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From the Boathouse: Seeking support for abandoned boat law

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Ahoy!

News of the week is that the Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) is encouraging boaters to support SB 122, which was introduced by Sen. Ted W. Lieu. This bill will prevent the automatic sunset of the abandoned and derelict vessel program scheduled on Jan. 1, and RBOC is supporting this bill to make the program permanent.

Many boaters may not remember when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 716 (introduced by Joe Canciamilla, D-Pittsburg), legislation that will allow law enforcement agencies to remove abandoned vessels from waterways, protecting California waters from deserted boat hazards after Jan. 1, 2006.

The bill helped to protect California’s natural resources and natural habitats. Abandoned vessels are not only an eyesore with a health risk from all the bird droppings, but can pose a navigational hazard to boaters by obstructing waterways, and an environmental risk from leaking oil and fuel. SB 122 will continue to help keep our waterways clear of navigational hazards created by any abandoned boats and prevent a fuel or oil spill. If a boat is abandoned, then it is safe to assume that the vessel has not been maintained; therefore, the vessel has a high probability of petroleum products remaining in the tanks and engines, and possibly floating in the bilge water.

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AB 716 doubled the maximum fine for vessel abandonment on public waterways to $3,000, and the court can order violators to repay for the actual cost of removing and disposing of a vessel. The law states that vessels with registration expired for more than one year can be removed from public waterways by law enforcement officers. Legislative bills such as the abandoned and derelict boat program have helped to rid the waterways of deserted or discarded boats left behind by either those who do not care or those who are financially unable to properly remove their boats.

The funding source for removal of any abandoned boat is paid by boaters through the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. This fund is managed by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, which will become a division under the Department of Parks and Recreation on July 1. We need to maintain the abandoned and derelict boat program as the departmental structure changes.

The annual funding for Boating and Waterways has already been reduced for the next fiscal year, and this should worry boaters. The funds for Boating and Waterways are from a dedicated fund source derived directly from boaters and boating infrastructure loan repayments. I will be very interested to see how much money will be siphoned away from Boating and Waterways’ budgets for other non-related boating expenses in the upcoming fiscal years.

Tip of the week is to remember that the Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race is approaching fast, with the boats crossing the start line April 26. This race is known as the largest international yacht race in the world, and everyone is welcome to watch the starts from the Balboa Pier, where I will be announcing the starting classes and chatting about the course.

Did you know that the skipper with the best corrected time will win a two-year lease of a 2014 Lexus IS F Sport? Additionally, the Hotel Coral and Marina has donated a new trophy for the boat with the best corrected time in the cruising class.

The “across the border” festivities will be great this year at the Hotel Coral, and transportation is available from Southern California to the hotel in Ensenada. All the details are at https://www.newporttoensenada.com.

Stay tuned: I will have more details for the race start in my columns, and please be boat smart and boat safe.

Tune in to the No. 1 boating radio talk show in the nation, “Boathouse Radio Show,” broadcasting live coast-to-coast on the CRN Digital Talk Radio syndicated network at noon Saturdays and replaying throughout the weekend. See times at https://www.BoathouseTV.com https://www.facebook.com/boathouseradio and https://www.twitter.com/BoathouseRadio.

Safe voyages!

MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to https://www.boathousetv.com.

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