1. National Boating Safety Advisory Council USCG, Office of Auxiliary &
85th Meeting
Apr 15-17, 2010
Arlington, Virginia
USCG, Office of Auxiliary &
Boating Safety (CG-542)

2. Resolution and Action Item Updates Project & Legislative Updates
Program Updates
Resolution and Action Item Updates
Project & Legislative Updates
Challenges

3. Program Updates

4. CG-5422
We’re growing.
The new Grants Management Branch is about to be initiated.
Three grant positions currently posted for hiring.

5. 2009 Recreational Boating Market Estimates and Accidents
~83 Million recreational boaters (age 16+)
~12.6 Million state registered boats
Millions more unregistered boats (canoes, kayaks, etc to 25 million? TBD!)
Recreational boating’s economic impact is large in dollars and in providing U.S. jobs

6. 2008 Recreational Boating Accidents
Reported CY 2008 Boating Accidents:
4,789 boating accidents
709 deaths (2004: 676 deaths = record low)
3,331 injuries = the record low!
$54 million in property damage

7. Registered Vessels and
Deaths

8. Resolution & Action Item Updates

9. Resolution # 2009-84-01 Concern Regarding Ethanol
Request USCG to oppose introduction of mid-level ethanol unless proven compatible and stay engaged on issue.
The USCG continues to work with the NMMA and the EPA on this issue. We await the EPA’s analysis and decision.

10. 84rd Meeting Action Items
Strategic Plan outreach letter. The letters were delivered to the Plan’s partners. Barry will discuss further during the meeting.
Marine portable fuel tanks – concern with EPA requirement. The USCG worked with the NMMA and the EPA to analyze the problem. Unsure of the extent of any safety issue. Neither NMMA nor USCG requesting any EPA action at this point due to lack of evidence.

11. 84rd Meeting Action Items
CO exposure concerns on boarding platforms. Desire labeling and coordination with NMMA’s certification program. USCG factory visit program amended to include check for labeling. Report on findings being prepared.

12. Project Updates

13. National Recreational Boating Safety Program Strategic Plan
Implementation going well, with many measures taking place or soon to take place.
20 Partner Organizations!

14. RBS Performance Goals
Specific targets for numbers of casualties (injuries and deaths) set per year through the year (Measured on a calendar year, a 5-year average, and a fiscal year basis.)

15. RBS Performance Goals 2008 Goals CY Actuals 5 Yr. Avg.
Injuries
Deaths
Casualties

16. RBS Performance Goals 2009 Goals CY Actuals 5 Yr. Avg. Injuries 3585
Deaths
Casualties

17. RBS Performance Goal Accomplishments
Preliminary 2009 statistics indicate some successes and some work to do.
Casualty goals probably ACHIEVED, although concern of probable increase in deaths 2009.

18. RBS Objectives
Boating safety education certificates issued (students certified) annually;
2008 = 397,633 certificates issued (baseline?)
Boating public’s awareness of safe boating practices;
Awaiting survey results to set baseline

19. RBS Objectives
Individuals completing an advanced boating education course or an on-the-water skill course;
Collecting data now (baseline to be established)
Increase adult life jacket wear-rate in open motorboats by 3% over previous year;
2008 = 5.2% = 4.9% ( did not achieve)

20. RBS Objectives
Reduce deaths due to navigation rules violations to 19% of total deaths by 2011;
2005 baseline = 24% = 16%
achieved if can maintain this level to 2011
5% annual decrease in the number of casualties where alcohol use was a cause comparing 2011 to 2010;
2008 = 124/709 deaths where alcohol a primary contributing factor

21. RBS Objectives
Decrease the recreational boat manufacturer ratio of discrepancies per inspection by 5% from previous year;
2008 = -6.7% = = -20.3%
achieved
Compliance with equipment carriage requirements;
Measures and baseline being established

22. RBS Objectives
Enhance accident data accuracy and completeness. Ensure investigator reports are complete and accurate;
Measures and baseline being established
Determine a participation denominator for boating activity to measure risk levels;
Awaiting survey results

23. National Boating Survey
Contract was awarded in 2009 to cover first 3 surveys – every other year
Survey now going through final approval from OMB.
Data collection to begin early 2011.

24. RBS Sub-tier Goal
Evaluate the impact of grant programs in achieving the goals of the strategic plan.
System under development
FY 2010 grant applications soon to be scored.
Amount available lower than in 2009.

25. New Program for Approval of State RBS Programs
To assure state eligibility to receive grant funds.
To assure compliance with requirements and provide guidance to states.
Four parts: law enforcement, education, numbering, and accident reporting.
Program moving forward.

26. Life Jacket Wear JSI National Observation Study
2009 JSI Study Completed and Preliminary Results Indicate:
No overall significant change from prior 11 years (22.3% in 2009). (Historical range of 21.3% to 23.9%)

27. Life Jacket Wear Study Validation
NBSAC recommendation to examine accuracy/validity of land-based observation of life jacket wear:
To assure credibility, conducted two on-water validation studies of JSI land-based findings.
Scientific credibility of current method appears to be sound.

28. Life Jacket Wear USACE Project
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard working together on 3-year project to test the effectiveness and impacts of mandatory life jacket wear requirements.
Selected sites include northern Mississippi (boats <26’) and SW Pennsylvania (boats <16’).

29. USACE Life Jacket Mandate Effectiveness Measurement Project
Primary test at Northern Mississippi (4 lakes) - mandated life jacket wear for all people on boats <16’ at all times and for all people on motorboats 16<26’ when underway effective 2009.
Baseline data gathered in Adults on boats other than PWC’s - wear rate of ~13%

30. USACE Life Jacket Mandate Effectiveness Measurement Project
Initial 2009 data indicates an improved wear rate of nearly ~71%!
Will study effectiveness again this year to assure consistency.
Witnessing more states also mandating life jacket wear by time of year and on size/type of boat.

31. Life Jacket Approval Process
PFDMA/NMMA Concerns.
1) NBSAC concurs that current process: a) too slow, b) too costly.
2) Impedes creatively and possible design of new life jacket styles more prone to be worn voluntarily.

32. Life Jacket Approval Process
The Coast Guard is working at both the national and international level to study issues and resolve them.
Desires creative designs that will result in significantly increased life jacket wear rates.

33. Federal Proposal for Mandatory Boat Operator Education
Since 2004, NBSAC has twice recommended to the Coast Guard to seek legislative authorization to establish a uniform federal requirement for mandatory education of select boat operators.
Proposals have been submitted to the Administration and Congress for consideration, but no action has been taken by them to date.

34. States Requiring Motorboat Operator Proof of EducationDC AS GU
NMI
PWCs Only (Certain Ages or Rentals Only) - 6
48 of 56 states and territories require some sort of education.
PWCs Only (Certain Ages or Rentals Only) – 6 States
Born-on or after date – 17 States
Certain Ages Only (Usually preteens, teens &/or young adults only) – 17 States
Short-Term Phase-In (requires participation by all boaters) – 8 States
Born-on or after date - 17
Certain Ages Only (Usually preteens, teens &/or young adults only) - 17 PR
Short-Term Phase-In (requires participation by all boaters) - 8 VI
No Education Requirements - 8
Note that each state has unique requirements that may impact different age operators.

35. Propeller Strike Avoidance
Education package for rentals and other vessels was produced and distributed at 2008 IBWSS. Materials have been updated and are available in electronic format.
Regulatory project for engine shut-off switch installation and use is progressing well, and NPRM is expected to be published in the near future.

36. 17-Character Hull Identification Number Proposal from NBSAC
USCG has completed a preliminary cost analysis. However, data for determining the benefits is difficult to obtain.
Feel that full state participation in VIS may be the best option.

37. Vessel Identification System (VIS)
VIS became operational late September 2007.
31 states and territories have submitted signed MOAs.
State participation essential to make VIS effective as a law enforcement and maritime security strategy.

38. Which States Have Signed Their MOAs for VIS?DC AS GU CM 31
MOAs signed – 6.1M boats 22
MOAs not yet signed PR VI 3
States with barriers to participation
As of 9/09/09

39. Numbering Regulatory Project
Numbering regulations, VIS regulations and accident reporting regulations use different terms, categories and definitions.
Regulatory project moving forward to create consistency and resolve problems from the lack of such.
NPRM expected to be published soon.

40. Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund

41. Fishing Distribution Box: FWS Admin – Set amount (??)
FY08 Receipts
FY09 Distribution
Fishing Distribution Box:
FWS Admin – Set amount (??)
Commission – Set amount (??)
Multi-State Grants - $3M plus a portion from Boat Safety Acct
Sport Fish Restoration – 57% plus a portion from Boat Safety Acct.
Outreach “Take Me Fishing” – 2% plus portion of Boat Safety Acct.
Boating Box:
RBS – 18.5% plus a portion from Boat Safety Acct
Access Grants – 15% only
CVA (Clean Vessel Act) – 2% plus a portion from Boat Safety Acct
BIG (Boating Infrastructure Grant) – 2% plus a portion from Boat Safety Acct
Current as of

43. Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund
Long-term authorization expired 9/30/2009
Since then, four temporary extensions have been enacted, the latest being on 3/18/ It provides authorization through 12/31/2010.
The Coast Guard, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other interested parties working on options for the next long-term extension.

44. Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund
LCP goes to Congress for consideration
NBSAC Resolution.
The Coast Guard & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service partnership growing and working well.
Proposal would continue program through 2014 and provide improvements to the RBS program.

45. Challenges

46. 85th Meeting Challenge #1
Should the Coast Guard mandate the wear of life jackets by everyone on board a recreational vessel <26’ in length (outside of a cabin)?
510/709 deaths in 2008 were drownings.
90% of those who drown were not wearing a life jacket.
The wear rate for life jackets has remained stable for the past 12 years of measure, regardless of our efforts.
The USACE has proven that mandates can work.

47. 85th Meeting Challenge #1
Should the Coast Guard mandate the wear of life jackets by everyone on board a recreational vessel <26’ in length (outside of a cabin)?
If only 71% were to comply, and if only 90% of those in compliance survived, this would save >269 lives per year.
If this only applied to boats <21’ in length, this would save >243 lives per year.

48. 85th Meeting Challenge #1
Should the Coast Guard mandate the wear of life jackets by everyone on board a recreational vessel <26’ in length (outside of a cabin)?
The states have mandated life jacket wear for over 50 years and are enacting new wear mandates now.
Like education, uniformity is lacking.
NABA model act on cold weather wear.

49. State Life Jacket Requirements
CT: 11*
MA: 11
VT: 11 7 12 10 11 10 9 12 12
11* 14 12 5 6
NH: 5
RI: 10
MD: 6 12 12 12 11 9 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 6
DE: 12
DC: 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 AS GU
NMI 12 12 8 9 12 12 5
Kids Only
52 of 56 states and territories have a life jacket wear requirement.
PWCs / Kids / Tow-Behinds – 45 States
PWCs / Kids – 4 States
Kids / Tow-Behinds – 2 States
Kids Only – 5 Territory
PWCs/ Kids/ Tow-Behinds (Maximum required age listed)
Shades of blue represent maximum required ages for youth. PR
PWCs / Kids VI
Kids/ Tow-Behinds
PWCs/ Kids/ Tow-Behinds & Seasonal Requirements (NY, CT)
As of April 12, 2010
Tow-Behind requirements vary from state to state.

50. 85th Meeting Challenge #2 NATIONAL RBS PROGRAM STRATEGIC PLAN
Keep the strategic plan implementation on track and moving forward.
Continue development of next 5-year plan and coordinate with Coast Guard planning cycle.

51. THE END