USCG Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety Update

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

2010 Annual Conference

Honolulu, Hawaii

CAPT Mark Rizzo, Chief USCG, CG-542

Office of Auxiliary &Boating Safety

Growing A Safety Culture

A Safety Culture

• “Safety culture is the enduring value and priority placed on worker and public safety by everyone in every group at every level of an organization. It refers to the extent to which individuals and groups will commit to personal responsibility for safety, … ”

A Safety Culture

• They will … “act to preserve, enhance and communicate safety concerns, strive to actively learn, adapt and modify behavior based on lessons learned from mistakes, and be rewarded in a manner consistent with these values.”

Australia, Tasmania, Ireland

• Do regulations create a nanny state or just support common sense?

• Tasmania and Ireland mandate life jacket wear.

• 6/7 states in Australia require operator licenses for powerboat operators.

• All have lower fatality ratios.

Minnesota

• While not regulating boating more or even as much as some states, they consistently have the lowest boating fatality ratio in the country! Less than half the national average!

• Minnesota’s safety culture is alive and doing well!

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1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

Fatalities/100,000 boatsFederal Boating Act of 1958

Initial ABYC voluntary manufacturing standards

Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 enacted

Federal mandatory manufacturing standards

Aquatic Resources Trust Fund created 1984

Intoxicated boating laws and enforcement enhanced States begin

enacting education mandates

Wearable life jackets required carriage on smaller boats

1958, 1971 & 1984 Acts led to significant enhancements of state boating laws and enforcement

TIER ONE ALTERNATIVES FOR SAFETY:

• Life jacket wear

• Skill level training

• Heightened awareness campaigns

• Basic safety knowledge & certification (“education”)

TIER TWO ALTERNATIVES FOR SAFETY:

• Operating under the influence

• Propeller strike casualties

Future Participation Report

Recreational BoatingParticipation Estimates

• 2009• 52.0 million motorboaters• 20.3 million PWC users• 7.4 million kayakers

• 2020• 60.4 million motorboaters• 21.1 million PWC users• 13.5 million kayakers

Fall 2010 Proceedings Magazine

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

2010 Annual Conference

Honolulu, Hawaii

Jeff Hoedt, Chief USCG, CG-5422

Boating Safety Division

National RBS ProgramUpdate

2009 Recreational BoatingMarket Estimates

• Market Estimates:

~82 Million recreational boaters (age 16+)

~12.7 Million state registered boats

– Millions more unregistered boats (canoes, kayaks, etc. - 4 to 25 million?)

2009 Recreational BoatingMarket Estimates

• Market Estimates:– 2006 Boat Sales

• 912,130 new boat sales– 291,000 traditional powerboats

– 393,000 kayaks

– 2009 Boat Sales• 572,520 new boat sales

– 153,550 traditional powerboats

– 254,000 kayaks

2009 RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS

• Reported CY 2009 Boating Accidents:– 4,730 boating accidents

– 736 deaths (2004: 676 deaths = record low)

– 3,358 injuries (2008: 3,331 injuries = record low)

– $36 million in property damage

National RBS ProgramStrategic Plan Update

RBS Performance Goals

• Specific targets for numbers of casualties (injuries and deaths) set per year through the year 2011. (Measured on a calendar year, a 5-year average, and a fiscal year basis.)

RBS PERFORMANCE GOALS

• Specific targets for numbers of casualties (injuries and deaths) set per year through the year 2011.

2009 Goals CY Actuals

Injuries 3585 3358 Deaths 685 736Casualties 4270 4094

RBS Objectives

• Boating safety education certificates issued (students certified) annually;

• Boating public’s awareness of safe boating practices;

RBS Objectives

• Individuals completing an advanced boating education course or an on-the-water skill course;

• Increase adult life jacket wear-rate in open motorboats by 3% over previous year;– 2008 = 5.2% 2009 – (decreased)

RBS Objectives

• Reduce deaths due to navigation rules violations to 19% of total deaths by 2011;

• 5% annual decrease in the number of casualties where alcohol use was a cause comparing 2011 to 2010;

RBS Objectives

• Decrease the recreational boat manufacturer ratio of discrepancies per inspection by 5% from previous year;

• Compliance with equipment carriage requirements;

RBS Objectives

• Enhance accident data accuracy and completeness. Ensure investigator reports are complete and accurate;

• Determine a participation denominator for boating activity to measure risk levels;

RBS Sub-tier Goal

• Evaluate the impact of grant programs in achieving the goals of the strategic plan.

National Boating Survey

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.

Strategic Plan Next Steps

2012 to 2016 Updated Plan

Life Jackets – Creating a Culture Change

LIFE JACKET WEARJSI National Observation Study

• 2009 JSI Study Completed - Results:

– No significant change from prior 11 years.– National wear rate of 22.3%, including PWCs

(mandated) and children (mandated).– Adult wear rate <10% on all other boats.– Adult wear rate <5% on open motorboats.

LIFE JACKET WEARVoluntary measures tested

• 3-year project completed to test the effectiveness and impacts of unrestricted voluntary life jacket wear strategies. Substantial funding provided.

• Test site in central California. Showed increased wear by adults to 9-12 percent, not an adequate level to noticeably reduce drownings.

LIFE JACKET WEARUSACE Mandate Project

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard working together on 4-year project to test the effectiveness and impacts of mandatory life jacket wear requirements.

• 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 2008. Adults on boats other than PWC’s - wear rate of ~13%.

• 2009 improved wear rate to ~71%! This is a rate that would, nationwide, substantially reduce drownings.


• 2010 to 2012 - USACE expanding the test to a new location, with the USCG providing support.

• Lynda Nutt will provide the details at a later session in your conference.


• USACE receives awards from the National Safe Boating Council and NASBLA for this effort – a federal agency mandating the wear of life jackets (by length of boat) – similar to Australian and other nation requirements.

• Are these awards an endorsement of the test, of a federal mandate, or both?

NBSAC 85th MEETINGApril 2010

Should the Coast Guard mandate the wear of life jackets by everyone on board a recreational

vessel <26’ in length (outside of a cabin)?

NBSAC Efforts

• A workgroup has been formed. Chaired by Richard Moore, with several members from across the boating community.

• Data being gathered and analyzed so that a recommendation to NBSAC and ultimately to the CG can be developed.

• Town hall discussion later today.

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.

Life Jacket Approval Process

• The Coast Guard is working at both the national and international level to study these issues and resolve them. Working toward a North American standard and a possible ISO standard.

• Desire creative designs that will assist in increasing life jacket wear rates to desired level (70-85% overall).

Mandatory Education

Mandatory Education Proposal

• Spring 2004 NBSAC resolution advising USCG to seek legislation authorizing USCG to promulgate mandatory education regulations.

• USCG/Administration sent legislative change proposal to Hill to do this in early 2006 & early 2007.


• Proposals failed probably because of misperception, confusing terminology, concern over possible future CG direction.

• Fall 2007 NBSAC resolution advised USCG to continue work on legislation for federal mandatory education & to create workgroup.


• The USCG provided requested draft legislative language to the Hill this year. This language has been partially utilized by Congress and has been introduced in S. 3639, as mentioned by CAPT Rizzo.

• Section 101 of this bill covers this topic and includes the overwhelming share of the NBSAC proposal.

Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund

BOATI NG & FI SHI NG$113,271,090

I nterest - $71,553,714Import Duties - $41,717,376

SMALL ENGI NE FUEL TAX

$103,003,000

COASTAL WETLANDS$128,452,127

Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Program FundingProgram Funding

Sport Fish Restoration and

Boating Trust Fund & Boat Safety Account

$720,749,090

FY2008- 09

BOATI NG

$397,442,000

Motorboat Fuel Tax - $378,996,000 Boat Safety Account - $12,287,000

Elec. Outboard Motor Tax - $6,159,000

BOATI NG & FI SHI NGOutreach (Take Me

Fishing)

$13,934,716

BOATI NG $221,822,272

RBS - $133,552,127 Access (portion of SFR) - $60,400,713

Clean Vessel Act - $13,934,716BIG - $13,934,716

FI SHI NG$356,539,975

FWS Admin – $9,926,269Commissions - $1,200,000

Multi- State Cons Grants - $3,143,000Sport Fish Restoration - $342,270,026

FI SHI NG

$107,033,000

(Includes: 3 Fishing Equip Taxes)

FY08 Receipts FY09 Distribution

Current as of 1-13-09

BOATING & FISHING$90,873,388

I nterest - $57,020,719Import Duties - $33,852,669

SMALL ENGINE FUEL TAX

$101,006,000

COASTAL WETLANDS$120,809,841

Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Program Funding

Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust

Fund & Boat Safety Account

$691,287,814

FY2009- 10

BOATING

$412,609,426

Motorboat Fuel Tax - $385,995,000 Boat Safety Account - $24,263,426

Elec. Outboard Motor Tax - $2,351,000

BOATING & FISHINGOutreach (Take Me

Fishing)

$13,060,523

BOATING $213,313,147

RBS - $128,938,086 Access (portion of SFR) - $58,254,015

Clean Vessel Act - $13,060,523BIG - $13,060,523

FISHING$344,104,302

FWS Admin – $9,798,220Commissions - $1,200,000

Multi- State Cons Grants - $3,000,000Sport Fish Restoration - $330,106,082

FISHING

$86,799,000

(Includes: 3 Fishing Equip Taxes)

FY09 Receipts FY10 Distribution

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 3/18/2010. It provides authorization through 12/31/2010.

SFRBTF Reauthorization

• Coast Guard and USFWS have developed a legislative change proposal (LCP) for the reauthorization of the Trust Fund.

• NASBLA, AFWA and 10 other boating/fishing organizations (Angling & Boating Alliance) have developed alternative legislative concepts.

SFRBTF Reauthorization

• Differences exist between proposals, but primary goal of both is to continue the program.

• For the first time ever, Administration forwards a legislative proposal to Congress – April 2010.

• CG working with NASBLA leadership to discuss differences & coordinate on this effort!

STATE GRANTS $124,383,113

Boat Safety Funding from SFRBTFFY2010

Current Law

$128,938,086

PROGRAM

$ 5,500,000

STATE GRANTS

$ 114,797,420

NBSAC(Currently OE funding)

$200,000

Administration’s Proposal

$138,977,272

PROGRAM$6,500,000

NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATION GRANTS

$6,000,000

ADMINISTRATION

$ 2,468,762 (≤2%)

NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATI ON GRANTS

$ 6,171,904 (≤5%)

ADMINISTRATION$1,894,159 (≤1.5%)

Source: USCG 6-02-10

Numbering Regulatory Project

Numbering Regulatory Project

• Numbering (SNS), VIS and accident reporting (BARD) regulations use different terms, categories and definitions.

• NPRM was published to unify terms. NASBLA and NMMA requested an extension of the now expired comment period.

• Extension granted to October 15.

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.


• Other proposals to resolve problem:

– First regulatory project moving forward is cut-off switch installation and use. NPRM in final review at DHS. Proposed rule for operator to turn engine off will follow.

– ABYC continuing work to develop performance standards for “prop guard” type devices.

– Other inventions – Australia prop?

Hull Identification Number

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.

• Reg project still active, but feel that full state participation in VIS may be the best option to resolve data and access concerns.

Accident Reporting

Accident Reporting System Proposal from NBSAC

• 15 proposals from NBSAC to consider – submitted in 2009.

• Reg project currently being initiated in CG regulatory process. State input will be essential as process moves forward.

QUESTIONS?