Changes to the Coast Guard Authorization Act

Stodge

Good news for those who have documented vessels:

SPRINGFIELD, Va., December 4, 2018 – Each year Congress authorizes the budget and overall spending level for the U.S. Coast Guard, which can have a direct effect on recreational boaters. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) applauds today’s passage of The Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Authorization of Act of 2018, which offers new safety and consumer-friendly benefits for boaters, anglers and sailors.

Included in the reauthorization is a provision requiring “manufacturers, distributors and dealers” to install engine cutoff switches on new boats “less than 26 feet overall in length and capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust.” The engine cutoff switch provision “includes, but is not limited to, inboard engines, outboard motors and sterndrive engines.” Switches also need to meet American Boat and Yacht Council Standards.

For those who document their vessel with the U.S. Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center, the length of time the certificate will be valid increases from one to five years, easing a boater’s paperwork burden.

“Cutoff switches save lives,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “And making recreational-vessel documentation renewal easier by now requiring it only once every five years is a consumer-friendly move. We thank the leadership of Sen. John Thune, Sen. Bill Nelson, Rep. Bill Shuster and Rep. Peter DeFazio for their efforts in securing this vital reauthorization.”

Source:  https://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?ID=1453

randy56

Thanks for the update. I thought all boats already had those on them. Built from about 2000 on. Maybe just some manufactures. I don't think I have ever hooked the lanyard to myself except on a jet ski. 

Stodge

@randy56 I think it depended on the style of boat.  I take this to mean "ANY" new boat under 26 foot will have to have them now.

Dream_Inn

I like the change in the length of time for documentation.  

randy56

I like both changes. As we have a lot of non boating boaters today. As Handy said some people should not own a boat. 

LaRea

randy56 said:

... As Handy said some people should not own a boat. 

As he said, like how many times?

Thanks Stodge.  I don't view annual renewal as a burden, but 5 years is just fine with me.  

earl1z19

It will be a 5 year renewal at 7 times the annual rate....