March 2003 Chartroom Chatter
I hope that everyone received the information concerning the cancellation of the February 15th Delegates Meeting. Due to the projected bad weather I made the decision early Friday morning to cancel the meeting. We made every attempt to insure that all clubs were notified shortly thereafter. We put an emergency notification on the website www.cbyca.org. For future important matters, we put the notification up on the website and then back it up with telephone calls.
I would like to thank all the clubs that responded with their roster and 2003 Chartroom Chatter Roster Issue ad information prior to the deadline of February 10, 2003. This deadline is critical to insure that the 2003 Chartroom Chatter Roster Issue staff has sufficient time to prepare, proofread and format the submitted information prior to submission to the printer. All these steps are essential to insure having the books printed and ready for distribution at the April Delegates Meeting. To the few clubs that still have not submitted the required information, I want to make it quite clear that the we will not hold up the printing of the book if it delays the delivery date. The Communications Committee is preparing a questionnaire requesting input from all clubs concerning the recently implemented changes and asking for suggestions to improve the way we conduct our business. Please take a few minutes to complete this form when received.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
I would like to start by apologizing to those Delegates that drove to Kent Island Yacht Club for our Delegate Meeting only to find locked doors. We had hoped to communicate the postponement to all delegates, but unfortunately we missed a few of you. To better help your CBYCA Officers, in the event of bad weather, in the future, call one of the officers before making the trip or check the CBYCA website, as we did have a banner running alerting of the meeting postponement. I do however, appreciate that those who called me after making the trip were not upset with our mis-communication and chose to enjoy their afternoon on Kent Island before heading home.
March 15, 2003 takes us to Bordentown Yacht Club located in Bordentown, New Jersey. This is a CBYCA Board Meeting scheduled for 1000hrs; lunch at 1200hrs then at 1300hrs will be our CBYCA/DRYL Meeting. All CBYCA Delegates are invited to attend; this is not a required meeting but an opportunity to learn about the Delaware River Yachtsmen League and to visit one of our northern member clubs. If you are interested in attending, please contact me (410-437-5448) as lunch will be served and reservations will be needed.
Delegates, please mark your calendar NOW for the April 19, 2003 Delegate Meeting at Eastern Yacht Club. It is very important that ALL Delegates attend as the 2003 CBYCA Roster Book will distributed. Your District Representatives will be contacting you, as we get closer to the date to ensure your attendance.
Our August 2, 2003 Delegate Meeting at Chester River Yacht and Country Club is a cruise-in. As slips are limited, I will be asking for slip reservations as we get closer to August.
Lastly, if you are interested in a long life, I suggest that you join Edge Creek Yacht Club. On December 8, 2002 Edge Creek Yacht Club celebrated the 100th birthday of their long time member Ms. Vickie Trickay. On March 23, 2003, long time member Mr. Donald Harper will be celebrating his 100th birthday. Do you think it comes from good, clean Eastern Shore living?? Birthday wishes go out to both Vickie and Donald.
Ceremony Coordination Committee Report
V/C Betty Stahler CBYCAQO@aol.com
Just a reminder, when submitting Opening Day and Event information for the goldenrod, please make sure complete information is sent. We will only publish your events when all information is submitted.
If your club would like CBYCA representation at your Opening Day Ceremonies, please send Commodore Bean an invitation or flyer. This will ensure that he has the correct time and location.
Commodores, have you ever thought "Wouldn't it be nice to have one weekend without having to attend a Commodores Ball"? What if there was a way to combine Commodore Balls so there weren't as many to attend! What a great idea. On January 25, 2003, Galloway and Key Yacht Clubs had a combined Commodores Ball. I understand that they had done so years ago, but then went back to having their own individual balls. How could this ball be handled without slighting either yacht club? Who gets top billing? Who was MC? How were the ceremonies handled? Galloway and Key used alphabetic order so Galloway was listed first on the invitations and programs, lined up in the receiving line first and were introduced first. They chose P/C Andy Anderson as their MC, who couldn't have been a better choice. Each P/C had the opportunity to say a few words, both Commodores were sworn into office together, each had time to address those who attended, the P/C's were accepted into the Chesapeake Commodores Club, Officers of both clubs lined up in front of the head table and both Commodores swore them in at the same time, both the Queen of the Chesapeake and Key Yacht Clubs Princess spoke, the National Anthem was sung by Key YC's princess Rachel and Shelly Speicher and the invocation was given by Galloway's Chaplain Lillian Mullaney. I thought that this ball was well thought out and run very smoothly. Not only was it great for us as visiting officers, but Galloway and Key worked together on invitations, programs, menu choices, table centerpieces and flowers. When planning your upcoming Commodores Ball, why not consider looking for a club that would like to try a combined ball. Congratulations to both Galloway and Key Yacht Club Commodores, Betty Lookadoo and Kitty Sauer for a job well done.
Coles Marsh, DSLMD marshcr@prodigy.net
This legislative session seems to be dealing with some very hot & cold issues. Slots and budgets seem to be consuming most of the agenda. The cold issue is the snow that seemed to slow things down for almost a week.
DNR will not offer any legislation this year to increase boater's fees.
We can expect a bill to be introduced concerning the waterway improvement fund. I will report on a draft as soon as it is available. We will take the same position as we did last year concerning the specific use of the fund.
The boater excise tax language change will be introduced by DNR.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR DIRECTOR INFORMED. YOUR CLUB CAN BE A GREAT SOURCE. WE NEED YOUR VOICE.
Pennsylvania/ Delaware Legislative Report
Rex Beers, DSLPADE Pbase2004@aol.com
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission conducted its winter quarterly meeting January 24-25 at the agency's headquarters in Harrisburg, adopting a number of measures on final rulemaking and moving to seek public input on a number of proposed regulations.
The Commission took the following actions:
1- Approved for final adoption a consolidation and simplification of regulations dealing with fishing in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and tributary streams. Under the measure, a creel limit of five trout/salmon (only two of which may be lake trout) would apply to the Lake, the Bay and the tributaries during the period from the opening day of the statewide trout season until Labor Day. This change brings the trout/salmon creel limit on these waters into line with the statewide limits, and eliminates a sometimes-confusing current limitation on taking trout in excess of 15 inches in length. The only other major change to come from the consolidation is a clarification of a fishing prohibition during the 32-hour period before opening day of trout.
2- Okayed a grant of $30,000 to the Nature Conservancy for a statewide timber rattlesnake den and basking site assessment and inventory.
3- Proposed adding the dwarf wedgemussel to the list of Pennsylvania endangered species. This mussel, considered endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service throughout its entire range, was once thought extirpated from Pennsylvania until recently confirmed to have small populations in the upper Delaware River.
4- Adopted a "slot limit" for bass at Lake Winola, Wyoming County. The regulation creates a protected slot limit of 12 to 18 inches and a year round daily creel limit of 6 bass, one of which may exceed 18 inches in total length.
5- Implemented a $100 non-refundable fee for new fishing license issuing agents
6- Approved changes to the voluntary program for Official Recognition of Fishing Guides including adding a requirement that when boats are used in such operations, the operator must possess a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate or similar approved documentation demonstrating safe boating education.
7- Tabled proposed rulemaking to extend the current Slow, No Wake zone on the Monongahela River in the city of Pittsburgh and to modify the time that such restrictions are in effect.
8- Established an Electric Motor Only restriction on Conemaugh River Lake in Indiana and Westmoreland counties.
9- Adopted a regulation clarifying that it is unlawful to borrow or lend a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
10- Modified regulations on Tioga, Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes (Tioga County) in response to an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers request to loosen previously requested restrictions on certain activities.
11- Opted against proceeding with a proposed requirement that anyone underway in a boat less than 16 feet in length, a canoe or kayak must wear an approved life jacket between October 1 and the Friday before Memorial Day.
12- Added Tuscarora Lake, in Tuscarora Lake State Park, Schuylkill County, to the list of waters on which the operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is prohibited. The prohibition is already in place via a park property regulation.
13- Deleted special boating regulations for Felix Dam, Berks County and Good Hope Mill Dam, Cumberland County as neither dam currently exists.
14- Proposed a series of rules to bring the existing regulations related to age of operation of motorboats, boating safety education certificates, approved boating education courses, personal watercraft and personal watercraft liveries into concert with a recently adopted state law mandating boating education for certain boat operators.
15- Approved a 35-fish daily limit for river herring (alewife and blueback herring) in the Delaware River, Delaware Estuary and Delaware River/Estuary tributaries from the mouths upstream to the limit of tidal influence and the Lehigh River from its mouth upstream to the first dam in Easton, Pennsylvania.
16- Proposed rulemaking that would provide a regulatory definition of the term "wild trout stream" and set forth the basis for classification of streams supporting natural reproduction of trout. The proposed rulemaking does not fundamentally change the criteria long used by the agency for defining a water as a wild trout stream, however the action would officially define the process for regulatory purposes
17- Proposed rulemaking that would limit the number of commercial trap net licenses available on Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie to three, with a maximum of six nets permitted by a licensee.
18- Added 9.38 miles of the Fishing Creek watershed, Schuylkill County, to the Wilderness Trout Streams Program.
19- Authorized payment of $50 from the Fish Fund as a refund for an erroneously imposed fine.
20- Approved a regulation making it clear that it is unlawful for persons to perform the functions of or to represent themselves as fishing license issuing agents or issuing agents for temporary boat registrations without being appointed or designated as such by the Commission.
The PROPOSED STUDY OF COMBINING FISH & BOAT GAME COMMISSIONS SHOULD SHED LIGHT ON NEED TO ADEQUATELY FUND NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES.
A proposed study of the costs and benefits of combining the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) will demonstrate the need for additional revenue for both agencies, the Executive Director of the PFBC reported to the news this past month. "The subject of combining the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission has been studied in the past, and the members of the Commission and its staff have always cooperated fully with such studies," according to the agency Executive Director. He stated, "We look forward to working with Chairman Bruce Smith and the House Game and Fisheries Committee in their efforts to look into this area." The subject of the potential merger of the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions has received periodic consideration over the years. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee pursuant to House Resolution 291 of 1988 performed the most recent comprehensive study. The Committee report was issued in April 1989. Other reports on this subject were issued by various organizations in 1947, 1962, the mid-1970's and 1987. The Pennsylvania Boating Association addresses this issue each time it comes up and we are doing the same this time. We were against the combining of the agencies. But it's good to take a fresh look at how the functions of the fish and wildlife agencies are organized to make sure we're set up to provide the best services to Pennsylvania anglers, boaters, hunters and all those who treasure Pennsylvania's woods, waters and natural resources. At the same time, we need to recognize that the bureaucratic structure of state government is less important to our anglers, boaters, hunters and conservationists than ensuring that the agencies that protect and manage natural resources are adequately funded." On January 24, Chairman Smith of the House Game and Fisheries Committee announced that he had prepared a draft House Resolution authorizing the Committee to undertake a study and hold public hearings on the concept for combining the two agencies. The draft is a resolution and has been introduced on January 31, 2003. Under the resolution, the Committee will issue its findings and recommendations no later than November 30, 2003. "We believe that this examination will show the biggest challenge facing both agencies is not the current administrative structure, but rather a need for a change in the current paid administration. Although the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions focus on our primary customers, the anglers, boaters, hunters and outdoors enthusiasts of Pennsylvania, much of what Fish and Boat and Game Commissions do, including non-game fish and wildlife management and environmental education, serves the Commonwealth as a whole. The infrastructure they manage, including our state hatcheries is owned by the state. Fishing and boating, hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania have tremendous positive impacts on Pennsylvania's economy, and we hope the proposed study will demonstrate once again that it's time for the Commonwealth as a whole - and not just hunters, anglers and boaters to invest in these programs," But a change is need in current administration. But we hope that this study will not delay long overdue efforts to provide funds other than fishing license and boat registration dollars to undertake major capital projects on state-owned property under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Boat Commission. Each state organizes their fish, wildlife and boating agencies in different ways, and Pennsylvania is the only state with separate independent agencies for fishing and boating and game and wildlife. For example, some other states separate boating regulation and enforcement functions from protection, management and oversight of fish and wildlife, and in some states different agencies are responsible for boat registrations and titling from those that regulate fishing and boating." In Pennsylvania, we entrust a single agency - the Fish and Boat Commission - with the responsibility to make and enforce boating regulations and oversee boating safety education, registration and titling programs as well as responsibility for protecting and managing Pennsylvania's fish, reptiles, amphibians and other aquatic organisms. The Fish and Boat Commission is thus able to focus on our state's water resources and water-based recreation, and we believe this focus is good for angling and boating in Pennsylvania, along with many other boating and angling people. So we are asking all anglers and boaters to say no to the COMBINING FISH & BOAT, GAME COMMISSIONS. But let's get the current administrative structure fixed at the Fish and Boat commission.
Jerry Donofrio, Sr., DSLNJ Security@fcc.net
New Jersey Likely To Require Safety Education for Boaters
In conjunction with public hearings on boating safety, State Legislators are moving fast on presenting new laws, which will force most boaters to reach out for a training course in boat safety. Not surprisingly, the laws were already written and presented to committee before the state hearings were completed. There is another Assembly Sub-Committee hearing for public testimony this March 7th at 2:00pm in the Pine Beach Borough Hall. If these laws are to pass to the floor for a vote, that ballot will have to completed by May 1st of this year. All laws affecting boating must be passed in the off boating season. I have already spoken at one public hearing at Rutgers University and plan to be at this too!
Assembly bill A-3184 and Senate bill S-2246 provides four-year phase-in of boat safety course requirements for operating power vessels and personal watercraft; restates age requirements for power vessel operation and exceptions to course requirements; appropriates $2 million for enforcement. Please note the highlighted areas. There is NO provision to grandfather anyone in if they had previously secured a boat endorsement on their NJ Drivers License. This bill phases in over a four-year period a prohibition against any person operating a power vessel or a personal watercraft on the waters of the State, without having successfully completed a boat safety course approved by the Superintendent of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety and having in the person's possession a certificate certifying that person's successful completion of a boat safety course approved by the Superintendent of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, with certain exceptions. Section 4 of the bill provides for a written test for experienced boaters to replace the course requirement, and further provides for the issue of the required certificate. Section 5 of the bill provides for the Superintendent of the State Police to issue the required certificate to persons who have completed other boat safety education that the superintendent determines to fulfill the requirements of this act. In addition, persons holding a commercial fishing license or a Coast guard license are exempted, except as may be otherwise required by State or federal law. Persons from out-of-State staying less than 90 days and operating their own boat, persons renting a boat who have taken pre-rental safety course, and first time boat owners for the first 60 days of ownership are also exempted.
The phase-in applies to anyone under the age of 35 on June 1, 2004; anyone under the age of 45 on June 1, 2005; anyone under the age of 55 on June 1, 2006; and anyone operating a power vessel or personal watercraft on June 1, 2007. Furthermore, the bill repeals sections of statutory law that conflict with the bill's requirements, and provides for pending actions for violations committed before the effective date of this act to continue under the repealed sections of law. The bill also restates several provisions of the existing law. It restates the current penalties for violations and the requirement to submit a copy of the certificate certifying successful completion of the boat safety course when applying for a power vessel operator's license. The bill clarifies that no person under the age of 13 may operate a power vessel or a personal watercraft on the waters of the State. The bill restates the current prohibition against any person under the age of 16 and at least 13 years of age operating a power vessel on the waters of the State unless the person possesses a certificate certifying that person's successful completion of a boat safety course approved by the Superintendent of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, and unless the power vessel is:
(1) powered solely by a motor of less than one horsepower or an electric motor of 12 volts or less; or
(2) 12 feet or greater in length and powered by a motor, or combination of motors, of less than 10 horsepower.
The bill also clarifies that any municipality in which a power vessel or personal watercraft is operated may enforce the State noise regulations and requirements against the person operating a power vessel or personal watercraft within the jurisdiction of the municipality at decibel levels exceeding the limits established pursuant to rules and regulations as measured by a noise meter operated by a trained police officer.
Finally, the bill appropriates $2 million for increased patrolling by marine police for the purposes of enforcing the act. Certainly, money is playing a very important role in pushing for a certification and enforcement. It is not clear how much this certificate will cost the boater but one thing is clear . The State Police will benefit to the tune of a 25% increase in their annual budget over the 50% increase they got by way of the 100% increase in registration fees. That will put the New Jersey State Police Marine Division just over $7.5 million annually to keep New Jersey Boaters safe.
P/C Joe Hellner TBear5@Prodigy.net
Ahoy there! I hope your clubs and vessels have survived the severe weather that we have had lately. Meanwhile, the Ball season has generated a number of questions concerning queens and princesses and we need to let you know how to wear the new Delegates Pin.
Delegates Pin: Although CBYCA Delegates and Alternate Delegates are member club offices, not CBYCA offices, their role is critical to the successful operation of the Association. The Delegates, as the official voting representatives of Association Member Clubs, act for the betterment of both their own clubs and the association by providing representation and communication for thousands of recreational boaters over a large geographic area. In recognition of this special role, current Delegates and Alternate Delegates may wear the official CBYCA Delegates pin on the right breast, directly over any nameplates worn. For simplicity and consistency, the CBYCA Board decided this location for the pin would apply to all uniforms, summer and winter and all other articles of clothing. Past Delegates should not wear the pin.
Queens and Princesses: There are many traditions and protocols governing queens and princesses and it would take a book to cover them all. What follows are answers to some of the questions I have been asked recently:
For CBYCA clubs, the Ball protocol is to provide free attendance for the Queen of the Chesapeake and her escort. Free attendance or reduced prices for all other "royalty" is at the discretion of the host club and the Commodore of the host club.
A suggestion: When a CBYCA club writes an official letter of invitation to the Queen of the DRYL, or similar VIP, I think the courteous and proper thing to do is for the club to cover the cost of the Ball ticket.
In all other respects, CBYCA clubs should treat visiting queens and princesses of any outside club or organization in the world exactly as they would treat their own queen and princesses. For example, traditionally, queens are introduced after visiting clubs, princesses, and organizations, sit at the head table, are asked to speak, and receive yellow flowers (often roses).
As for dress, queens and princesses from non-CBYCA clubs and organizations should follow their own protocols (as long as the attire is appropriate for the occasion - most CBYCA club balls are traditionally very formal). As hosts we recognize, respect, and celebrate the traditions and protocols of guest clubs and organizations. Princesses of visiting clubs that are also members of the CBYCA (this is common with clubs in the DRYL and PRYCA), may follow either CBYCA or their own protocols, but I suggest consideration be given to the special regional identity provided their "home" organization.
"Royal" persons of various organizations around the world often wear sashes. For CBYCA princesses, the jury is still out. CBYCA princesses have worn them in some years (recently matching sashes were worn, provided as part of the Queen of the Chesapeake contest). I am strongly for the tradition of unique sashes in club colors (practiced by clubs of the DRYL) and hope more clubs of the CBYCA adopt it. There is no CBYCA protocol or tradition of which I am aware that prevents CBYCA club princesses from wearing sashes.
If a visiting queen wants to wear white, that is OK with the CBYCA as that is the traditional Chesapeake Bay color of queens and the host club princess (at least I can't think of any circumstance where it would be a problem) as long as it is okay with the queen's parent organization. Queens always wear sashes, so confusion about who is who is unlikely.
Princesses of clubs that belong to the DRYL, PRYCA, or other yachting organization AND the CBYCA may compete in the CBYCA contest. Unless the contest sponsor, Maryland Yacht Club, has a rule of which I am not aware, the princess of any CBYCA club may compete, regardless of the club's location. HOWEVER, if your club princess wins, she must perform the traditional duties of the Queen of the Chesapeake, which will keep her and her supporting cast (parents, commodore, etc.) in the Chesapeake Bay region almost every weekend.
Arthur R. Murray
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Chairman Safety Committee
Aside from dinghies, tenders and similar water craft, every recreational boat should have on board a first-aid kit. An illness or an accident can occur on the water any time as easily as on land and a first-aid kit is an essential item on any well equipped boat. How elaborate a first-aid kit can be is a function of how much money a boat owner is willing to invest in such a kit. Ready made first-aid kits are available in most marine supply stores and drug stores. They range from relatively simple inexpensive kits to much more expensive and elaborate kits. Some boat owners prefer to put their own first-aid kits together. By doing so they can tailor make the kit to better serve the activity they plan to engage in, and they will know every item that is in the first-aid kit and how to use it. However it is important that a first-aid kit be in a watertight container that will not rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. It should also contain a manual of instructions for rendering first aid. Such manuals can be obtained from organizations like the American Red Cross.
There are many guides recommending the various items that should be included in a first-aid kit. The contents of one type of kit may differ substantially from the contents of another. However, a basic kit should have:
Other items that could be added to expand a first-aid kit would be an oral thermometer, elastic bandage, tourniquet with instructions, aspirin, Dramamine or equivalent and antacid tablets. A medical doctor or medical professional would probably add many other items to a first-aid kit.
It is important to realize that first-aid is just that. If a person on board becomes seriously ill or is seriously injured, render first-aid and then call for or seek help from medical professionals. If close to a landside facility an emergency call on a telephone can usually get medical assistance to the person in need. If the boat is too far from shore to get help immediately, the U.S. Coast Guard can be called for help on the VHF radio or a cell phone. The Coast Guard is quick to respond and they usually have an emergency medical technician available. Of course it would be good if the skipper of the boat had at least taken a basic course of instruction in first-aid as well as CPR training. In many medical emergencies it is often the first-aid given that saves a life or reduces the severity of any injury or a sudden illness.
Mark Your Calendars!
| Date | Time | Meeting | Location |
| 15 March |
1000
1300 |
Board Meeting
CBYCA/DRYL |
Bordentown YC |
| 19 April |
1000
1300 |
Board Meeting
Delegate Meeting |
Eastern YC |
| 31 May | 1000 | Board Meeting | Maryland YC |
| 2 August |
1000
1300 |
Board Meeting
Delegate Meeting |
Chester River YC & CC |
| 13 September | 1000 | Board Meeting | Corinthian YC |
| 18 October | 1000 | Board Meeting | Charleston YC |
| 15 November |
1000
1300 |
Board Meeting
Delegate Meeting |
TBD |
| 20 December | 1000 | Board Meeting | Mount Vernon YC |
Please be prompt with your articles. It makes our job easier.