scratched the surface. their valuable time and extraordinary efforts. KY 40511 (six issues). Subscription is $12 annually. Contact I find it interesting when many folks say They are the workhorses of this organization. NASBLA for permission to reprint articles, 859.225.9487. Send change of address to Small Craft Advisory, 1500 that they “don’t have the time” to do this or The chairs during my term were Jim Graybeal Leestown Road, Suite 330, Lexington KY 40511. that. We must all remember – we have all the (Law Enforcement), Ray Tsuneyoshi time there is. It is a matter of how we choose to (Waterways Management), John Fetterman spend our time that matters. As educators, we (Homeland Security), Jeff Johnson ABOUT THE COVER must be cognizant of that fact. Like it or not, (Paddlesports), Ron Jendro (Boats & Associated we must be flexible and responsive to the needs Equipment), Stephanie Weatherington Boating classes take a variety of forms, giving of the boating public. We must find ways to (Boating Accident Investigation, Reporting & recreational boaters numerous choices for learning to boat safely. From the traditional deliver safety education to them when and how Analysis), Rick Barrera (Numbering & Titling) classroom setting to the increasingly popular they prefer to receive it. That is our challenge and Betsy Woods (Education). What a group of Internet to hands-on boating events, boating for the future. truly talented and dedicated individuals. safety officials strive to reach as many boaters as possible with safety messages. We must be proactive if we are to continue Thank you for allowing me to represent to grow and educate the boating community. you as President of our organization this past Photo by Deb Rose, Minnesota Department We must be sensitive to the fact there are many year. It has truly been a pleasure and a privilege of Natural Resources things for people to be doing – and many ways to serve you. Let’s keep moving ahead. Stay safe for them to be spending their valuable time, out there. and we don’t want to discourage them from

1 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory nasbla NEWS Aquatic Resources Trust Fund Safe Boating Finally Reauthorized Seal Available After much negotiation and numerous extensions, the Aquatic Resources The National Association of State (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund has been reauthorized, generating much-needed Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) promotes boating safety in a myriad of funding for boating and fishing programs. ways. Those who offer boating safety courses have learned about NASBLA’s On July 29, 2005, President Bush 2005, President George W. Bush signed education standards. Lawmakers have signed into law H.R. 3, the $268.5 billion the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient made use of the organization’s model acts. "Highway Bill," which includes Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Law enforcement officers have advanced reauthorization of the Aquatic Resources Users (SAFETEA-LU). This legislation their skills through various NASBLA (Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund. includes language reauthorizing the training seminars. A number of Congressmen and Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (ARTF) Another way NASBLA promotes safe Senators, as indicated below, became through September 30, 2009. boating is by offering the Seal of Safe champions in the struggle to achieve During the reauthorization, the fund Boating Practices. This endorsement is reauthorization. These lawmakers were was reconfigured so that each Wallop- used to encourage producers of boating diligent in their support and guidance to Breaux program will receive funding based media to adhere to the highest standards assure that the provisions brought forward on a percentage of the entire account. in quality boating safety by the American League of Anglers and Renamed as the "Sport Fish Restoration information. The seal Boaters were included in the legislation. and Boating Trust Fund," the revised provides recognition Of particular importance was the recovery program will provide nearly $600 million and endorsement for of a portion of the marine fuel tax that had per year to boating safety, infrastructure worthy boating been directed to other programs. and access programs, sport fish restoration publications, Established in 1984, the Wallop- and other important boating programs. videos, films, CD- Breaux Trust Fund is funded with money The five-year bill, the first major ROMs and other collected through federal excise taxes on transportation spending measure since media that are not powerboat and small-engine fuels, excise 1998, pays for projects from a portion of considered a boating taxes on sport fishing equipment, and fiscal year 2005 through 2009. safety course. import duties on recreational boats and The trust fund pays for a variety of To be considered for the fishing equipment. It provides money to state aquatic programs, including: endorsement, a product must portray safe support such programs as outreach, boating practices. NASBLA offers the boating safety, and sport fish conservation • Boating safety education and outreach following guidelines: and enhancement. • Enforcement of boating safety laws The Transportation Equity Act for • Show all people on board vessels the 21st Century (TEA-21) expired Sept. • Development and maintenance of wearing life jackets. 30, 2003. This legislation was sustained by boating access facilities • Boats and equipment used should be in optimal condition. a series of short-term extensions while • Development of marine sanitation • Show safe body positions for operator negotiations continued between Congress facilities and the White House over several issues in and passengers. the overall bill, none of which were related • Acquisition and improvement of sport fish • Show boats operating in a safe manner. to reauthorization of Wallop-Breaux. habitat • Do not show alcohol consumption. During the lengthy extensions and • Stocking of fish • If unsafe behavior is shown to make a debate, the National Association of State point of boating safety, that point • Fisheries research Boating Law Administrators collaborated should be clear. with numerous boating safety interests to • Surveys and inventories of sport fish voice support for the reauthorization. populations For more information on the Seal of Safe Boating Practices, visit In February 2005, U.S. Sens. Trent • Outreach and communications effort Lott (R-Miss.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) www.nasbla.org or call 859.225.9487. introduced a bill to reauthorize the fund. Congressman Clay Shaw (R-Florida) was instrumental in the effort to regain the misdirected fuel tax money. On July 29,

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 2 U.S. Coast Guard Reminds Boaters: You’re in Command Aboard Your Personal Watercraft

By John M. Malatak, Chief, Program Operations Division, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety

As the fall season is upon us, many a safety brochure, entitled, “Know. . .Before U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety boaters are planning one last outing before You Go!” www.uscgboating.org the swimsuits are packed away, the boats go up on the “hard pan,” and the personal Advice outlined in the brochure National Association of watercraft (PWCs), canoes, kayaks and includes: State Boating Law Administrators sailboats go back into storage. 1. Always attach your engine shut-off www.nasbla.org So, as boaters prepare to take their lanyard. PWCs out for one last weekend of family 2. Never allow passengers to ride in National Safe Boating Council fun, they are urged to remember “You’re in front of the operator. www.safeboatingcouncil.org Command” – you are driving a fun-filled 3. Always stay clear of the intake grate and, at times, fast boat. and water jet. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Although not as visible as their larger 4. Scan constantly for swimmers, www.cgaux.org boat cousins, personal watercraft have objects and other watercraft. become increasingly popular in United States Power Squadrons® recreational boating areas since exploding While including tips specific to PWC www.usps.org onto the market in the late 1980s and early operators such as these, the main message 1990s. While sales of the vessels peaked in of the brochure is that because these vessels The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all 1995, current statistics indicate that these share the waters with their larger boat boat owners and operators to help reduce recreational boats are still making a splash cousins, it’s important that PWC operators fatalities, injuries, property damage, and with approximately 80,000 units sold associated healthcare costs related to annually. In total, the recreational boating Personal Watercraft Industry accidents by taking personal Association (PWIA) responsibility for their own estimates that in any given safety and the safety of their year, 20 million Americans passengers. Essential steps own, rent or borrow a PWC include always wearing a life to enjoy fun on the water. jacket and requiring According to the passengers to do the same; PWIA, PWCs maintain a never boating under the high safety rating – 90 influence; completing a percent accident-free every boating safety course; and year. However, the Coast Guard reminds know and follow the same rules that all getting a free vessel safety check annually boaters that when operating these vessels, boaters should obey on the water. from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the standard safety tenets represented in Personal watercraft have given United States Power Squadrons® vessel the “You’re in Command. Boat millions the opportunity to experience the examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds Responsibly!” initiative still apply: exhilaration of being on the water. But, all boaters, “You're in Command. Boat even in these smaller vessels, getting on the Responsibly!” 1. Always wear a life jacket. water without following safety precautions 2. Never boat under the influence can quickly spell disaster for those just For more information, visit: (BUI). trying to have a fun day on the water. www.USCGboating.org 3. Take a boating education course. To download a copy of the brochure www.safeboatingcouncil.org 4. Get a vessel safety check (VSC). or order printed copies, visit www.VesselSafetyCheck.org http://www.uscgboating.org/articles/boati In order to promote these safety ngview.aspx?id=89. Information is also available by calling messages to the millions of Americans who To learn more about personal the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at enjoy PWCs, the U.S. Coast Guard, in watercraft safety or boating laws in your 800.368.5647. collaboration with the American Boat and area, contact the following organizations: Yacht Council (ABYC), recently produced

3 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory associate SPOTLIGHT

Longtime NASBLA Member Continues Focusing on Education, Safety

The American Kawasaki Public Affairs Director Roger Hagie, Motorcycle Corp. was founded in “we were immediately drawn to the March 1966. According to the educational mission of NASBLA, information on their website, and (unlike some in the marine www.kawasaki.com, the company industry at that time) quickly grew started with practically nothing – no to see the benefits of mandatory customers, no distributors and no education.” image. But they had something more It was also at this conference important – a strong desire to that the seed was planted for what succeed and a promise from the became, a little over a year later, the factory to supply the best products. PWC industry's first Public Safety The new corporation negotiated Loan program. with several private companies “It quickly became obvious to around the United States to Twenty million Americans enjoy personal watercraft each year, according to a government survey. Kawasaki that the twin efforts of distribute the first bikes, which were Available in many styles and sizes, these vessels offer families a convenient, affordable, high- education and enforcement were the performance way to recreate on the water. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. sold under the brand name Omega. most effective way to improve But U.S. riders wanted more boating safety (and the boating of the Personal Watercraft Industry excitement, so Kawasaki responded with a experience),” said Hagie. Association) in what was then the North pair of potent rotary valve twins. This was Kawasaki has benefited from its Central regional meeting in Gettysburg, the first indication that Kawasaki would NASBLA membership through the Penn. become a company specializing in high- opportunity to build relationships with During this meeting, the Kawasaki performance fun. the boating education and law representatives presented information A second operation, Eastern Kawasaki enforcement community. These about the still-small but growing personal Motorcycle Corp., had been established to relationships have helped shape Kawasaki’s watercraft (PWC) market and provided a handle east coast distribution. In 1968, subsequent education initiatives: a series of demonstration opportunity that gave most this firm and the original Chicago in-crate videos and printed materials that attendees their first-ever hands-on company merged to form Kawasaki have been widely distributed to state and exposure to PWCs. While there was some Motors Corp., U.S.A. in Southern other authorities for use in safety and understandable skepticism about PWCs, it California. education programs, the refinement of the clearly marked a turning point toward In 1973 Kawasaki pioneered the loan program, and the corporation’s acceptance of these new craft as part of the personal watercraft business. And the current sponsored online boating boating community. 1980s saw further expansion into ATVs education course, PWCSafetySchool.com. “Because Kawasaki has a long and utility vehicles. involvement in education and training Kawasaki joined NASBLA nearly 20 with our other products,” said Kawasaki’s years ago, after participating (as a member State Legislators Ride Kawasaki Watercraft Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., provided two of its latest JET SKI watercraft for product rides at the annual American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference.

The product familiarization is part of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association’s (PWIA) effort to acquaint state political leaders with the fun and enjoyment of boating. This year’s ALEC conference was held on the shores of Lake Grapevine near Dallas, Texas.

More than 75 legislators from dozens of states took advantage of the opportunity to ride the 2005 Kawasaki STX®-15F and the 2005 STX-12F. This was the second consecutive year that Kawasaki has participated with the PWIA and the state legislators to showcase the latest JET SKI watercraft technology.

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 4 People NASBLA President Presents Award West Virginia In May 2005, NASBLA President having visited nearly all 50 states, has Scouts Earn Award Randy Edwards presented Capt. Scott given him a diverse background that helps Evans with the NASBLA President’s him relate to the unique needs of the While West Virginia's Monongahela River Award. Capt. Evans received this honor in recreational boating public throughout the is pretty far from the sea, a crew of Sea Scouts recognition of his leadership and United States. from Westover, W.Va., still had what it takes to commitment to promoting boating safety A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Coast win the BoatU.S. National Sea Scout Flagship as a valued partner of the National Guard Academy, Capt. Scott Evans served Award for 2005. Association of State Boating Law as a search and rescue helicopter pilot for Eight members of the crew, two adults Administrators in his role as chief of the over 21 years. His assignments included and six youth, traveled to Dallas, Texas, to U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety. Savannah, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Mobile, Ala.; accept the Flagship trophy May 27 at the Boy In July 2001, Capt. Evans was Corpus Christi, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; Scouts of America Annual Meeting. Record- appointed chief of the Coast Guard’s Pensacola, Fla.; Boston, Mass.; and the breaking around-the-world sailor and aviator Office of Boating Safety. For more than American Embassy in Nassau, the Bahamas. and BSA Venturing Committee Chair Steve three years, he provided the guidance and Following his term as chief of the Fossett presented the Flagship Award on behalf leadership required to carry out the Office of Boating Safety, Capt. Evans was of BoatU.S. along with Charles Holmes, development, coordination and appointed to a new position. The director of BSA's Venturing Division. This is implementation of a National Operations Policy Directorate (G-OP) the fourth year for the Flagship Award, Recreational Boating Safety Program and created the position of deputy director in originated by BoatU.S. in 2002 to mark the to lead the Coast Guard’s efforts at October 2004 to support the director in 90th anniversary of Sea Scouting and the first reducing fatalities, injuries and property losses the oversight of the eight offices time given to a non-coastal Ship. in recreational boating in the United States. comprising (G-OP). Sea Scout Ship 46, Arcturus, of Westover, An avid boater, Capt. Evans has Earlier this year, Capt. Evans retired W.Va., ranked tops in the nation for its owned various boats since age 12. He has from the Coast Guard and has since been excellence in program quality, youth sailed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the selected as executive director of Sail achievement and adult commitment. Like all Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the America, the sailing trade industry group. Sea Scout units, Ship 46 uses boats,

Caribbean. This experience, along with seamanship and nautical skills to develop character and leadership qualities in young people. The ship, with 20 male and female Scouts, aged 14 to 20, made attaining the Flagship Award its mission for all of 2004. In the process the Ship compiled an impressive record of accomplishments, including 47 days of on- water activities. These ranged from formal training in boating handling, rules of the road and safety drills to boat maintenance, electronics and engine repair with a good measure of fun thrown in, such as water skiing and tubing. In addition to operating its 36-foot Chris Craft Cavalier on the river and sailing small boats on nearby lakes, Ship 46 doesn't let the inland location keep its Scouts off the high seas. Last year, the young people organized a two-week bare boat charter in the British Virgin Islands aboard a Beneteau 50 sloop. Sea Scouting is a co-ed program for young adults age 14-20 and nearly 7,000 youth participate in 550 Ships nationwide. For more information, contact [email protected].

Capt. Scott Evans, former chief of the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, receives the NASBLA President’s Award from Randy Edwards, president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The award recognizes Capt. Evans’ leadership and commitment to promoting boating safety. Staff photo

5 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Iowa Water Patrol Officers Save Boater

On July 23, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., seasonal Water Patrol Officers Matt Bruner and Bill Wineland, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), were patrolling on Saylorville Lake in Polk County. As they headed south near the Cherry Glen boat ramp, both officers noticed a yellow personal watercraft floating about 80 feet off shore with no one on it. As they passed the unoccupied vessel, Officer Bruner noticed a life jacket in the water. As Officer Wineland looked closer at the jacket, he thought he saw a body, but they could only see the back of the jacket, and it was low in the water. The officers quickly approached the life jacket and determined that there was a person in it. Officer Wineland quickly notified the state radio dispatcher of the situation and requested rescue units be sent immediately. On his third attempt, Officer Bruner reached the subject and Iowa Water Patrol Officers Bill Wineland and Matt Bruner on routine patrol on Saylorville Lake in Polk County. Photo courtesy Iowa DNR rolled him over in the water. Officer Wineland then observed a quarter-sized they neared the shore, beached the patrol the subject’s pulse came back regular and wound to the subject’s right temple. boat, retrieved his pocket CPR mask from strong and he also began breathing at a Officer Wineland began guiding the his bag and jumped into the water. The regular rate, but in a gasping manner. boat to shore while Officer Bruner held on officers got the subject to shore and placed The officers continued to monitor the to the subject. As they neared the shore, him on his back. Both officers quickly victim until help arrived and took over the Officer Bruner began having difficulty checked for a pulse. They determined that medical care. The victim, later identified holding onto the subject in the choppy the subject did not have a pulse and was as Nicholas Evans of West Des Moines, water. He jumped into the water and not breathing. Officer Wineland began was transported to Mercy Hospital where continued to pull the subject toward shore. rescue breathing while Officer Bruner did he made a full recovery. Officer Wineland updated state radio as chest compressions. After four repetitions,

High. Lynda married Doug family. She was a devoted wife, mother, In Memory Henriksen on May 9, 1981, grandmother, daughter and sister. The National Association of after her previous marriage While not directly involved in State Boating Law ended in divorce. Together she boating safety, Lynda was dedicated to the Administrators (NASBLA) is sad and Doug had a mixed family field. to announce the loss of Lynda of four children. “She was a great asset to the Henriksen, a dedicated member She was employed by the [Numbering & Titling] committee, and active participant in the Washington State Department particularly in its consideration of the of Licensing for almost 30 Uniform Certificate of Title Act organization’s Numbering & Lynda Henriksen Titling Committee. years. developed by the National Conference of Lynda died on July 17, “Lynda's work and the Commissioners on Uniform State Laws,” 2005, from injuries sustained in a people she worked with were a big part of said Ron Sarver, NASBLA’s deputy director. motorcycle accident in Olympia, her life. She was a friend, a colleague and In addition to her work with the Washington. a leader who will be greatly missed,” said committee, Lynda was also active with the Born on December 12, 1953 at Deb McCurley, administrator with the Western States Boating Administrators Larson Air Force Base Hospital in the Department of Licensing. Association. state of Washington, Lynda attended She was active in her church and The family suggests memorials be school at McChord Air Force Base; Toul served on the Board of the Mountain made to the Olympia Union Gospel Rosiers, France; Sembach, Germany; and View Church of the Nazarene for many Mission, PO Box 7668, Olympia, WA Dysart High School in Glendale, Arizona. years. Lynda loved people and her church 98507-7668. She completed high school at Tumwater

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 6 Meet Bobber the Water Safety Dog By Kimberly Hermes

Bobber the Water Safety Dog is catfish, demonstrates a lack of continuing on his journey to help boating safety. By making water educate children about the safety mistakes and having his importance of practicing safe cartoon friends help and correct boating and swimming habits him, the water safety message while recreating on and around permeates the entertainment and water. He’s just released a new interest supplied by the characters. cartoon to teach kids about the importance of wearing a life Bobber the Water Safety Dog was jacket. created for the Corps’ National Water Safety Program by Toby Bobber is the animated spokesdog Isbell, a visual information for the U.S. Army Corps of specialist for the U.S. Army Corps Engineers’ water safety campaign. of Engineers, Little Rock District. Water safety is an integral part of Don Harris, chief of management the Corps’ mission, and Bobber support branch in Fort Worth helps relay water safety messages Water Safety Dog is always around District for the U.S. Army Corps of to the public through the website to rescue them and encourage Engineers, supplies the voices for www.bobber.info. them to be safe. Two puppies, the characters in the cartoons. Corkey and Sinker, and an old, Using cartoons and games, Bobber grumpy bulldog named Tackle are In addition to Bobber’s second and his safety messages are geared the cartoon’s star performers. cartoon, the Corps of Engineers primarily toward children. has recently finished a new However, as children share what The puppies demonstrate coloring book featuring the they’ve learned with friends and swimming safety lessons. Corkey talking dog. The coloring book will family, Bobber’s messages reach sets the good example, while be available through the Corps adults as well. Sinker, as his name implies, has a National Water Safety Program tendency to sink and has to be and lake office sources starting The Bobber cartoons consist of rescued by Bobber. Tackle, a December 1, 2005. different characters that get into retired football mascot who lives trouble while boating and in a doghouse boat and fishes for "Our plan is to continue rounding swimming. Luckily, Bobber the out the Bobber program to include at least two more water safety- themed cartoons, a few games, Water and Boating Safety Tips from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers downloadable coloring sheets, • Learn to swim. posters and more," said Lynda • Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat. Nutt, with the U.S. Army Corps of • Don’t take chances, by over estimating your swimming skills. Engineers National Operations • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Center for Water Safety. "We’d • Never swim alone. eventually like to have the entire • Know your boat and know the rules of the road. Take a safe boating course. package available on CD." • Check your boat for all required safety equipment. • Don’t overload the boat. • If you will be in a powerboat, check your electrical system and fuel system for For more information on the Corps gas fumes. of Engineers’ National Water • Follow manufacturer’s suggested procedures BEFORE starting up the engine. Safety Program, visit • Wear your life jacket – don’t just carry one on board. http://watersafety.usace. army.mil. • Leave the alcohol behind. • Check the weather forecast. • File a float plan with a member of your family or friend.

7 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Kids Learn Boating Safety at Camp WADE

By Kimberly Hermes

The Houston (Texas) Safe Boating Sponsored by the Houston Safe in the water – the students are presented Council Inc. has developed a remarkable Boating Council and the Clear Lake Area the material in a round robin atmosphere. boating safety program for kids. It’s so Chamber of Commerce, the day-camp was First, the students receive classroom remarkable that, in March 2005, the created to increase water-safety awareness instruction in handling procedures, Texas National Safe Boating Council selected its among young people. This, in turn, would boating laws and boating courtesy. Next, creators to receive the annual Boating increase safety on the area’s waterways. the students go to the water to test their Safety Youth Program Award. “By putting better educated boaters newly learned skills and knowledge. At the This award recognizes individuals and with better attitudes on the waterways, we end of the session, the students take a organizations that have developed and believe that the public waters are a safer written and skills test and, upon course successfully implemented innovative place to recreate,” said Russell Grimes, completion, receive their Texas Boater youth boating education programs senior police officer with the Houston Basic Certification by the Texas Parks & targeting safety issues and concerns of Police Department and president of the Wildlife Division. national interest. Houston Safe Boating Council. Grimes “The WADE program was designed The award-winning Camp WADE is gave a well-attended presentation on the to be used by anyone that has knowledge a water safety event developed for teens program during the 2005 International of water safety and boating and the desire ages 14 to 18. With WADE standing for Boating and Water Safety Summit. He to impart that knowledge to young “Water Activity Day Events,” the camp later accepted the program’s award on people,” said Grimes. offers three days of classroom instruction behalf of the Houston Safe Boating For more information on Camp along with in-the-water, hands-on training Council. WADE, call the Clear Lake Area Chamber in the operation of powerboats, sailboats, Camp WADE classes are held on of Commerce at 281.488.7676. kayaks and personal watercraft. Segments three consecutive days from 8 a.m. to 5 on personal flotation devices, legal p.m. Following a swim test – administered requirements, trailering, aids to navigation to determine each student’s comfort level and vessel maintenance are also covered.

Award Available for Youth-Oriented Boating Education Programs If you are involved with a kids’ boating safety program, students under 18 years of age. Selection priority will be consider entering it in an awards competition. In 2006, the given to unique or innovative programs with the primary National Safe Boating Council will select one national goal of increasing boating safety awareness among youth. recipient for its annual Boating Safety Youth Program Award. This award is bestowed on an individual or To receive the award, successful applicants must agree to organization which has created and implemented a high- attend the 2006 International Boating and Water Safety quality youth-oriented boating education program. Summit and present a session on their award-winning youth program. The 2006 Summit will be held April 30-May 3, The goal of the Boating Safety Youth Program Award is to 2006, in Palm Harbor, Fla. Travel, two nights’ lodging and encourage the development of innovative boating safety subsistence based on federal allowance will be covered for a education programs directed at youth. An additional goal is representative of the award winner. to make these original programs available and to encourage their use in many areas. For more information, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

The award includes a cash grant to be used for the implementation or enhancement of a youth boating education program. The grant may be used to purchase necessary safety equipment, audio visual aids, printing, teaching aids, program promotion and advertisement, rental time of pool or waterfront facilities, transportation costs to on-water sites, and other costs associated with the advancement of the program.

To be considered for this award, download the application posted online at www.safeboatingcouncil.org. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2005.

Award applications will be evaluated by NSBC staff based on criteria that includes a program description, budget proposal and availability of the program to be duplicated by Russell Grimes (center), with the Houston Police Department accepts the Boating Safety Youth Award on behalf of others. For a youth boating program to qualify, it must the Houston Safe Boating Council. Laurie Fried, representative from West Marine, and Ed Carter, chairman of the integrate safety practices into the program and be aimed at NSBC, presented the award to Grimes for the council’s youth boating safety education program, Camp WADE. West Marine is the proud sponsor the Boating Safety Youth Award Program.

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 8 The Evolution of the Standards Movement By Gail R. Kulp

If we can say anything about the 20th teachers convey the information in any When a boating safety course is century, it is that it was an era of standards. way they choose. Therein lies the problem. submitted for review, it is exposed to a Although the 20th century ended, the Maybe the legislators should take a rigorous system of standards that it must standards movement is still going strong. closer look at the Boating Safety meet in order to be approved. NASBLA’s We see standards being implemented in all Education program. They might be National Boating Education Standards aspects of our lives. surprised by how innovative our process is document contains nine standards and The movie industry has recently and all that it entails. close to a hundred sub-standards. A course agreed on the standard of recording movies The standards movement came to the that is missing just one of the sub- to a digital format when filming. The Web boating industry in 1998, and those who standards will not be accepted for Standards Project is fighting for standards were involved in its inception have worked approval. that will ensure that everyone has simple hard to standardize the courses – not the The course provider is given the task and affordable access to the World Wide people. Based on empirical boating of writing goals and learning objectives Web. Even the paper that this article has accident and violation statistics, the set of that cover each of the standards. These been printed on is standardized based on standards establishes a minimum body of goals and learning objectives are then the paper’s size and the ink quality. knowledge necessary to maintain safe, referenced using specific pages in the However, we aren’t the only ones being legal and enjoyable boating. course textbook. Upon review, each exposed to the standards movement. Our children, in public schools across the country, deal with standards as well. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the standards movement has finally tried to standardize people. According to the No Child Left Behind Act, by the 2013-14 school year, all children across the country will be passing their state assessments at 100 percent proficiency. Unlike the food we eat and the cars we drive, children can never be standardized. A farmer could easily grow 100 rows of corn and each ear will have a slightly different number of kernels, but the corn will still taste the same and look the same to the average person. The same cannot be said for our children. We cannot ensure that all of our children will be raised and nurtured in the same way. Yet, according to the new standards movement in education, all children should be able to achieve perfect scores on their tests by 2013. This isn’t possible. There is nothing wrong with the Standards Movement in Education, but the legislators are going about it from the wrong angle. Instead of trying to standardize the children’s test scores, they should be standardizing the textbooks, curricula, and the teaching methods used with the children. If the Department of Education could prove that every textbook contained the same information and that every teacher was teaching the information in the same way, then education would become a standardized process. As of right now, however, the textbooks have different Seasonal Water Patrol Officer Heidi Jordet with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reviews a boater education exam with a student. content in every school system and the Photo courtesy Iowa Department of Natural Resources

9 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory reference is cross-checked for accuracy and the entire textbook is read to ensure that no errors were inadvertently printed. In addition, each course provider must create an exam consisting of at least 50 multiple-choice questions according to NASBLA’s Testing Standards. During the review, each question on the final exam is read and the information pertained in the questions is evaluated for accuracy. All of these steps are taken to ensure that only the best boating safety courses are being taught to the general public. Even though each boating safety course can have its own textbook and exam, the An officer teaches boating safety in a traditional classroom-based boating education course. Photo courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks National Boating Education Standards makes certain that each textbook and exam covers the same information, which safety course if the additional information For more information on the national is drawn from the standards. can be shown to assist the boat operator in boating education standards, please visit The standards do not prescribe the learning safe boating practices. www.nasbla.org and click on the link for sequence of the course material; therefore, Although we have not solved all of the “Education Course National Standards.” the course provider may organize the challenges that accompany the standards information as he or she prefers. The movement, the boating safety education standards also allow a course provider to community has shown that it is possible to add additional information to a boating standardize courses instead of people.

NASBLA Updates Course Approval Process

Nearly 120 boating courses are reducing risk in recreational boating based state authority for review of state-specific currently approved by the National on empirical accident and boating questions and any additional required state Association of State Boating Law violation statistics. enhancements. Administrators (NASBLA). NASBLA’s National Boating After approving the course, the state What does this mean? Education Standards include nine sends the entire course package to To be NASBLA-approved, a course standards and nearly one-hundred sub- NASBLA with notice that the course is must fulfill the minimum content standards. All standards and sub-standards approved for the state. The Education standards required by the organization. must be met for a course to be approved. Committee chairperson then issues an NASBLA developed its minimum approval letter to the course provider. content for boating education courses Course Approval Process If, at any time, during the review more than a decade ago. These standards With the hiring of Gail Kulp as its process the course is deemed incomplete, have served as a guide for state, non-profit education director, NASBLA has the course provider is notified of the and commercial course providers to follow streamlined its course approval process. deficiencies and given the opportunity to in developing boating education materials. The first step for a course provider is modify the course and resubmit it. In July 1998, NASBLA contracted with a to fill out a review application, education A list of all approved courses is research team anchored at the standards checklist and Appendices A-H, maintained by NASBLA and is updated Pennsylvania State University to evaluate and submit them, along with the entire regularly on the NASBLA website at the existing guidelines and develop a new course, to NASBLA headquarters. www.nasbla.org. In addition, all necessary minimum “standard of care” for boating Kulp reviews the course for standards forms for submitting a course for approval education. covering boat capacity, registration, are available online. Approved September 22, 1999, this equipment, trip planning and preparation, For more information, visit new set of standards is intended to marine environment, safe boating www.nasbla.org or contact Gail Kulp at prescribe the minimum body of operation, emergency preparedness, other [email protected] or 859.225.9487. knowledge necessary to ensure safe, legal water activities, and boat operator exams. and enjoyable boating. In addition, the Upon approval, the course provider proposed standard of care is predicated on then sends the entire course to the proper

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 10 Education Opportunities Abound By Kimberly Hermes

Recreational boating remains a – education increases boating enjoyment A recent Coast Guard study shows popular pastime in the United States. for outdoor enthusiasts. that people are taking advantage of these According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, Boater licensing and education is educational offerings. In 2004 alone, 12,781,476 boats were registered in becoming more prevalent across the 432,179 boaters earned their safe boating America in 2004. It’s estimated that more country. The 1988 Boating Safety Manual, certification by completing courses than 70 million people participate in produced by the U.S. Coast Guard, shows approved by the National Association of recreational boating in this country every that just 20 years ago no states mandated State Boating Law Administrators year. operator licensing or boating safety (NASBLA). Unfortunately, boating does have its education. By 1996, four states – risks. Last year, 676 boaters died in boat Maryland, Vermont, Connecticut and Tradition Remains Trendy accidents on America’s waters. The Coast Alabama – required some type of licensing “Many people prefer the traditional Guard estimates that 70 percent of these and 18 states mandated education. Today, classroom setting where they can directly deaths occurred on boats where the 44 states and territories have implemented interact with the instructor,” said Wayne operator had not received any boating some type of mandatory boating safety Stacey, Education/Instruction Specialist safety instruction. education. with the U.S. Coast Guard Office of It's increasingly important for boaters Boaters have numerous opportunities Boating Safety. to learn boating skills and seamanship in to learn about boating safety. With Realizing this, boating organizations order to maintain safety on the waterways. traditional teaching techniques, distance offer free or low-cost boating courses In addition to reducing the risks – loss of learning and outreach efforts, boater through traditional teaching techniques, life, personal injury and property damage education is readily available. i.e., classroom courses. Providing a

During a Boating and Water Safety Awareness course, Education Specialist Walt Dietz, with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, discusses how to properly fit a life jacket. Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

11 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory familiar learning environment for most people, these classes are usually taught either by agency employees or volunteers. Often when folks think of a classroom, they think of children. Numerous states have initiated education efforts aimed at schoolchildren. More than 40 states now offer boating education in public schools. A couple examples of these school-based programs are described below. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Boating and Water Safety Awareness course was developed to promote boating and water safety education among students. Geared toward those in grades 6-12, the eight-hour course involves both classroom and in-water work. In class, students learn boat terminology, state boating waters, legal requirements, special water activities, fire prevention, required and recommended equipment, hazards to boaters, accident Community outreach is an important aspect in the education program developed by the Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation. During National Safe Boating prevention, navigation rules, state Week, boating safety specialists teach children and their parents about the importance of wearing a life jacket. Photo courtesy Hawaii Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation operation requirements and aids to navigation. The in-water sessions include demonstrations and practice in the use of Across the country, natural resource chapter course designed to appeal to personal flotation devices, cold-water departments, conservation agencies, hunters, anglers, personal watercraft survival, rescue techniques and proper sheriff’s offices, as well as private operators and other boaters. boat procedures. companies, offer basic classroom courses For those who want additional The California Department of for boaters. These cover general training after completing a basic course, Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) has information concerning boats and various multi-lesson courses are available, also developed a successful boating maintenance; information about boat including coastal navigation, personal program for public schools. The safety equipment and how to make watercraft safety, piloting, the global department developed its AquaSMART boating safer and more comfortable; positioning system, sailing, paddlesports curriculum to educate school-age children boating safety tips; and state-specific safety, powerboat handling and more. about water safety. Course materials cover boating laws and regulations. a variety of topics involving boating and The United States Power Squadrons From a Distance aquatic safety. Nearly 500,000 elementary (USPS) offers a comprehensive classroom In today’s society, numerous activities school students benefit from the course. The Squadron Boating Course vie for people’s personal time. And so, AquaSMART education programs annually. presents the fundamentals of safe boat finding time to sit through an eight-hour Cal Boating also disseminates the handling and operation and basic piloting. course is becoming increasingly difficult AquaSMART Boating program for high Designed to be of interest to the entire for boaters. For those with limited time for school students. Four types of boating are family, including children, the course can class, distance learning is an attractive addressed: personal watercraft, power usually be completed in six two-hour option for boater education. boating, sailing and paddling. The course classroom sessions. Many state and federal agencies, is available to schools, aquatic centers and Boat Smart, geared toward all boaters, boating organizations and private youth organizations. For more from the angler in an outboard to the companies now provide distance learning information, visit www.dbw.ca.gov. skipper of a cruiser or sailboat, is another opportunities in the form of Internet Education isn’t just for kids. Basic course offered by the USPS. It covers the courses, videos, CD-ROMs and home boating courses are available for boaters of same safe boat handling and operation study manuals. These options allow all ages. Offered by various boating material as the Squadron Boating Course in boaters to learn in the comfort of their organizations, these courses typically take eight hours. Many classes are offered in a homes at a pace that fits into their busy place for eight hours on a single day. single day and this course satisfies the state lifestyles. Others are taught in two 4-hour sessions certification requirements. One such distance learning to give students time to absorb the large The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, in curriculum is America's Boating Course. It amount of subject matter being taught. cooperation with the Power Squadrons, can be taken three ways: on the Internet, offers Boating Safely, an eight-hour, eight- by studying an 80-page course manual or

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 12 with a CD-ROM. Designed for skippers and crew of all types of watercraft, America's Boating Course is a unique study program covering the fundamentals of boating. Boaters can complete the course with an online exam. Or, in states that require a proctored exam, boaters can work one-on-one with a local squadron. With the rapid growth of the Internet, web-based courses are gaining popularity. Three years ago, about half of the 56 U.S. territories and states accepted certificates earned by passing an Internet- based boating safety course. Today, only about 10 states do not accept Internet course certificates. Several private organizations offer online boating education courses. Some of the more popular NASBLA-approved courses are those available from BoatEd, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, Marine University, American Boating Education and BoaterExam.com. Online courses Past COMO Marilyn Coffman of Juneau, Alaska, points out local Aids to Navigation to students in the Boating Skills and Seamanship class. Photo courtesy U.S. reach thousands of boaters each year. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Reaching Out The North American Safe Boating information, see the articles on pages 7, 8 While not constituting “formal Campaign is funded through a grant from and 14. education,” and therefore not offering the Aquatic Resources (Wallop-Breaux) certification, numerous exhibits, parades, Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Boater Education Benefits All assemblies, activity-based programs and Coast Guard. For more information, visit Clearly, educational opportunities other events work to promote boating www.safeboatingcouncil.org. abound for boaters. The big obstacle to safety. These outreach efforts give boaters Another outreach effort is the Youth overcome is persuading boaters of their an opportunity to talk in person with and Education Program developed by the need for becoming educated. ask questions of law enforcement officers Ohio-based Spirit of America Foundation. Taking an approved boating safety and boating safety specialists. The goal of this program is to extend and course offers numerous benefits. First, In addition to providing resources to enhance curricula in public middle school participants learn boating safety skills, boaters, such events can also provide non- to include hands-on training of watercraft- equipment requirements and pertinent boaters their first encounter with a boating and boating-related activities. Geared laws. This helps them become better- activity. Piquing interest in new boaters is toward seventh-graders, the instruction informed resource-users. important for the growth of recreational helps students to develop self-esteem, Additionally, course participants learn boating. teamwork skills, safe seamanship and how to avoid and prepare for boating A good example of an outreach venue boating practices. emergencies. Consider the fact that almost is the North American Safe Boating The Oregon State Marine Board has 500 people died on boats where the Campaign, spearheaded by the National also developed a curriculum for children. operator had not received boating safety Safe Boating Council. This annual event The Jr. Boater Program introduces instruction. It’s clear that this type of began in 1957 as a grassroots outreach concepts of boating and water safety to preparation is urgently needed on the program and has developed into a large- elementary and middle school children. It country’s waterways. scale, national campaign. engages participants in fun, hands-on The campaign kicks off each year water and boating safety activities. For with National Safe Boating Week, which more information, visit takes place during the first full week before www.boatoregon.com. Memorial Day weekend. To participate, Editor’s Note: Other outreach efforts boating organizations across the country targeting children, such as Bobber the Water plan an assortment of events and activities Safety Dog, Kids KNOW and Camp to promote boating safety to the public. W.A.D.E are discussed in this magazine. For

13 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory New Program Helps Kids KNOW About Water Safety

By Kimberly Hermes

Drowning remains the second leading Immediately following the child’s organized a Kids KNOW Water Safety cause of unintentional injury-related drowning, Colella’s boss at Maryland Week for the first week in May. The week deaths among children ages 1 to 14, DNR asked him to create a water safety included various activities, educational claiming more than 900 children’s lives poster. Not only did Colella make the presentations and boating safety courses each year. What’s worse is that almost 90 poster but he also made water safety his for adults and children. The week percent of drownings occurred when the own personal mission. He developed Kids concluded with the Kids KNOW Festival child was being supervised. Knowledge Necessary on Water – or the at a local state park. In April 2005, research by the Kids KNOW® program – to educate Colella has some help administering National SAFE KIDS Campaign (now children and their parents about water the program. Cpl. Harry L. Rhule serves as known as Safe Kids Worldwide) and safety. The program covers water safety at coordinator for Kids KNOW. Together, Johnson & Johnson shows that 88 percent home, at pools and in and around open Colella and Rhule have secured financial of children who drowned were under the water, boating safety, and ice and other and donation commitments from various supervision of another person, usually a winter hazards. corporations for the water safety program. family member. Supervision was defined as Through the generous support of these being in the care of another individual, not necessarily in their direct line of sight. Brian Colella has no trouble believing these facts. He almost drowned twice when growing up – once as a child when he jumped from a floating raft and again as a teen when he pushed off from a boat in deep water and could not make it back to shore. Fortunately, he was rescued both Colella contacts area schools to set up sponsors, they were able to hand out free times. appearances. Surprisingly, some school life jackets, body float suits, and other Some children are not so lucky. And officials turn him down. He recounted safety items during the inaugural Kids those are the children Colella hopes to that representatives at one school even told KNOW Water Safety Week and related save. him that they weren’t sure the program was festival. Colella joined the Maryland necessary. In addition, they are giving out a free Department of Natural Resources (DNR) The schools who welcome Colella water safety packet to every child they can as a volunteer reserve officer five years ago. receive a well-organized, attention- reach through retail stores, restaurants, This has proven to be an eye-opening grabbing presentation. He tries his best to marine stores, grocery stores and state experience for him. impart his water safety message to the agencies. In addition to the Maryland "Living and working on the water has student. And he doesn’t sugarcoat the Department of Natural Resources, the given me the opportunity to see some very message. Vanessa Franko, staff writer for Florida Division of Recreation & Parks has frightening things. I can’t believe how The Capital newspaper in Annapolis, Md., adopted Kids KNOW. many adults in our country lack even basic described one of Colella’s recent school Colella is seeking corporate sponsors knowledge about water safety," said visits: and partners to help expand the program. Colella. "The vast number of water-related During a recent appearance at His goal is to take it nationwide. deaths could have been avoided if only Edgewater Elementary, hundreds of For more information about the Kids adults and children had basic water safety jaws dropped at once when the officer KNOW® program, visit knowledge." told students dramatic drowning www.kidsknow.org or call The drowning death of a three-year- stories about kids just like them. 866.569.KNOW (866.569.5669). old Maryland boy last July intensified Colella’s desire to help. The toddler told Colella admitted, "I’ll scare the living his dad he wanted to take a nap. His father daylights out of them if it keeps them removed the boy’s life jacket. The boy fell safe." asleep on the back of the boat, rolled off To promote water safety awareness and drowned. outside of the schools he visits, Colella

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 14 boating BRIEFS

Boating Participation Expected to Increase Oregon Deems While marine recreational 2.95 percent this year to 2.92 in 2010, Platform Dragging participation rates in the United States are according to NOAA. expected to decline, the actual number of Similarly, personal watercraft Illegal participants is predicted to rise, according participation is predicted to increase from Beginning in 2006, platform to the results of The National Survey on 5.77 million people to 5.99 million, while dragging – also known as teak surfing – Recreation and the Environment, participation rates are expected to decline will be illegal in Oregon. conducted by the National Oceanic and from 2.55 percent to Platform dragging is when a passenger Atmospheric Administration. 2.50 percent. hangs onto the rear of the boat to be “This is due to the fact that forecasted pulled through the water until the boat's population growth more than offsets Using its wake builds enough to allow body surfing. projected declines in participation rates,” projection of the Senate Bill 56, recently passed by the NOAA explained in its report, Projected number of 2005 legislature, makes the activity illegal. Participation in Marine Recreation: participants and the A number of dangers are associated 2005 & 2010. total days of with platform dragging. An obvious Motorboating participation participation, NOAA also danger is the swimmer's proximity to the is expected to grow from calculated the estimated boat propeller. Another not-so-obvious 15.95 million people in percent growth over the periods danger is carbon monoxide (CO) 2005 to 16.70 million 2000-2005 and 2000-2010. poisoning. In addition to these dangers, in 2010, NOAA The percent growth in platform dragging is usually done without reported. participants was 5.77 percent (2000- a life jacket because it inhibits body 2005) and 10.77 percent (2000-2010) for surfing. When combined, these elements motorboating; 5.82 percent (2000-2005) create a very hazardous activity. and 10.84 percent (2000-2010) for “One of the saddest stories I've heard sailing; and 5.94 percent (2000-2005) and involving CO poisoning and teak surfing, Motorboating participation rates 9.97 percent (2000-2010) for PWC use. involved a dad and his five-year-old son,” are expected to decline from The percent growth in total days of recalls Jyll Smith, public information 7.04 percent this year to 6.97 participation was 4.08 percent (2000- officer for the Oregon State Marine percent in 2010. 2005) and 7.16 percent (2000-2010) for Board. “The family was enjoying a fun Sailing participation is motorboating; 7.97 percent (2000-2005) filled day on the water. The adults were expected to jump from 6.69 million and 14.33 percent (2000-2010) for teak surfing and after numerous pleads people this year to 7 million in 2010, sailing; and 5.67 percent (2000-2005) and from the son to be allowed to 'surf', the while participation is expected to fall from 9.23 percent (2000-2010) for PWC use. father gave in. Within minutes the little boy went under and drowned. I can't imagine the grief and guilt that father will carry with him for life.” A person who is platform dragging BoatU.S. Safety Grant Applications Available for just one minute could be exposed to 990 parts per million (ppm) The BoatU.S. Foundation for effects of boating under the influence to concentration of carbon monoxide. This Boating Safety & Clean Water will give boat ramp signage informing users about means that within an hour, the person grants of up to $4,000 to local community free vessel safety checks. could begin to experience headaches, organizations for projects that focus on Boat and yacht clubs, flotillas and dizziness and nausea. According to the promoting safe boating practices. The squadrons that would like to apply for a World Health Organization, a level Foundation has made $40,000 in grant grant may download an application and exceeding 87 ppm during a 15-minute funding available. The deadline to apply is learn more about Boating Safety Grants interval is considered dangerous. November 1, 2005. please visit www.boatus.com/foundation/ People who operate a motorboat with Over the past 15 years the Grants/index.htm or call 703.461.2878 someone holding onto or occupying the Foundation has awarded nearly $650,000 ext. 8353. The grants will be awarded in portion of boat aft the transom could in Safety Grant funds to organizations that late January 2006. receive a maximum fine of $360, under develop innovative projects that promote Oregon’s new law. safe boating on local waterways. Topics have ranged from creating literature on the

15 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers Do Their BEST

The U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska are engaged in fishing. The U.S. Coast jackets onboard or having inoperable or State Troopers worked together to conduct Guard has the authority to board any absent fire extinguishers. One recreational boaters’ education and safety training vessel for any reason, however, and by boater was the subject of an outstanding (BEST) during the Fourth of July weekend having the troopers present, they can levy warrant, and the Coast Guard was able to on Big Lake. stricter fines for various violations, as well turn the individual over to Alaska State Touted as Alaska's year-round as deal with warrants that come back as a Troopers. playground, Big Lake is 60 miles north of result of background checks. No boaters were found to be Anchorage. The community of about During the course of the weekend, operating vessels under the influence of 2,000 full-time residents receives a lot of the teams boarded 44 vessels and personal alcohol. summer and weekend recreation activity. watercraft, terminated 11 vessels’ voyages Crewmembers from the Coast Guard for having an insufficient number of life cutter Hickory, a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender based in Homer, were training and assisting Alaska State Troopers to keep the waters safe during the holiday weekend. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team (MSST) from Anchorage joined the effort on July 3. The MSST trailered one of six 25-foot defender class small boats from their base in Anchorage. The boat, built by SAFE Corporation, uses twin 225-horsepower outboard engines. The boat's speed was useful in pursuing and boarding personal watercraft and cigarette boats that were able to outrun the smaller trooper vessel. The two teams worked together to board as many vessels as possible to cover the lake. The State Troopers can only board a vessel if they note a violation while The Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team (MSST) Anchorage used one of its defender class small boats to assist the Alaska State Troopers in patrolling on patrol, or if the members of the vessel the waters over the Fourth of July Weekend. Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

More Entries Sought for Life Jacket Design Competition What would a life jacket look and feel A number of interesting new designs There are no rules regarding types of like if the private sector could design it have been received since the contest was materials to be used or whether the design without government oversight? launched March 31, and it's expected that meets any current U.S. Coast Guard or Take a pencil to paper and show us more will come as the school year Underwriters Laboratory standards. what you think a life jacket should look progresses and the December 15 deadline However, certain entries may be submitted like and you could end up with $5,000 at approaches. A number of enquiries have to the U.S. Coast Guard to review for the conclusion of the “Innovation in Life also been received from around the globe possible financial assistance towards Jacket Design Competition.” including Japan, England, Scotland, gaining full USCG approval. Sponsored by the BoatU.S. Australia, Spain and Norway. The winner Entries do not have to include a Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean will be announced at the Miami working model or prototype, as detailed Water and the Personal Flotation Device International Boat Show in February drawings will be accepted. For more Manufacturers Association (PFDMA), the 2006. information including an entry form and contest seeks entries that embrace new The competition will be judged based contest rules, visit technologies and out-of-the-box thinking on four criteria: wearability, reliability, cost www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/lifejacketd to solve the age-old problem of why and innovation. “Wearability” relates to esign. You may also contact Ruth Wood at certain boaters won't routinely wear life the level of comfort. “Reliability” will take 703.823.9550, x3204; email: jackets. Entries are encouraged from into account the chances for potential [email protected] or Bernice academia, schools, industry, armchair failure, while “cost” will look at the McArdle at 312.946.6280; email: designers, boaters or anyone interested in a affordability of the design. “Innovation” [email protected]. design challenge. will take into account originality or the employment of new technologies.

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 16 National Safe Boating Council Offers Annual Awards, Grants

Since 1958, the National Safe Boating Deadlines for submitting applications Council has served as an advocate for to the boating law administrator in each boating safety and education, as well as a state differ by region: Southern Region – unifying means for organizations to seek April 15; Western and Northern Regions – safer boating through education. May 15. As part of its mission to provide a Cleveland Metroparks Institute of the forum for the advancement and support of Great Outdoors received the 2005 safe and enjoyable recreational boating, National Boating Education the Council sponsors two annual awards Advancement Award for its program and several small grants. These awards and “Boating Education for People of All grants recognize individual and Abilities.” organizational partners in the boating The program enables participants of community that create innovative all abilities to develop and enhance their programs aimed at improving boating outdoor skills, knowledge and education. environmental ethics. Cleveland enabling Metroparks Institute represented the recipients to Boating Education Advancement Award Northern NASBLA Region in the have the funds for their 2006 National Sponsored by Coors Brewing competition. Safe Boating Week projects. Company, the Boating Education The Southern regional recipient was Since its inception in 2001, this Advancement (BEA) Award recognizes the Sam Houston Area Council Sea Scout program has awarded 87 grants to individuals and organizations that have Fleet, and the Western recipient was organizations in 29 states. The amount of developed and successfully implemented Oregon State Marine Board’s Jr. Boater money to be awarded has increased for programs to: Program. 2006, improving your chances of receiving funding. • Enhance the image and recognition Boating Safety Youth Program Award To view the guidelines and obtain an of boating safety efforts; West Marine sponsors the Boating application, visit the NSBC website at • Share success stories for the Safety Youth Program Award. The award www.safeboatingcouncil.org. betterment of safe boating; recognizes individuals and organizations Complete details about all NSBC • Create a closer partnership between that have developed and successfully awards, application forms, profiles of past national, state and local boating implemented innovative youth boating winning entries, and RBS Grants is educational organizations; education programs targeting safety issues available at www.safeboatingcouncil.org or • Promote the themes of the National and concerns of a national interest. by contacting the NSBC Headquarters: Safe Boating Week campaign; and Editor’s Note: For more information on • Provide a platform for recognition of the Boating Safety Youth Program Award, see Phone: 703.361.4294 outstanding boating education the article on the bottom of page 8. Fax 703.361.5294 programs and grassroots boating safety efforts. Recreational Boating Safety Grants Mailing address: Now that the 2005 recreational National Safe Boating Council Inc., Two levels of competition are boating season is almost over, it is time to P.O. Box 509 associated with the BEA Awards: regional think about future safe boating Bristow, VA 20136 and national. Each of the three NASBLA promotions. What better time to identify Regions – Southern, Northern and your boating safety needs? So, as this NSBC welcomes the opportunity to Western – and Canada select a regional season closes, apply for a grant to help you encourage and recognize projects that have winner. make this season’s idea next season’s reality! made lasting contributions to the interest Each regional winner receives a There are many boating organizations of boating safety. Through the Boating $1,000 prize, a trip to the annual and groups eager to promote safe boating. Education Advancement Award, Boating International Boating and Water Safety These groups exert numerous resources to Safety Youth Program Award and Summit (IBWSS) and an opportunity to raise a relatively small amount of money. Recreational Boating Safety Grants, compete for the $1,500 national award. With the assistance of the Local NSBC encourages partnerships with At IBWSS, the regional award Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Grant boating communities and assists local recipients give a presentation on their Program, these resources may be focused groups in funding projects that winning programs, then the national more effectively on safe boating initiatives. demonstrate our mutual excitement about winner is selected by an anonymous panel Applications for the Local RBS boating safety and our commitment to of judges. Eligible programs should be Grants will be accepted between October safer boating through education. duplicable and adaptable by other 25, 2005 and January 25, 2006. Grants interested boating educators. will be awarded by March 15, 2006,

17 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory BoatU.S. Operates More than 350 Kids Life Jacket Loaner Sites The BoatU.S. Foundation Life Jacket step in by providing the right-sized life Loaner Program has added 34 new sites to jacket at over 350 sites across the country. its nationwide program that provides a Once the family is done enjoying the simple way for parents to borrow a water, they simply return the jacket,” he properly sized children's life jacket at continued. launch ramps, marinas and waterfront The Foundation provides each new businesses. loaner site with a “kit” of 12 life jackets (a Since its inception eight years ago, the selection of infant, child, or youth jacket program has saved the lives of at least three sizes), protective storage bin, sign-out children. It is estimated that BoatU.S. life sheets and program signage, allowing jackets are loaned out more than 50,000 hundreds of children all summer long to times a year. safely enjoy an afternoon, day or weekend “We make it easy to keep kids safer on a boat with their families and friends. while boating by bringing children's life Businesses or organizations interested jackets right to the waterfront where “Sometimes it gets pretty hectic in participating in the Life Jacket Loaner boaters need them and they are absolutely preparing for a weekend of boating, and Program can apply in the fall of 2005 by visiting free,” said Chris Edmonston, director of boat owners may forget about extra life www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP. boating safety for the BoatU.S. jackets needed for young boating guests. Foundation. Also, kids grow so quick that they may not fit last year's life jacket. That's where we Oregon Urges Personal Watercraft Operators to Use Caution A recent series of personal watercraft operators. The majority of these citations watercraft, stopping a PWC is achieved (PWC) accidents is highlighting the need were given for failure to carry a boater only by cutting the throttle and by for caution. A number of serious injuries education card, followed by exceeding the coasting; while coasting, no steering is and one fatality have occurred, prompting speed limit and unsafe or reckless possible on many PWC models,” says Bill the warning from the Oregon State operation. Unsafe and reckless operations Rydblom, law enforcement manager for Marine Board (OSMB) and marine patrol are defined as: operations that endanger or OSMB. “Marine officers are being asked officers. would likely endanger a person or to increase vigilance regarding “We are greatly concerned about the property, such as operating a PWC too enforcement of PWCs operating at high number of PWC accidents in recent close to a canoe causing it to nearly speeds and in close proximity to other weeks. Operating too fast and too close to capsize; and operating a boat carelessly in a boats.” other boats have played a role in most of willful disregard of others, such as a PWC these accidents,” says Paul Donheffner, pulling a skier through an area where director of the OSMB. “Operating and swimmers are present in spite of the riding a PWC can be fun, but if you don't regulatory buoy markers. take basic precautions, it can quickly turn Common injuries occur when a PWC into a tragedy.” collides either with another PWC, a boat Donheffner says PWC operators can or with fixed objects such as docks or tree avoid accidents by following some basic stumps. Risk factors include inexperience, rules: excessive speed and careless maneuvers by • Do not operate in excess of 10 mph the operators. Operators unfamiliar with when approaching within 100 feet of the watercraft seem to be at especially high another motorized or sail vessel risk. In most accidents involving a PWC Photo by Randy Henry, Oregon State Marine Board underway. the operator has fewer than 10 hours of • All persons must wear a US Coast operation experience. Operators who lend Guard-approved type I, II or III life their PWC to family and friends must be People can safeguard themselves by jacket. sure the user understands how to operate taking a safety course designed for PWC • If you are 45 years of age or younger, the craft properly. Owners can be held operation or taking a boating safety you are required to have an Oregon responsible for how the people they lend course. These courses will increase the boater education card to operate a their PWC to operate, according to the operator's understanding of the rules of PWC and any motorized watercraft. OSMB. the waterway as well as safety issues that • Know your limitations. “Current models can reach speeds in PWC operators encounter. excess of 65 mph. Imagine driving a car at A total of 651 citations were given these speeds and not having the ability to throughout the state in 2004 to PWC apply the brakes. As with any other

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 18 Ohio Employs Mobile Command Unit Washington Adopts The Ohio Department of Natural systematic linkage of communications Clean Marina Resources (ODNR) has placed into service with other agencies such as the U.S. Coast a newly purchased mobile command unit Guard, Ohio State Patrol and the Ohio Program that will assist in providing security Emergency Management Agency. protection on state and federal waterways Additional items in the Mobile Seattle's Elliott Bay Marina was in the state. Funding for the purchase of Command Unit are marine radar, wireless declared Washington State's first-ever the 33,000-pound, 31-foot-long diesel Ethernet, and surveillance, fax and camera Clean Marina on August 13. unit and trailer came from a grant equipment. The mobile unit pulls an The award honors the marina's 10- provided by the Transportation Security equipment trailer that includes redundant year history as an environmentally Agency. communications systems and amenities responsible marina. A Clean Marina Since Ohio plays a very active role in for the temporary living needs of staff designation indicates that a marina is in protecting state resources with regard to officers. compliance with environmental homeland security issues, the mobile ODNR’s expanded role in assuring regulations, has voluntarily adopted command unit is a great asset. It features that public safety needs are adequately met additional environmental practices and highly complex and integrated statewide would not be possible without has passed an extensive certification communications and surveillance systems federal funding support and the inspection by a county hazardous waste that are ideal for monitoring potential cooperation shared among various law investigator. In Washington, a Clean intrusions into a marine security zone and enforcement and response agencies. Marina certification indicates that the for responding to special assignments and facility has also been certified as an public safety emergencies. The EnviroStars business. communications radio system provides for The EnviroStars program, an incentive-based pollution prevention certification program administered by county governments, rewards businesses that take voluntary steps to reduce pollution, with particular focus on hazardous waste management and reduction. Marinas are motivated for the award in order to become better stewards

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has a very active role in protection of state resources with regard to homeland security issues. The department recently purchased a mobile command unit to assist in these efforts. Photo courtesy Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Boat Traffic Up, Fatalities Down in Michigan of the waters, and by the prestige of being recognized as an environmentally As of the end of August, Michigan accidents involving 217 vessels in 2004. responsible business. boat traffic was up for the year while There were 986,456 boats registered in the Washington will follow 21 other boating fatalities were down dramatically. state as of the end of August, according to states that have Clean Marina programs in Statewide, there were 12 fatal boat the Secretary of State. place. accidents through the end of August, Though officials would like to Along with Elliott Bay Marina, the according to statistics from the Michigan attribute the apparent decline to increased Clean Marina partnership also recognizes Department of Natural Resources. That's awareness of boating safety, they weren’t Bell Harbor Marina, Harbor Island down significantly from all of 2004, when sure that was the case. Marina, Shilshole Bay Marina, Stimson there were 25 fatal boat accidents and 27 “I can't imagine why the numbers are Marina, Port of Blaine Marina, people killed in those accidents. Law exactly opposite of what I would expect,” Brownsville Marina, Breakwater Marina, enforcement officials say boating activity – said Lt. Creig Grey of the DNR's law Chinook Landing Marina, Dock Street and resulting accidents and deaths – drop enforcement division. “I would like to Marina, Foss Landing Marina & Boat significantly after Labor Day. think it's due to increased awareness of Storage, and Foss Waterway Marina, as Overall, there were 93 boating boating safety. I just can't say for sure.” EnviroStars-Certified Clean Marinas. accidents involving 118 vessels in the state by the end of August, down from 168

19 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory Point Cadet Marina Designated a Clean Marina Point Cadet Marina in Biloxi, Miss., handling, fuel management, solid waste was designated a Clean Marina on Aug. management, vessel cleaning and repair, 12. The marina is the third in the state to storm water management, staff training be designated a Clean Marina as part of and boater education to help reduce water the Mississippi Clean Marina Program. pollution and erosion in state waterways. The Clean Marina Program, a An evaluation team visits the marina to cooperative effort of Mississippi-Alabama determine that the marina has met all Sea Grant Consortium, the Mississippi necessary requirements to become Department of Marine Resources and certified as a Clean Marina. The other partners, is a voluntary program that Mississippi program is one of several in the From left, LaDon Swann, director of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant encourages marina operators to adopt best nation. Consortium, Frankie Duggan, Biloxi Port Division manager and Mike Walker, Department of Marine Resources staff officer, hold up a Clean management practices for sewage Marina flag at a designation ceremony at Point Cadet Marina. Photo Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

New York Increases Age Allowed to Operate Personal Watercraft In July, New York Governor George In 1998, Governor Pataki signed putting boating safety first and E. Pataki signed into law legislation that legislation requiring boating safety courses introducing this proposal to require that will increase safety on the state's waterways for operators of personal watercraft. Since PWC operators have reached a certain by increasing the minimum age of those the law went into effect, PWC accidents level of maturity.” allowed to operate personal watercraft have dropped by a dramatic 63 percent. According to the New York State 2004 (PWC) to 14 years old. The new law will New York has the largest mandatory Recreational Boating Report, in 2004 there take effect January 1, 2006. education program for the operation of was a dramatic reduction in fatalities, Current law requires any person these vessels in the country. injuries and boating accidents from the between the ages 10 and 18 to possess a “The state of New York, with the previous year. Fatalities dropped 47 boating safety certificate to operate any support of organizations such as the percent from 34 deaths to 18; injuries mechanically powered vessel, including Personal Watercraft Industry Association, decreased from 132 to 93 and the number PWC, meaning that operators as young as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the of accidents dropped by a third from 303 10 years old are allowed to operate these vessels. United States Power Squadrons and the to 204. These figures represent the second- “New York State has been blessed National Transportation Safety Board, has safest season since such statistics have been with a wide variety of spectacular partnered in taking this important step in kept. waterways that are a popular destination improving the safety of recreational New York ranks seventh in the for families and outdoor enthusiasts and boating. We are grateful for the bill’s country for total number of registered we are committed to making sure that sponsorship and support in the state boats with more than 520,000 motorized everyone who enjoys the water has a safe legislature and the governor’s endorsement vessels and the state's fatality rate for and pleasurable experience,” Governor and signature of the law,” continued Kempf. registered boaters is below the national Pataki said. “Last year's boating season was Maureen Healey, executive director of average. New York State's nationally the second safest on record, and the new the Personal Watercraft Industry recognized boating safety program helped law…is another step we are taking to make Association said, “We applaud the New educate a record-setting 40,000 New York New York's waterways as safe as they York Legislature and the Governor for boaters last year. possibly can be.” approving this proposal. By signing this State Parks Commissioner Bernadette New York State has been a leader in legislation into law, Governor Pataki has Castro said, “Governor Pataki's long- PWC safety initiatives providing model taken a bold step to help ensure capable standing commitment to safety and our legislation for many other states to emulate. and mature boaters are at the helm on successful partnership with the boating “New York’s State Office of Parks and New York waterways.” community have resulted in a dramatic Recreation has long been in the forefront The law will restrict personal reduction in accidents on the water. With of boating safety with respect to children, watercraft operation to those persons 14 the miles of coastline and tremendous beginning in the early 1960s with youthful years of age or older. Operators will still be recreational opportunities available in operator education (10-18 year olds), required to possess a boating safety certificate. New York, this new law will strengthen mandatory life jacket wear in the mid ’90s “Personal watercraft are a lot of fun to our ongoing efforts to reduce accidents (those less than 12 years of age), and again operate but they should be approached among young personal watercraft today with a reasonable minimum age for with the same respect and level of operators and make our waterways safer personal watercraft operation (minimum knowledge as other boats,” said Healey. for this enjoyable and popular activity.” 14 years of age),” said New York Boating “The personal watercraft industry thanks Law Administrator Brian Kempf. Senator [Dean] Skelos and Assemblywoman [Patricia] Eddington for

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 20 partner PERSPECTIVES

Commodore Warren E. McAdams National Directorate Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Education – Stability and Change

Nowadays, change is a constant part exiting the craft, safety equipment, rules of coastal waters to use their own boats, of our lives. Whether it be boating, travel the road and other elements have cruise with friends or charter a boat. So, or everyday living, we are constantly applicability to the paddlecraft. For more while we have to satisfy a huge demand for exposed to new issues and requirements. specialized training, the paddlesports basic boating safety classes, we also must Within this framework, the NASBLA advocate must seek out additional classes. pay heed to the interests in advanced or standards for boating public education That raises another point. With the specialty topics. courses could be a help or a hindrance in trend from multi-week courses to the one- Homeland security is another basic accommodating change; and, I think the day eight-hour basic safety course, today’s that deserves coverage in our courses. It standards have already established a record boating safety classes can only cover the only takes a few minutes to explain what of accomplishment. basics. While this is often enough for role recreational boaters can play in Thus far the standards have been a many recreational boaters, we need to addressing homeland security issues. From positive force in adapting to an ever- acquaint students with the many specialty a safety standpoint we already cover naval changing recreational boating safety courses that are available. vessel security zones and the expanding use climate. For example, the of other security zones. standards provided a vehicle Incorporating the subject for incorporating carbon of America’s Waterway monoxide hazards into course Watch seems to be a good revisions on an expedited fit. basis. The standards serve to Another education establish basic requirements vehicle, which is the for education courses and the purview of two volunteer standards provide a organizations and a mechanism to react to handful of states, is the changes brought on by an Vessel Safety Check evolving boating (VSC) program. While a environment. VSC is aimed at an It was not too many years inspection for required ago that education on federal and state safety personal watercraft (PWC) equipment, the activity had to be added to existing provides a forum for a courses or taught from a PG Bill McMahn, DCP, District 7, Division 5 at Flotilla 8, helps students master knot-tying during a Boating Skills and Seamanship variety of topics. The separate book. Now the basics class. Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boater can be acquainted of PWC are covered in the with any security zones in overall material of a course, and PWC are Other topics that require a special the area, hear recommendations for considered for what they are – a boat. This course to be covered in sufficient detail additional items of safety equipment, is not to say that specialty courses are not include the Global Maritime Distress and receive information on America’s desirable or needed, but boaters will be Safety System (GMDSS), Rescue 21, the Waterway Watch, and be told about local exposed to the basics in a general boating Global Positioning System (GPS), VHF boating safety classes. safety course. radio, radar and many other topics. For While there are many providers of Paddlesports may be the next someone who likes to teach boating boating safety courses, the overall challenge in terms of where they fit into classes, there is a great deal of opportunity! availability and quality of boating boating safety courses. On a local basis, I And, as technology advances continue, education opportunities is at a good level. am seeing an occasional paddlesport there will be more opportunities. Under the stewardship of the Coast Guard enthusiast in boating safety courses. It never ceases to amaze me to see the and the National Association of State Fortunately, if the paddlesports person can number of inland boaters – in a city on a Boating Law Administrators, recreational relate, there is a lot of pertinent large river – that seek out coastal piloting boating safety education continues to grow information in the usual boating safety and navigation classes. In today’s mobile and get better! course. Weight and balance, entering and society, boaters travel to the Great Lakes or

21 | sept/oct 2005 | NASBLA small craft advisory coast guard COMMENTS

Jeff Hoedt Chief, Office of Boating Safety Boating education – An effective strategy With commendations to all the Boating safety education has been a Connecticut and Oregon, the numbers are boating safety partners in our nation, we key strategy used to combat boating more than promising. Following have witnessed the incredible success of accidents. However, the National Boating implementation of their requirement, each reducing boating fatalities during an era of Safety Advisory Council has emphasized has experienced, or is experiencing, a greatly increasing boating activity. We’ve the need to know whether education, reduction in fatalities that greatly exceeds achieved record-low numbers of fatalities; particularly mandatory education, works. the national trends. and yet, we know that we can do more to To meet the Council’s challenge, we’re We’ll continue to study this further. make boating safer and more enjoyable. studying locations that have established In the meantime, keep up the good work. The challenge now becomes “quick phase-in” implementation of Offer the courses, teach the classes and identifying the strategies that will be mandatory education requirements for all prepare the boating community for an successful and implementing them effectively. ages of motorboat operators. Particularly even more fulfilling and safer boating focusing on Alabama, Canada, experience.

Boating Education Evolves – Is It Meeting Its Objective? By Wayne Stacey, Office of Boating Safety, U.S. Coast Guard Over the years, the popularity of boating Navigational Piloting and Chart Work, etc. online boating safety courses. These are self- has increased dramatically. With this These are all valid points. paced and can be completed in the comfort of increased participation comes the potential for However, through a grant provided by the a home. In these situations, some states allow greater risk of accidents. However, in 2004, Coast Guard, a comprehensive review of the the final examination to be taken online, while there was a record-low 676 recreational Education Standards was conducted to assure others require the students to go to a boating fatalities reported. Was this just a that the highest risk areas of boating were designated location for a proctored exam. In fluke, or are safety strategies, such as boating appropriately addressed. The end result was a either situation, upon successful completion safety education, starting to pay dividends? set of defined educational objectives and of the exam, the required certificate is issued Forty-four states now require at least curriculum standards that all major course either by the state or the course provider. some operators to complete mandatory providers and NASBLA have adopted into their In addition to state online courses, the boating safety education or pass an curriculum revisions. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States equivalency examination prior to operating Most of the state courses are designed Power Squadrons offer a computer-based select power-driven vessels. With boating for people with little or no knowledge in boating safety course, “America’s Boating fatalities apparently on a constant downward boating safety and seamanship. These are Course.” This is another excellent example of trend, you might ask, “Is all the emphasis entry level courses designed for both youth providing quality education that can meet a placed on boating education worth it?” And, and adults. For more in-depth specialty busy family’s time constraints. “Is the recreational boating community taking courses, organizations such as the United I would be remiss if I did not mention the full advantage of the many opportunities available States Power Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard thousands of state volunteer instructors, to get the necessary boating safety education?” Auxiliary, U.S. Sailing Association, plus a host public education instructors from the Coast Much controversy surrounds the idea of of private providers, offer excellent advanced Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadrons, having mandatory boating education training opportunities, including courses in and the volunteers from the many other implemented throughout the United States. advanced coastal piloting, boat handling, and boating organizations who share their time There are an equal number of arguments, pro electronic navigation. Some commercial and expertise to promote boating safety and con, about requiring mandatory education course providers offer hands-on training after through education. Without this group of for everyone who operates any type of teaching the theory in a classroom setting. dedicated volunteers, the program would not watercraft, regardless of age. However, most These courses are a logical next step in the be as successful as it is today. agree that we should have some type of education process for new boaters. I am hopeful that the number of fatalities mandatory boating safety education. We receive numerous calls about where will continue to decline, and I know that Numerous individuals throughout the boating courses are being offered. With a boating education will continue to have a boating community have commented that the couple of keystrokes on the computer, we can positive impact on reducing the number of basic eight-hour course offered by many direct callers to an appropriate website or deaths on America’s waterways. Oh, entities is not sufficient and should be provide them timely information on courses remember, “Never boat under the influence, extended to cover more in-depth subject being offered. always wear your PFD, take a boating safety matter. Some feel that more emphasis should Many callers inquire about Internet course, and get a Vessel Safety Check – You’re be placed on teaching the Rules of the Road, courses. More than 32 states have approved in Command. Boat Responsibly.”

NASBLA small craft advisory | sept/oct 2005 | 22 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEXINGTON, KY PERMIT NO. 850 1500 Leestown Road, Suite 330 Lexington KY 40511

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2005-2007 RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY CALENDAR

OCTOBER 2005 JANUARY 2006 MAY 2006 SEPTEMBER 2006

8 - 12 4 - 7 14 - 17 21 - 27 States Organization for Boating Access National Sheriffs’ Association Western States Boating Administrators Association NASBLA Annual Conference, Exhibition and Mid-Winter Conference Annual Conference Annual Conference Members Meeting Palm Springs, California Kauai, Hawaii Louisville, Kentucky Springfield, Illinois 703.836.7827 208.334.4180 x 224 859.225.9487 or [email protected] 401.247.2224 4 - 8 16 FEBRUARY 2007 15 United States Power Squadrons National Safe Boating Week National Boating Federation Annual Meeting Congressional Reception 20 - 25 Fall Meeting Orlando, Florida Washington, D.C. United States Power Squadrons Michigan City, Indiana 888.367.8777 703.361.4294 Annual Meeting 219.763.3777 or [email protected] Jacksonville, Florida 20 - 26 888.367.8777 18 - 23 23 - 24 North American Safe Boating Campaign Canadian Sail & Power Squadrons American Boat & Yacht Council 703.361.4294 SEPTEMBER 2007 Annual Conference www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training 4 - 9 Winnipeg, Manitoba Tampa, Florida [email protected] 416.293.2438 United States Power Squadrons 410.956.1050 Governing Board Meeting JUNE 2006 19 - 23 Norfolk, Virginia 703.361.4294 US Sailing 29 - February 1 17 - 21 Annual General Meeting Association of Marina Industries and National Sheriffs’ Association 4 - 11 Phoenix, Arizona American Boat Builders & Repairers Association Annual Conference NASBLA 401.683.0800 International Marina & Boatyard Conference Orlando, Florida Annual Conference Orlando, Florida 703.836.7827 Burlington, Vermont NOVEMBER 2005 866.367.6622 859.225.9487 8 - 10 AUGUST 2006 FEBRUARY 2006 Marine Retailers Association of America 15 - 20 Annual Convention 25 - March 1 United States Power Squadrons Las Vegas, Nevada International Association of Marine Investigators Governing Board Meeting 708.763.9210 Annual Meeting New York, New York Virginia Beach, Virginia 888.367.8777 12 - 13 866.844.4264 American Canoe Association Annual Meeting APRIL 2006 Fairfax, Virginia 703.451.0141 30 - May 3 International Boating and Water Safety Summit MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Palm Harbor, Florida International Boating and Water Safety Summit 703.361.4294 501.844.2197 April 30-May, 3, 2006 Palm Harbor, Florida