[Psml] Virginia House Bill 1627

[John]

Hi all,

         Please see below message from BoatUS.

          Appears that Virginia will be following in the footsteps of 
other States. What position has USPS taken on this Legislation? 
Hopefully USPS is aware, and if so, why haven't Squadrons / members 
in the area advised? The Virginia Legislators are in a shorter 
session this year. Nice to know about this so we in Virginia can 
provide our individual input. Is USPS on top of this? Any 
clarifications? Last I heard was New Jersey requires a proctored exam 
vice an on-line, non-proctored exam. Seems the VA certificate should 
be like obtaining an auto driver's license. Take a proctored test. 
Based on NASBLA course approvals, guess it won't be necessary. Sad.

         John

P/C John Shivik, AP
Northern Virginia Sail and Power Squadron
District 5 and Alive

Quote
"January 12, 2007

Dear BoatU.S. Member,

We are writing to advise you that the Virginia Legislature will soon 
consider a bill, House Bill 1627, Boating Safety Education, that 
would require all motorboat and PWC operators to take a boating 
safety course and carry a certificate showing successful completion 
of a written test.

BoatU.S. supports this legislation because we believe it will make 
our crowded waterways safer for everyone by helping insure that 
boaters know the basic rules of the road and because all of the 
surveys we have done over the years have told us that our members 
support phased-in mandatory education.

We have, however, asked for two clarifications: First, that if a 
boater has taken a course in the past and has proof of successful 
completion, that person does not have to take a new course. Second, 
we have also recommended that a provision be added grandfathering 
operators with significant experience, such as having owned and 
operated a registered boat for the past 20 years.

As drafted, the bill calls for an eight-year phase in, by July 2016, 
all motorboat operators will need to have taken a course. PWC 
operators have a 4 year phase in, by July 2011.

There are many ways you can satisfy this requirement, including 
taking the free BoatU.S. internet course or a course in the 
classroom. You may also use your existing USCG license.

If you'd like to see our outline of the bill: 
<http://smtpbulk.boatus.net/t?r=3&ctl=4952:39496>http://www.boatus.com/gov/alert.htm 


You can view the entire bill at: 
<http://smtpbulk.boatus.net/t?r=3&ctl=4950:39496>http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?071+ful+HB1627 


If you agree, after the reviewing the bill, that this legislation 
deserves your support, we encourage you to contact the following 
legislators and let them know of your support of this bill as there 
will be a hearing January 17 before the Virginia House Agriculture, 
Chesapeake, and Natural Resources Committee.

1. Delegate Kathy Byron (the bill's sponsor): 
<mailto:delkbyron at house.state.va.us>delkbyron at house.state.va.us
2. Delegate Kirkland Cox (Chair of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake, 
and Natural Resources Committee): 
<mailto:delkcox at house.state.va.us>delkcox at house.state.va.us
3. Your state Delegate and Senator: Click here to find their names, 
addresses, phones or to send an email: 
<http://smtpbulk.boatus.net/t?r=3&ctl=4951:39496>http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform 


We'd also appreciate seeing your comments. Please cc us at: 
<mailto:GovtAffairs at BoatUS.com>GovtAffairs at BoatUS.com. Thanks for 
helping support safe boating.

Margaret Podlich, Vice President
BoatU.S. Government Affairs
<mailto:GovtAffairs at BoatUS.com>GovtAffairs at BoatUS.com
703-461-2864

***** "
Unquote

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