Conference vicki::boats

288.0. "Proposed Vermont boating laws" by BTO::JPETERS (John Peters, DTN 266-4391) Tue Mar 07 1989 11:17

    Committee OK's revised boating bill
    
    from The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press, Tuesday, March 7, 1989

    No one under age 12 could operate a motorboat with more than a five
    horsepower engine under a revision of state boating laws included
    in a bill approved by the House Transportation Committee.
    
    The bill, developed by the boating laws summer study committee,
    establishes a requirement for boating safety education, creates
    strong penalties and enforcement mechanisms to prevent operation
    of a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and codifies
    laws for safe boat operation.
    
    The bill would also require all individuals born after Jan. 1, 1974
    (anyone turning 15 after Jan. 1, of this year) to obtain a "certificate
    of boating education" before being allowed to operate a motorboat.
    
    The boating safety education program would be similar to the hunter
    safety course required of first-time hunters.  Coursed could be
    offered by state or local governments, the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary,
    the U.S. Power Squadron, public or private schools or `any group,
    firm, association or person.'
    
    Individuals could obtain a certificate of boating safety education,
    by passing such a course or taking an equivalency examination.
    
    The proposed legislation also calls for stronger DWI laws relating
    to boats, including a fine of $200 to $750, for a first offense,
    and $250 to $1,000 fine for subsequent offenses.  Offenders could
    also be imprisoned for up to a year.
    
    Other provisions of the bill forbid operation of a boat within 200
    feet of a designated swimming area or a divers-down flag, and require
    boats to travel at a speed of less than 5 mph near anchorages and
    docks.

    
    If Gov Kunin has to sign the new revised Boating Bill into law, when
    will it become effective?
                                                        
                                                        JW