Since 2006, when Congress deemed it necessary that the EPA organize a permit system for the operational discharge of every vessel, recreational boaters have been stuck in limbo as to whether the activities they adore the most on the water would be regulated further or not. This permit system, which was targeted at large commercial boats and refineries near large bodies of water, would not only have added to the annual cost of operating/registering your boat, but also would have continued the growing list of other tough regulations on recreational boating, such as the Clean Vessel Act and Oil Pollution Act.

Two years later, on July 30^th President Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (only 8 days after Congress passed the bill), “[restoring] a 35-year old Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemption for water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water. The legislation recognizes that discharges from recreational boats, which are operated on average 31 days a year, are completely distinct from commercial ship discharges. To help protect the health of the nation’s waterways on which recreational boaters and anglers depend, the bill also pursues whether reasonable best management practices need to be put into place for some recreational boat discharges.”

This new bill is not only a landmark victory for recreational boaters all over the country, but is also a testament to the strength and relentless spirit of the boaters everywhere.

- Jimmy

For more information on the Clean Water Act of 2008:

• Read this article from Boatus.com
• And another from MarketWatch.com

When thinking of boating accidents, many will automatically assume “boat fire, capsize, collision” and other various misfortunes that happen on the water. However, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary notes, “a successful boating outing begins when you leave home and ends when you safely return home.”, and thus we should all be aware for the numerous accidents that can happen during transit and at the launch.

  

Despite the type of boat you have, it is important to take as much care in the transportation of your vessel as you do in using it on the water. It is a fact that 9 out of 10 trailing glitches and accidents can be linked to user neglect and oversight. Many elements of the trailer need frequent maintenance. From lights, suspension parts and wheel bearings right down to the common hitch, it is imperative that those towing their boat understand the immense responsibility they have to themselves, their equipment and most importantly, the others sharing the road.

  

If you think about it, there are no special licenses or requirements needed to trail your watercraft. Any “John & Jane Smith” can head to the marina, purchase their boat and trailer, hitch it up and take off, where as that same person would need training and specific qualification to use a motorcycle, Mack truck, and the like. And yes, driving at a slow speed, on a nice familiar road down to your local launch may be easy. But there are those times where you may want to take a road trip and will be faced with highway speeds, unfavorable weather, breaking and passing, backing up, and other variables that now change the whole dynamic of getting that boat to where you need it.

  

The US Coast Guard provides many resources such as a website dedicated to boating safety tips, as well as the chance to register for boating safety courses and get a free vessel safety check. Here are the listings of examiners who can perform this safety check:

  

Located within 30mi of Burlington:

 

Everett Stebbins – Burlington, VT

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

 

Lacey Williams – Willsboro, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

  

Hugh Conners – Plattsburgh, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

  

Frank Williams – Plattsburgh, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

  

Located within 30mi of Rutland:

Robert Baker – Middletown Springs, VT

Examiner from United States Power Squadrons

Click to Email This Examiner

 

Scott Siwek – Hague, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

 

 So be safe when traveling both to and from the water and enjoy your time out!

  

-Guy