USCG Office of Boating Safety Update

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

2009 Annual Conference

Corpus Christi, Texas

Jeff Hoedt, Chief USCG, CG-5422

Boating Safety Division

Recreation Recreation Demand Demand

Trends---Trends---An An UpdateUpdate

Ken Cordell, Carter Betz, Gary Ken Cordell, Carter Betz, Gary Green, Shela MouGreen, Shela Mou

Forest Service SRS, UGA, and FS Forest Service SRS, UGA, and FS RMRSRMRS

Athens, GA and Ft. Collins, COAthens, GA and Ft. Collins, CO

May 5, 2009May 5, 2009

[email protected]@fs.fed.ushttp://http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/warnell.forestry.uga.edu/nrrt/nsre/index.htmlnrrt/nsre/index.html

Trends in outdoor Trends in outdoor recreation recreation generallygenerally

•Between 2000 and early 2008, the total total number of peoplenumber of people who participated in one or more activities grew by grew by 4.4 percent4.4 percent

•At the same time, the sum total number of total number of days of participationdays of participation increased from 67 billion to 84 billion, approximately +25 approximately +25 percentpercent

Figure 1.—Growth in number of people and number of activity days in 60 outdoor recreation activities60 outdoor recreation activities in the United States, 2000–2007.

Source: National Survey on Recreation and the Environment

How did all the changes up through 2007 affect recreation participation?

BUTBUT, , What happens to Recreation Trends when we add data from 2008 to early 2009---vast changes in the

drivers of demand?

• The economy---recession actually began Jan. 2007 (recession = reduced growth in real GDP in 2 successive quarters)

• Gasoline (doubled over price in 2004)

• Climate change (now widely evident)• Etc.

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

Canoeing Kayaking Rafting Rowing Sailing

Total annual recreation activity days, moving 3-year averages

NSRE – National Survey on Recreation and the Environment

Non-Motor Boating ActivitiesNon-Motor Boating Activities

Mixed, slight Mixed, slight declinedecline

Total annual recreation activity days, moving 3-year averages

NSRE – National Survey on Recreation and the Environment

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

Motorboating Off-highway vehicle driving Snowmobiling

Use personal watercraft Waterskiing

Motorized ActivitiesMotorized Activities

One up, one downOne up, one down

Summary of TrendsSummary of Trends

• Outdoor recreation generally, and nature-nature-based recreation especiallybased recreation especially, were still growing through 2007.

• The mix of Americans’ activities, however, was changing changing over time, noticeably

• Some traditional activities were declining, like picnicking, visiting historic sites, canoeing, rafting

• BUTBUT, there have been enormous changes since 2007---gas prices, finance industry, recession, ….., and they continue to change

• Gas prices did affect trips and activity selection• Kids still do spend time outdoors• The wildest wild card will likely be climate

change

National RBS ProgramUpdate

2008 Recreational BoatingMarket Estimates and Accidents

• Market Estimates:– 83.6 Million recreational boaters (age 16+)

• NSRE update soon???

– 12.7 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

2008 Recreational BoatingMarket Estimates and 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

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.)


2008 Goals CY Actuals 5 Yr. Avg.

Injuries 3150 3331 3453

Deaths 655 709 694

Casualties 3805 4040 4147

Registered Vessels and Deaths 1962-2008


2009 Goals CY Actuals 5 Yr. Avg.

Injuries 3585

Deaths 685

Casualties 4270

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

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;– 2007 = 4.7% 2008 – 5.2% (achieved)

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

RBS Objectives

• Decrease the recreational boat manufacturer ratio of discrepancies per inspection by 5% from previous year;– 2007 = 1.0873 ratio 2008 = 1.0145 = -6.7%

• achieved

• Compliance with equipment carriage requirements; – Measures and baseline being established

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

RBS Sub-tier Goal

• Evaluate the impact of grant programs in achieving the goals of the strategic plan. – System under development

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 within 6 months.

Life Jackets – Creating a Culture Change

National JSI Measurement ofLife Jacket Wear

• Annual observation study.

• JSI initiated measurement in 1998.

• Overall wear rate has varied insignificantly from year to year between 21.3% (low-1999) and 23.9% (high-1998).

• 2008 wear rate – 22.6% (with PWCs).

• 2008 adult rate without PWCs – 8.1%

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’).


• Primary focus on Mississippi given that this requirement is new there.

• Measuring the life jacket wear rate and impacts on participation.

• Baseline data collected in 2008, and 2009 is first implementation year.


• Baseline measure for all boats, except PWCs, for adults only – 8.5%.

• Preliminary data for 2009 indicates a wear rate of 70.8%!

• Initiatives include public awareness campaign and warnings – no citations.

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.


• USCG/Administration has not sent a proposal to the Hill this year to date. However, …

• At the request for drafting assistance, the USCG provided new legislative language in 2009 to the Hill. To date, no action has been taken – not included in CG Authorization Bill – H.R. 3619 – introduced last week.

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

SFRBTF Reauthorization

SFRBTF Authorization Expires End of FY 09

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

• NASBLA, AFWA and other boating/fishing interests working together have developed collaborative legislative proposal.

SFRBTF Reauthorization

• Neither of these has been introduced on the Hill as of yet.

• Kudos to the partners for their cooperative efforts during this effort.

• The expected results are positive!

Current Bills on the Hill

Hot legislation – House passed 9/23:• Surface Transportation Extension Act of

2009 H.B. 3617– Extends the authorization of the transfer of

money from the Highway Trust Fund to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and to the subsequent programs (RBS) through 31 Dec 2009.

– States will probably only receive ¼ of their annual allocation during this period.


Hot legislation – introduced 9/22:• Coast Guard Authorization Act H.R. 3619

– Marine Safety Responsibilities – possible new structure ;

– Fishing Vessel Safety Program that references RBS manufacturing standards and creates new grant programs with 75/25% match;

– Amends “associated equipment” to include emergency locator beacons;


Hot legislation:• Coast Guard Authorization Bill H.R. 3619

– USCG to complete literature review and study on blended fuels (ethanol);

– Reauthorizes the National Boating Safety Advisory Council through 2020;

• NOTE: 24 Sept 2009 – Notice from Secretary of Homeland Security that suspends all action on Committee charters and member appointments while an efficiency review is conducted.

Vessel Identification System

Vessel Identification System (VIS)

• VIS became operational late September 2007.

• 31 states and territories have submitted signed MOAs. The most recent being Texas.

• State participation essential to make VIS effective as a law enforcement and maritime security strategy.

42

Which States Have Signed Their MOAs for VIS?

DC

VI

PR

AS GU CM

31

22

3 States with barriers to participation

MOAs not yet signed

MOAs signed – 6.1M boats

As of 9/09/09

Numbering Regulatory Project

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 to be published in first half of 2010.

Propeller Strike Avoidance


• 20-40 deaths per year and hundreds of injuries.

• Proposals to resolve problems:

– Initial education package completed and tested in 2008. Updated package continuing to move forward.


• Proposals to resolve problems:

– First regulatory project moving forward is cut-off switch installation and use. NPRM to be published in 2010. Proposed rule for operator to turn engine off will follow.

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

Hull Identification Number

17-Character Hull Identification Number Proposal from NBSAC

• USCG has been completing a preliminary - internal cost/benefit analysis. Completion is expected over the next year

• Other options will be considered, such as the proposal for an NICB database.

17-Character Hull Identification Number Proposal from NBSAC

• An essential part of this process will be to get input from NASBLA, IAMI and others on identifying the specific problems that exist (outcomes).

• We will then analyze how effectively each option addresses the key problems, using input received by our partners.

State RBS Program Approvals

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.

• FY2010 implementation.

Other Items

Accident Reporting – FL Future Boating Participation

QUESTIONS?