Time is RUNNING OUT
S. 2766 Needs Your Support

Unless Congress fixes a problem created by a Federal judge in California before September 30, every recreational boat that discharges water–cooling or otherwise–within U.S. waters will have to have a permit to do so, or face fines up to $32,000.

The problem is the result of a case regarding EPA regulations and commercial ships dumping water ballast that might contain invasive species within U.S. waters. Overturning a 35-year exemption, a judge ruled current laws did not adequately define the difference between ballast water and incidental discharge–such as the cooling water from a marine engine, genset or air conditioner, or even washdown water running off the deck, and declared all water discharge would require permitting by the EPA. This does not refer to effluent, fuel, garbage, or other already regulated substances–but does include bilge and gray water, desalinators, anchor washdown, and cooling water from engines and air conditioners.

We reported on previous legislative attempts to exempt recreational vessels from the ban on incidental discharge in this column in October and December 2007, initiatives that stalled in Washington’s partisan quagmire. The latest exemption effort, called the Clean Boating Act of 2008, was introduced in March by Senators Barbara Boxer of California and Bill Nelson of Florida, and exempts pleasure boats from the ban.

You can easily get up to speed on the topic in a number of ways, such as logging on to the NMMA or the BoatUS Web sites. Press your senators to support S. 2766. To access the contacts for all 100 U.S. Senators, go to senate.gov.

Bridge News
First, the Anna Maria bridge at MM 89.2 across the Gulf ICW near Bradenton Beach, Florida, is being rehabbed, which will change its opening times as well as that of nearby Cortez bridge at MM 87.4. Until approximately December 31, 2008, both bridges will open only twice per hour and will be closed to navigation in the evening. Opening times will be adjusted based on work and worker safety issues. There will also be one 45-day vehicle closure period (TBD) during which the Anna Maria Bridge will open only once per hour. Call the USCG 7th District at 305-415-6744 for information.

Olin Hits Century Mark
Hard to believe it but Olin Stephens, a true genius of yachting design, turned 100 years old on April 13. Along with his late brother, Rod, Olin is the best known and most prolific yacht designer of the 20th century. His design board has seen more than 2,000 boats, including eight America’s Cup winners, as well as many innovations such as the dorade. Although he retired from the business in the 1980s, he still keeps a hand on the design firm that bears his name and acts as an advisor on rating rules.

Eight Bells for Pete Welch
Pete Welch, a pioneer of Florida’s yachting industry and Open Ocean powerboat racing, passed away in April, just shy of his 92nd birthday. His varied life led him from riding with the very last horse-mounted U.S. Army Calvary unit to teaching Army pilots to fly P-51s. Pete and his late brother, Bill, founded Welch Marine at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale and Pete soon became the first Hatteras dealer in Florida and later vice president of marketing for Chris Craft.