Berea Power Squadron Weblog

GOOD NEWS, BOATERS!

The House and Senate have passed the Clean Boating Act of 2008!!

The President now needs to sign the legislation into law. This legislation will permanently restore the exemption for recreational vessels from the required NPDES permit under the Clean Water Act.


To: Mathew Dunn; Margaret Podlich
Cc: Thom Dammrich; Scott B. Gudes; Dylan Jones; Bryan D. Zumwalt; Eric Rosen; Cindy
Squires
Subject: Congress passes S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act

Partners –

We are pleased to report that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives has now
passed S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, introduced by Senators Bill Nelson and
Barbara Boxer and Reps. Steve LaTourette and Candice Miller. The bill now moves to the
President for his signature into law, which we will begin working on immediately.

Thank you. We could not have done this without all of your help. More to follow shortly—
just wanted to alert you to this great news.

-Mat

P.S. The House is now debating a separate commercial vessel bill, which would provide a
temporary moratorium from permitting for certain commercial vessels. The Senate passed
that bill this morning along with the Clean Boating Act.

Mathew P. Dunn
National Marine Manufacturers Association
(202) 737-9760

ATTENTION ALL BOATERS:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Vessel General Permit (VGP) to cover discharges incidental to the normal operation of all commercial vessels and of recreational vessels greater than or equal to 79 feet in length and an NPDES Recreational General Permit (RGP) to cover discharges incidental to the normal operation of recreational vessels less than 79 feet in length. Public meetings will be held in Washington, DC (June 19); Portland, Oregon (June 24); and Chicago (June 26). A public webcast will be held on July 2. A public hearing will be held in Washington, DC on July 21. Written comments on this proposal should be submitted by August 1. 73 Fed. Reg. 34296 (June 17, 2008). The proposal is explained in an accompanying news release.
(from the Haights Maritime Newsletter)


PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS (www.boatblue.org) AND TELL THEM TO PASS THE CLEAN BOATING ACT OF 2008 which will restore the 35-year exemption for recreational vessels from this permit requirement.

Governor Ted Strickland recently signed legislation to enhance boating safety on Ohio waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft.

This bill establishes "failure to control" as an enforceable boat operator rule. Many accidents occur as the result of operator inexperience or the forces of nature. These are not the result of a "rules of the road" violation or caused by reckless operation, but may result in minor property damage or injury. Examples of situations encompassed by the failure to control law include: over-compensation in strong winds or currents, loss of steerage on jet boats when the throttle is released, and attempting to maneuver under sail power alone through congested areas like marinas that may result in an accident.

The Clean Boating Act, a piece of legislation initiated by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and sponsored by 34 members of the US Congress, has passed two significant hurdles in the US Senate and House of Representatives. The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee on Tuesday, and last week was approved by the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. It now moves to be considered by the full House and Senate.


ALL BOATERS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND REQUEST THEIR SUPPORT FOR QUICK PASSAGE OF THE BILL!!
For more information and links to contact our lawmakers, go to BoatBlue (www.boatblue.org) or BoatUS (http://www.boatus.com/gov/default.asp?WT.mc_id=400024).

The House Committee passed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 and moved the bill to the House floor for full consideration and vote.

ALL BOATERS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND REQUEST THEIR SUPPORT FOR QUICK PASSAGE OF THE BILL!!
For more information and links to contact our lawmakers, go to BoatBlue (www.boatblue.org) or BoatUS (http://www.boatus.com/gov/default.asp?WT.mc_id=400024).

More on the Class Action against the oil companies for ethanol-related damage to fiberglass fuel tanks...

Boater sues over ethanol-laced gasoline's effect on fiberglass fuel tank

California law firm files class-action lawsuit against major oil companies

The Los Angeles law firm of Kabateck, Brown, Kellner, LLP has filed a class-action lawsuit against the main oil companies on behalf of California boaters. The law firm said in a statement that oil companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, Valero, and ConocoPhillips are manufacturing and selling ethanol-blended gasoline that damages marine fuel tanks, engines and other components. The lawsuit was filed earlier this week in the US District Court, Central District of California in Los Angeles.

U.S. anglers off hook in Canadian waters

U.S. customs officials have scuttled plans to require background checks for Great Lakes fishermen and divers entering Canadian waters.

Under pressure from charter-boat captains, sports fishermen and others tied to Lake Erie's $1 billion fishing industry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service won't implement the toughest Homeland Security requirements for those simply crossing into Canadian waters on day trips.

The decision Friday was not widely publicized, said customs spokesman Brett Sturgeon. The customs agency is a division of the Homeland Security Department.

Falling off your boat can be deadly, and the best solution is to make sure you stay there. But that doesn't mean you don't take precautions that will help you get back on the boat once you've fallen over.

The complete voyage data recorder transcript describing the allision of the M/V Cosco Busan with the Oakland Bay Bridge has been released. Including screen shots of the ship's radar, it offers an indepth look at how those operating the vessel were preoccupied with their instruments/readings rather than wathcing the vessel's overall track. It has an eerie reminiscence of the ValueJet crash into the Everglades in 1996.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. has enhanced coverages for yachts to protect against uninsured/underinsured vessels, vermin damage, contents onboard and an electronics deductible. The company also announced a lower electronics deductible, expanded coral reef and sea grass coverage, and protection in case of total loss resulting from vermin damage. This is a complement to the existing policies that already feature agreed value (to protect against depreciation), coverage for captain and crew under Admiralty Law including the Jones Act, protection against pollution fines up to $25,000 including "sudden and accidental" events, and a broad definition of personal effects.

The enhanced coverages are designed to position the company as a market leader with its Prestige Yacht and Watercraft policies, the company said.

The Catawba Island In Water Boat Show runs from Friday May 2 through Sunday May 4 at the Catawba Island Club, 4235 E Beach Club Road, Port Clinton, OH.

This year you can also sample the tastes of northern Ohio wine country on May 3. Proceeds benefit the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association Educational Foundation.

The hours are:

Friday, May 2....... Noon - 6 pm
Saturday, May 3.... 10 am - 6pm (Wine tasting all day)
Sunday, May 4..... 11 am - 5 pm

Admission is FREE for the entire weekend!