National Boating Safety Updates & Programs

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

2. 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 BoatingMarket Estimates and Accidents • Market Estimates: ~83 Million recreational boaters (age 16+) ~12.6 Million state registered boats • Millions more unregistered boats (canoes, kayaks, etc. - 4 to 25 million? TBD!) • Recreational boating’s economic impact is large in dollars and in providing U.S. jobs

6. 2008 Recreational BoatingAccidents • 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 1962-2008

8. Resolution & Action Item Updates

9. Resolution # 2009-84-01Concern 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 2011. (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 3150 3331 3453 Deaths 655 709 694 Casualties 3805 4040 4147

16. RBS Performance Goals 2009 Goals CY Actuals 5 Yr. Avg. Injuries 3585 Deaths 685 Casualties 4270

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% 2009 = 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% 2008 = 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% 2009= = -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 WearJSI 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 WearUSACE 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 2008. 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 Education DC AS GU NMI PWCs Only (Certain Ages or Rentals Only) - 6 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. FY08 Receipts FY09 Distribution Current as of 1-13-09

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 3/18/2010. 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 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.