Small boat sailors do not own the water anymore than anyone else. They also need to be capable of handling their craft and the conditions in the area they sail in. Next the canoes will want to eliminate the small boat sailors.

What is the no wake law in NJ for proximity to an anchored boat, a dock, or shore? I believe Michigan is 75" but will check for sure. 150' for a personal watercraft also I think.

Congrats!

Today's follow up story:




http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...e=nletter-news







.

September 11, 2008


Boaters say enforcement is needed

Recent death calls for a re-evaluation

By KIRK MOORE
STAFF WRITER

Speedboat enthusiasts told the state Boat Regulation Commission that more State Police enforcement, not a boat speed limit, is the answer to traffic dangers on Barnegat Bay, while speed limit advocates contended that it's become a quality of life issue.

"There's the sheer fear factor. . . . Thousands of people are denied the opportunity to use our waters because they're terrified," said Willie deCamp of Save Barnegat Bay, an environmental group that has called for a 30 or 35 mph speed limit.

The Aug. 2 death of Robert Post of Essex Fells in a boat collision in Brick led to renewed calls for speed limits, and an announcement from state Sen. Paul A. Sarlo, D-Bergen, that he will propose legislation to establish a 10 mph night-time speed limit. But Dave Patnaude of the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club said advocates are demanding speed limits before State Police complete their investigation into Post's death.

Five weeks after the crash, "we know nothing more than was initially reported," Patnaude said. "But yet three days later . . . Sen. Sarlo came out and said it was necessary to have a 10 mph speed limit at night."

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and State Police are investigating that crash to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

Since speed limits last were discussed — and rejected — in 2003, New Jersey has seen 48 boating fatalities, none of them at night prior to Post's death, Patnaude said. The last fatal collision at night on Barnegat Bay happened Aug. 10, 1991, Patnaude noted; three died in that crash of a 31-foot powerboat and a 16-foot Boston Whaler.

Imposing a speed limit on the bay "will not work because there is not enough law enforcement to enforce the (boating) laws now on the books," said Patnaude, whose club members favor high-performance monohull and catamaran powerboats used for cruising as well as racing.

On the other hand, Patnaude said, the state's annual boating accident toll has declined since the last overhaul of state laws in 2003, and "according to Coast Guard statistics, New Jersey has one of the lowest death rates" in the nation.

Harold Vliet, a retired State Police officer and former commander of the Point Pleasant marine station, recounted difficulties he encountered using radar and laser detection gear to measure boat speeds.

"It's so difficult to do," Vliet said. "It would be very difficult to present evidence in court to get a conviction."

In his second career as a boating safety trainer and yacht delivery captain, Vliet said the only speed limits he encounters along the East Coast are no-wake zones and the speed restrictions in the Florida manatee habitat.

"No one else has done it, because the need is not there," he told the commissioners.

Boat Regulation Commission Chairman Roger K. Brown said it is unlikely that a broad speed limit can be imposed on Barnegat Bay. The commission did not take any action Wednesday and will discuss the speed issue again at its Nov. 12 meeting at the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy, he said.

Brown said it's more likely that the commission may recommend expanding no-wake zones, as it did in 2003 when powerboat enthusiasts and critics last grappled over speed, noise and traffic on the bay.

"Maybe we need to look at that again . . . but to put a speed limit on the whole of Barnegat Bay doesn't make sense," Brown said, after a crowd of about 25 boaters spent the morning making their views known to the advisory panel.

Speed limit supporters, most of them from northern Barnegat Bay towns, said a speed limit is needed for safety and to reduce the intimidation felt by small-boat sailors and parents.

Reckless boating in the northern bay is "at a crisis level," said Jim Cadranell of Point Pleasant. "On the Metedeconk River . . . many powerboats weave their way through small boats at 40 to 50 mph."

Several powerboat owners said, though, they are being stigmatized as a group for the behavior of a few individuals.

"Most boaters are reasonable," said Rolf Papke, a longtime high-performance boat driver from Brick.

Imposing a speed limit would be another loss of freedom on Barnegat Bay, Papke said. He evoked a bygone image from his teenage days, when no one thought twice about seeing a 13-year-old walking along the road with a shotgun to go duck hunting. "Those are the freedoms we've lost."

"I would like to feel free to feel safe. . . . I don't enjoy that freedom now," said D'Arcy Green of Bay Head, who presented the commission with a resolution from the Borough Council of that town calling for a speed limit.

Even if enforcement is problematic, Green suggested, an official speed limit on the water would be a psychological factor for self-restraint among boaters. But captain and safety trainer Russ Cohen of Boatboy Marine Training cautioned that many boaters can't measure their speed with precision.

"Most boats under 25 feet don't have speedometers. Those that do don't work below 20 mph," Cohen said.

Many operators only estimate their speed based on engine revolutions per minute, he noted.

The most important thing for boaters is to "realize that we're operating a piece of machinery that can kill people," Cohen added.

"We really can't eliminate stupidity through legislation," said boater Jim Hutchinson of Brick. "I mean, sailboaters who drop anchor in the middle of a channel and expect us to do something about it. . . . I've seen people run up the back of another boat at a gas dock. Most of the accidents we've had, and the near accidents I've seen, didn't happen because of speed."

Good news report!

Tom I hope this battle is the short version not long and draged out version. njsp are on our side and it seems roger brown might be on our side or should i say doesnt think speed limits are the answer, would be a better way of saying it.

I am sure it will keep rearing its ugly head but the facts and statistics (along with Sharkey's pictures!) really support our side and I am sure that they made quite an impression on the comittee. It is blatently obvious that certain people are on a witch hunt and when faced with the facts are at a loss and start back tracking.
I would have loved to have seen the looks on their faces when they saw the pictures!

The attitude of some of the Bay Head people is really disgusting.Not sure if its still that way but in the past the beaches (ocean) of Bay head were private.Is it still like that?.I guess they want the bay too

You got that right! They think they are Jersey Shore Royalty.

Using the word PISSED does not even come close to the expressions on their faces :cool:

Should have used a camcorder for that one :drink:

It was like when the glove did not fit at the OJ trial:evilb:

Perhaps those pictures could serve another purpose !

With the people and the boats from those sailing communiites setting such a great example to the youngsters around them, I think it is time to get every operator of any vessel to take the Safe Boating Course . As the law is now, it is only mandated for Powerboaters to take the course. I feel we need an ammendment to that regulation so that it states ALL vessel operators !

That's priceless .....:ernaehrung004:

Oh, Did I fail to mention there was a powerboater out there the same day to show them how a No Wake Zone is supposed to be done ?

http://sharkeyimages.zenfolio.com/im...50495833-3.jpg

http://sharkeyimages.zenfolio.com/im...41877658-3.jpg

Yes another sailing community member at speed within close proximity of anchored boats and racing sailboats !

Shall I continue ? :rolleyes:

http://sharkeyimages.zenfolio.com/im...75001630-3.jpg
http://sharkeyimages.zenfolio.com/im...11356929-4.jpg

Great work, guys! Sharkey's pics are priceless and Dave P.'s relentless pursuit of justice are a powerful combo!!

I agree. Take the pictures to the commision and make the proposal official. :grinser010:

Pi$$ants they are

Good Point!! A lot of time they are under motor power and not traveling by wind power (sailing). Most of the time this is when they are in close quarters (rivers/creeks) and not out in the wide open bay.

After meeting these people from the Bay Head sailing club I could not get these two sentences out of my head today

"Spaulding get your foot off the boat" and
"You scratched my anchor"

:grinser010:

The latest story from the Ocean Star Newspaper:

Push is on for tougher boating laws

Boaters on inland waterways, including Barnegat Bay and the Metedeconk River, may be required to obey a 10 mph nighttime speed limit if Sen. Paul Sarlo’s bill, which is being supported by several local governing bodies, becomes law. Photo by JOSEPH J. DELCONZO, STAR NEWS GROUP

By Melissa Peace

JERSEY SHORE — Following a boating accident this summer that left one man dead and several other people injured, a state legislator and several local municipalities have thrown their support behind a plan that would impose a speed limit on inland waterways during the evening hours.

The proposed plan to create a speed limit — which has drawn mixed reactions from both the boating community and local municipalities — comes after Robert Post, 49, of Essex Fells, was killed after his boat was struck by another vessel in the early morning hours of Aug. 3.

According to an official from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, the 27-foot Imperial powerboat owned by 29-year-old Brick Township resident Anthony Digilio, 29, is believed to be the boat which struck Mr. Post’s 17-foot Boston Whaler, which was cruising in the Metedeconk River at the time.

Also on board Mr. Post’s boat was his wife, Bonnie, 52, along with Cliff and Joan Farren, 45 and 46, respectively, of St. Davids, Pa., and Karen Kelly, 46, of Norcross, Ga. All of the passengers were treated for injuries and released from Jersey Shore University Medical Center, in Neptune.

The investigation is continuing, and no charges had been filed against Mr. Digilio as of press time.

Along with the proposed legislation, a meeting was held this week by the New Jersey State Boat Regulation Commission where both sides of the situation was addressed, although no definitive decision was made on the issue.

Proposed Legislation Imposes Speed Limits

Following the fatal accident, Sen. Paul Sarlo, a Democrat whose district covers portions of Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties, proposed a speed limit be placed on the inland waterways in the evening hours.

Just days after the incident that took Mr. Post’s life, Sen. Sarlo announced that he would be calling for a speed limit as low as 10 mph to be placed on Barnegat Bay and all inland waterways during the night hours in New Jersey.

“I will sponsor legislation to be drafted in conjunction with the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Division and the Boat Regulation Commission designed to slow boats down when visibility is limited and danger is heightened,” said Sen. Sarlo, a frequent visitor to the Jersey Shore.

Currently, there are no speed limits on Barnegat Bay or any inland waterways, but boaters are required to operate their crafts in a safe manner, according to Lt. Frank Ofner, assistant bureau chief of the State Police Marine Services Division.

Sen. Sarlo said his staff last month contacted Roger K. Brown, Chairman of the Boat Regulation Commission, as well as state police officials, to inform them of his interest in helping to curb speeding boats on Barnegat Bay, especially at night.

“I realize efforts to impose speed limits in the past have been controversial and unsuccessful, but I believe there will be sufficient public support now,” said Sen. Sarlo. “Speeding boats at night on Barnegat Bay, combined with the all-too frequent floating cocktail parties and unskilled boaters, are recipes for disaster,” Sen. Sarlo said.

In 2003, a push to impose speed limits resulted in a compromise effort to put up buoys marked “slow speed, no wake,” which authorities say are supposed to restrict boats to speeds not to exceed 5 mph.

Sen. Sarlo, Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee, Vice Chair of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee and a veteran member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will press for prompt legislative action when his draft bill is completed.

“The issues of speed limits for boaters have been discussed for years,” Sen. Sarlo said. “Now I believe is the time to act.”

Sen. Sarlo is expected to present the drafted legislation to state legislators this fall.

Support Of Local Municipalities Sought

As part of the effort to gain support of his plan to propose legislation that would place a speed limit on the inland waterways at night, Sen. Sarlo has reached out to local municipalities to garner their endorsement.

On Aug. 15, Sen. Sarlo sent a letter to the mayors and councils of several Shore communities, asking them to pass a resolution urging “the New Jersey Boat Regulatory Commission, and the New Jersey State Police in an effort to draft legislation to restrict boat speeds in all inland New Jersey Waterways to 10 miles per hour from the time of dawn to dusk.”

Repeated calls to Sen. Sarlo for comment on his legislation were not returned by press time.

2nd Half of the story..

To date, both Mantoloking and Bay Head have unanimously passed resolutions supporting the proposed legislation creating the speed limits.

In Mantoloking, the council also passed a resolution that would increase the number of police boat patrols in the water, extending to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights year-round.

The resolution passed unanimously by the Mantoloking council also petitions the New Jersey Boat Regulation Commission to immediately adopt slower speeds in the bay, along with implementing more no-wake areas and a “realistic motor boat speed limit.”

“We ought to focus on night operations especially,” Mantoloking Councilman Stanley Witkowski said.

The resolution also specifically says that no-wake areas should exist from Curtis Point and the northern end of the bay.

Although both Mantoloking and Bay Head were on board with the legislation, the Lavallette Mayor and Council this week stated their opposition to the speed limits.

Mayor Walter LaCicero stated that he believed the senator’s proposal was a “knee-jerk reaction to one accident,” stipulating that the accident was, however, a tragic one.

The Lavallette Council plans to draft a resolution denying the senator’s request for support during a future council meeting

Currently, the laws in place governing the waterways are enforced by both local enforcement agencies, as well as the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau.

Jurisdiction and patrol areas consist of New Jersey’s territorial seas, extending 3 nautical miles offshore, along the 127 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline with an interior tidal shoreline of approximately 1,750 miles, composed of the Delaware River and approximately 100 inland bays, rivers, creeks and coves. In addition, there are more than 800 lakes and ponds within the state with a total of 700 square miles of surface area.

Response From Powerboating Community

Although several municipalities and officials have been backing Sen. Sarlo’s proposal, not everyone in the boating community feels imposing speed limits is the correct course of action.

The president of the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club said last week that state officials are moving prematurely in imposing speed limits, especially since the investigation surrounding the fatal boating accident is not yet complete.

“It’s only been a month since the accident and no one has the facts in place yet,” said David Patnaude, president of the powerboat organization.

Mr. Patnaude also said that, based on statistics, the kind of accident the area experienced last month is a rarity.

“The last time a similar accident occurred was in the early 1990s,” said Mr. Patnaude. “To go ahead with a speed limit when the last time this happened was in the 1990s is ridiculous.”

The club’s president said that instead of a speed limit being imposed in the evening — when boat traffic is lessened significantly — state officials should increase enforcement efforts during daylight hours.

Mr. Patnaude said there would be a greater safety impact on the water if there was more enforcement of the no-wake zones during the day.

“There is a lack of presence during the day,” said Mr. Patnaude. There needs to be a push on the daytime enforcement, but because of budgetary cuts, all towns can’t do that,” he said.

With many individuals hoping to increase safety on the water in the evening through new speed limitations, Mr. Patnaude said he would like to see the laws currently on the books better enforced.

“Under maritime law, the captain of a vessel is restricted to his immediate environment and visibility,” said Mr. Patnaude. “If the water is congested and he wants to do 60 mph, than he would be breaking the law.”

Although he agreed the current maritime laws are slightly vague and not specific, Mr. Patnaude said that today anyone operating a vessel must undergo classes in order to obtain a license for the water.

Mr. Patnaude also questioned Sen. Sarlo’s own boating experience in the state’s waters.

“I would love to know how much boating experience Sen. Sarlo has in New Jersey. Does he even own a boat,” asked Mr. Patnaude.

“My whole position is that they need to look at the facts and the statistics for the past 20 years,” he said.

NJ Boat Regulation Commission Meeting

On Wednesday afternoon, a public meeting was held by the state Boat Regulation Commission in Margate to discuss the different options available to better protect the inland waterway’s boaters.

Chaired by Roger K. Brown, the meeting did not provide any definitive answers on a solution, though some who attended the meeting feel the commission may be leaning to recommending more no-wake zones.

According to Bay Head Councilwoman D’arcy Rohan Green, who attended the meeting, the commission seemed to be in favor of not imposing a speed limit, but, rather, increasing enforcement and no-wake areas. Despite their initial sentiments, the councilwoman, who is in favor of speed limits, said this is not the end of the issue.

“We are not dropping the ball on this,” said Councilwoman Green. “We will continue to lobby the commission for speed limits.”

Along with speed limitations, the councilwoman said there was a unified call for better enforcement on the water, something supported by both those who want speed limits and those who do not.

“Everyone at the meeting agreed that enforcement is critical. There has to be more effort made to increase manpower and funding to enforce the waters,” said Councilwoman Green. “Right now the Marine Police are doing the best they can with what they have, but the efforts to enforce must be fortified.”

Bay Head resident Ed King, who also attended the meeting in Margate, wondered why anyone would resist setting speed limits.

“In my decision making, I always use a simple ‘formula,’ asking myself as to what do I have to gain and what do I have to lose,” Mr. King said. “What on earth do we have to lose by enacting an nighttime 10 mph limit? I can’t imagine what that answer would be.

“Passing speed limit laws would also give the marine police something concrete to use for enforcement which has proven very effective in the Naples, Fla. area,” Mr. King continued. “And in case of accidents, it would also give the marine police another charge against the person causing the accident if eyewitness accounts proved obviously excessive speeds.”

Mr. Patnaude, who was also at the meeting, said he agreed that law enforcement must be increased.

“There has to be better enforcement. Right now, there are a lot of people who do not obey the no-wake zones we already have, and that is a problem,” said Mr. Patnaude.

Mr. Patnaude said he was satisfied with the results of the meeting, hoping the commission would continue to support the addition of no-wake zones instead of speed limits.

“The commission listened to all sides of the issue, and I think they realized that imposing a statewide speed limit is not the solution.”

Calls to Chairman Brown were not returned by press time.

Sen. Sarlo did not attend the meeting with the commission.

So were does this go now.Can they still enact this law even though the commision and the State Police are against it?

This used to really bother me when I lived in Brick and could not go to Bay Heads Ocean beaches.The following is a quote from our friend in Bay Head wanting to know were her STATE and Federal funded (our tax dollars) beach money is coming


In Bay Head, "the recovery has been very slow" at the beaches, said D'Arcy Rehan Green, a former borough dune inspector who is now a councilwoman.

"You hold your breath a little bit because any slight hurricane activity out there is worrying because it was in such a bad state through May," she said.In Bay Head, "the recovery has been very slow" at the beaches, said D'Arcy Rehan Green, a former borough dune inspector who is now a councilwoman.


So when is the first annual Bay Head Raft Up

At least she is a republican

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_...rst=D'ARCY

Hahahahaha! That is true!

The State legislature does not need the endorsement of the Commission or the State Police to put a law through.

The State Police will say OFF THE RECORD that the speed limit does not make sense or is not enforceable but unfortunately their public position has to be that they will enforce any law that is put onthe books "to the best of their ability."

Stay tuned...I have a few more FACT based strategies up my sleeve ;)

I might even take up sailing and show them how I can have the right of way ! :evilb:

I just left the house of the Deputy Mayor of Eagleswood twp.
she was not even aware of Skarlos bill and is against it.It will be brought up at the next town meeting for a vote against the resolution.Everyone who lives in a southern NJ town needs to contact there town officials.So Far only Bay Head and Manaloking are for it Lavalette has drafted a resolution against it.Dave is doing a great job but he needs more than "Thanks Dave" we are winning lets finish this.

Were those not pictures of BHYC boats breaking existing laws? Perhaps existing law enforcement should have a word with them.

Yes !

And if they want to keep the pressure up on the speed limit law, I just may have my own boat to shoot from next season.
Not only will you be able to see the letters BHYC, but you will be able to see the hair standing up on the back of their necks when they are staring down the barrel of my big lens pointing at them ! :eek: :drink:

the marine police must be stepping things up a little bit or I just got one that was in a pissy mood yesterday.....

about 2pm yesterday afternoon I'm "idling" up the river thru a no wake zone with my wife and daughter...we were doing about 8-10 mph producing literally a 6-8" wake....

Meanwhile, moments before the police go past me about 30mph and create a big wake and stop about 50ft short of the bridge creating wakes inside the bridge...

So anyway, the copy tells me to slow down, pointing to my wake.... Mind you we were at 1000 rpms (8-10 mph).... So I back it down to 800 rpms...again the guy starts yelling...this time he's getting pissed...so I back it all the way down to idle speed (500 rpms) and as I'm passing buy he's sipping his coffee and mumbling.....

I can't idle at 500 rpms so I shut one engine off and proceeded forward on one engine.....

Meanwhile there was a fishing boat coming at us half way on plane making about 1 1/2 - 2' wake....the cop said nothing to him.....

WTF!!!

I wish Harry never retired. We had such a great relationship with the authorities and it seems now some are either new to the force or we are losing some allies after the accident... :(

Frank,
Keep a digital camera onboard at all times. ;)

I did always like Lavalette.

I wonder how Sarlo even has enough time to fight this thing since he holds 2 government jobs and 1 full time private construction job. Hey wait a minute - is that even Legal???

well the private job does mostly public work. ooopps did i say that.

I just got in. I managed to cover two town's council meetings tonight. Everything's quiet in Brick and Point Pleasant Beach for now...

I will note, Point Pleasant Beach has been doing a lot of "Open Space" work and I heard something about members of the council would be having dinner with the "Save Barnegat Bay" organization. I'll have to keep a close eye on that ! ;)

Nothing but great news from Pt Beach in regards to the Boat Race ! That really made my night !:ernaehrung004: