NMMA Opposes Georgia’s Proposed Changes to Anchoring and Pump-Out Regulations
Date Posted: June 25, 2019
Source: NMMA

On Monday, June 17, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources held a public hearing regarding proposed amendments under Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia, which would create a permit and fee for vessels wishing to anchor overnight, even if it is for one night. The amendments would also require persons operating live-aboard vessels with marine toilets, as well as persons who operate pump-out facilities such as marina owners, to keep a log indicating the name, location and dates of the pump-out facilities used.

NMMA policy and engagement manager, Lee Gatts attended the hearing and delivered comments opposing many provisions in the draft regulations under discussion. “We strongly object to even the concept of treating anchorage in Georgia’s public waters like a hotel,” said Gatts. “We know of no state that charges boaters by the day to anchor in its waters. We do not believe this permit scheme will be enforceable given the severe shortage of on-water patrols and other resources. We expect it will be extremely costly and difficult for the state to provide sufficient education to transient boaters to create even minimal compliance with these fees.”

Authorized by the passage of Georgia House Bill 201, these changes attempt to address the issue of derelict vessels located throughout the state, as well as vessels illegally dumping untreated sewage in the water. NMMA believes that these proposed amendments miss the mark and cast too broad of a net affecting and ultimately deterring boaters who contribute approximately $4.3 billion in economic activity to Georgia each year.

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Comment Submitted by Gaz - June 29, 2019

 

There is no doubt that politicians need input from the impacted communities to pass most laws in order to avoid the idiot factor from creeping in. Doesn't appear any boaters were involved in this law however I believe in this case at the very least good intentions were involved.  Let's face it derelict boats are the plague of our waterways that ruin it for everyone.  Besides the environmental impact no one wants to see them and the States have to deal with removal with little assistance from the federal government.  With this in mind I personally have no issues with a State fee to use their waterways if it will solve this problem.  The issue here, this law will not accomplish anything other than negatively impacting law abiding boaters and the local economies. Not only will enforcement of this new law be nearly impossible when an officer does discharge this discretionary duty it has the possibility of arbitrary and capricious misfeasance. Furthermore it is totally unnecessary as laws already exist that deal with the derelict boat issues but they are not enforced. IE: All boats require registrations tied to serial numbers so there is no reason a derelict boat owner can't be identified and fined for abandonment of their vessel. This bring up another example. How many derelict boats have you seen that have a current registration? Last I checked this alone was a violation.  I also wouldn't be opposed to requiring insurance for all non human powered boats of a certain size as we do for land vehicles and a portion of the premium set aside for abandoned boats. It is not unreasonable to require insurance to get a registration. The argument about costs prohibiting access is unsupportable. If you can't afford insurance how can you afford to keep a boat in navigable condition?  It's like going to a restaurant without enough money to pay or leave a tip. You enjoy the meal and service, leave behind a mess but have no regard for anyone else.  

 

For me I'll continue to ply the waters of Georgia, love the State even if their politicians are misguided but where does a law abiding boater get their anchoring permit?

 

Gaz                   

 

Comment Submitted by Robert Stanton Long - June 28, 2019

The rule is an overreach.  Rules are necessary to maintain a viable resource, but apparently the crafters of this legislation is antibusiness and antisocial.  

 

Might be a socialist Democrat behind this dracanionian dictation.

Comment Submitted by Ralph dembowczyk - June 27, 2019

This proposal was probably submitted by nonboater. His name is

Don Hogan, a Georgia State representative., who represents

St. Simons island. This proposal is ludicrous and is not addressing

the "alleged " problem of derelict vessels. Vote him out of office

Is the best way to address this issue.

 

Comment Submitted by Randy Irwin - June 26, 2019

The way to handle this is at the Polls at election time. I am a Glynn County voter and will be addressing this to anyone that I can prior to next election cycle.   Apparently, NO THOUGHT nor consideration was put into this.     How about citizens with boats who just like to occassionally "get away' for a night or two in local waters!! This BILL needs to be reconsidered in its entirety.

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