May 2006 Western States Boating Law Administrators (WSBAA) Meeting, Kauai, Hawaii

WSBAA held its 45th annual meeting at Kauai, HI May 14-17, 2006.

The meeting was more interesting in what was not, rather than was. For the first time, there was NO uniformed Coast Guard in attendance, nor were either the NASBLA President or Executive Director.

The only non-WSBAA speakers were Bill Gossart [NTSB], who spoke at length on "Sole State Waters Commercial Vessel Safety", which was an introduction to a meeting to be held in September, 2006 in Washington, and an advertising executive [from Sacramento, CA] speaking on "Effective Use of Major Media".

It was mentioned more than once that WSBAA has 22 members, more than any other States group, and all were present.

Coast Guard Districts 11,13,14 and 17 were represented by their civilian RBS members -- perhaps a preview of what will be the new RBS office chaired by Jeff Hoedt.

National Boating Federation reported under "WSBAA Associates"; several "thumbs-up" indicate that I hit the right notes, which included the proposed conference, prior to our October meeting, by Earl Waesche, myself and John Johnson.

Most of Tuesday's presentations concerned boater surveys, ways to use them, and various media successes, all interesting, all with questionable, tangible results.

The most intensive discussion centered on a proposed Draft Strategic Plan by the Strategic Planning Panel, setting forth nine specific goals, among them fatality reduction goals, accurate marine accident reports, and other measurable goals [copy available on request]. It was emphasized that the document presented is a draft only; however it was made clear that the Coast Guard expected tangible improvements, year by year, in State reports to the Coast Guard.

WSBAA remains a cohesive group of BLAs, apparently planning to retain its identity in the coming reorganization of NASBLA.

Margot Brown
Executive Director, NBF

More meeting reports