Western States Boating Administrators (WSBAA) Meeting Report, Helena, MT- May 22-25, 2005.

I am pleased to report that this meeting was one of the best organized and presented of many I have attended in recent years.

James Horan, President, chose to have fewer presentations, but allotted more time for each subject; he also chose to seat attendants in round table format, which made participation in discussions easier.

The usual President's reception featured Mark V. Rosenker, Acting Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board, Jim Muldoon, Chairman, BSAC, and Jeff Hoedt, Chief, Office of Boating Safety. Jeff was also present during Monday's program, and spoke at length on Wallop-Breaux legislation, problems with the proposed 75/25 fund split, and difficulties reconciling the House and Senate versions of the bill.

At this time, the Office of Boating Safety has NO COAST GUARD BILLET. It is, basically, operating on temporary authority -- not good news for recreational boaters.

Various State reports indicated increasing paddlesport deaths -- as much as 70% of fatalities in some states.

Randy Edwards, NASBLA president indicated that major changes are contemplated by that organization -- changes in governance and Board structure -- the three regional presidents would no longer serve automatically on the NASBLA Board -- in fact, he emphasized that the regional associations would be completely independent entities, as there have been conflicts in their constitutions, by-laws and mission statements with those of NASBLA. A very spirited discussion regarding Randy's statements followed.

Paddlesports -- Issues and opportunities round table brought forth suggestions for licensing kayaks and canoes (only Ohio does so at present, and thereby has funds for their safety issues). It was universally agreed that the best of paddlesport education elaborates only on the operation of the craft, with no regard for general navigation or visibility rules.

Another widely discussed issue -- The future of Recreational Boating -- could have taken up at least a half day. Opinions on the subject differed widely, including NMMA's proposed advertisements regarding certified dealers, mechanics, etc., to the reality that those families most able to afford to "Go Boating" find the sport too expensive, and time consuming.

Abandoned watercraft seems to be an issue in some states, generally those on the Pacific ocean shore.

PFD wear by adults was discussed; no conclusions were brought forth; the debate continues.

I hope that future meetings by regional and national BLA associations will attempt a similar schedule, with wide-ranging discussions of a few select subjects, instead of being "all things to all people".

Margot Brown

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