Chesapeake Bay News

Public boat ramps on Thompson Creek and Shipping Creek have re-opened following major renovations. Both of these popular boat ramps are located on Kent Island and have been closed since January for repairs.

The Thompson Creek Ramp was widened and has a new ADA accessible boarding pier. The Shipping Creek ramp was expanded and now has two launching lanes with a center boarding pier. The last major improvements to these facilities were made over 20 years ago. The ramps opened in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

source: DNR

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Montgomery County have partnered to rebuild the Pennyfield boat ramp which provides access to the Potomac River. The ramp is located at the Muddy Branch at the National Park Service aqueduct. This popular location has been used for decades by boaters and anglers.

“The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission appreciates the cooperative efforts with DNR and the National Park Service to design, fund, and construct this project that provides greatly improved access to the aqueduct and Potomac River,” said Project Engineer Andrew Frank. “This location is very popular among avid sportsmen and families alike, and we have received many compliments on the completed project. M-NCPPC anticipates the public will continue to enjoy this improved launch site for decades to come and thanks everyone who helped make it possible.”

DNR provided $99,000 in grant funds to Montgomery County to build a concrete ramp, an in-water stone “j-hook” (that creates deep pooling water downstream from the ramp), place stones along the river banks to help keep them secure, and to create a handicapped accessible parking space. The Montgomery County Department of Parks contributed over $99,000 as well. DNR grant funds are from the Waterway Improvement Fund, which is funded by the 5 percent excise tax boaters pay when they register a boat in Maryland.

This unique boat ramp, which replaces the old wooden boat ramp that had fallen into disrepair, will provide access to hundreds of small flat bottom motorized hunting and fishing boats, and thousands of canoes and kayaks to the Potomac River.

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

As summer nears and some 12.5 million registered boaters hit the water, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is launching an effort to remind people about the importance of using up-to-date nautical charts. NOAA is a co-sponsor of the newly formed Alliance for Safe Navigation, a public-private partnership that raises awareness of safe boating practices and offers an instructional Web site to get people started.

“Recreational boaters, unlike commercial mariners, are not required to carry nautical charts,” explains Captain John Lowell, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. “We are sponsoring this new nationwide educational effort because we want people to understand that NOAA’s nautical charts are easy to find and easy to use. By using ‘Print on Demand’ paper charts or multi-functional electronic charts that are updated by NOAA cartographers, people have a better chance of avoiding potential groundings and other accidents.”

Charts can become outdated quickly because storms may alter seafloors, with shoals building up and water depths changing. NOAA conducts hydrographic surveys along U.S. coasts, measuring ocean depths and recording seafloor shifts. The agency uses the survey information to continually update nautical charts.

Joining NOAA in the Alliance for Safe Navigation are the Boat Owners Association of the United States (Boat U.S.), Jeppesen Marine, the United States Power Squadrons (USPS), OceanGrafix and the Sea Tow Foundation for Boating Safety and Education. The Alliance for Safe Navigation will encourage boaters to be aware of the significant and frequent changes that are occurring in their boating area.

As the nation’s official nautical chartmaker, NOAA maintains a suite of 2,000 navigation products that support safe recreational boating and marine transportation along coastal waterways and in the Great Lakes. NOAA and other alliance members provide many tools that give mariners the latest information, distributing a range of products such as print-on-demand paper charts and digital updates for electronic charts.

“The alliance members identified a widespread lack of awareness among boaters regarding the accuracy of their charts, whether electronic or paper,” explains David DeGree, president of OceanGrafix. “The truth is that inaccurate chart information can turn a safe and enjoyable cruise into a dangerous situation.”

source: NOAA

Maryland’s Governor has signed a bill into law to strengthen protection of children on Maryland waterways. Under the new law, effective immediately, any child under the age of 13 is required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while aboard a vessel that is underway. The law will also require children under the age of 16 to possess a certificate of boating safety education before they can operate a vessel unless they are supervised by an adult or someone 16 or older who has a boating safety certificate, effective Oct. 1.

“As a State, nothing we do is more important than protecting the lives of our children,” said Governor O’Malley. “By raising the age at which a child is required to wear a life vest and improving boating safety education, this legislation will do just that.”

Formerly, any child under the age of seven had to wear a PFD on a recreational boat 21 feet or smaller, unless the boat is moored or anchored or the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin.

“We firmly believe this new legislation will help us prevent boating fatalities,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Even one boating-related death is unacceptable. We are doing everything we can to keep our boaters – and our children – safe.”

The State averages 12 boating related fatalities a year. In 2009, Maryland had 17 boating related fatalities;16 of the victims were not wearing PFDs.

“A life jacket is the single most important piece of safety equipment, but it doesn’t work unless you wear it,” said NRP Superintendent Colonel George Johnson. “This law will provide an added measure of safety for our children boating on Maryland waters. “

Raising the age requirement puts Maryland in line with federal regulations and 34 states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, DC. The federal regulations do not supersede the state, but the National Transportation Safety Board strongly encourages states to update their PFD requirements.

The legislation was supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation Safety Board, Safe Kids USA, National Boating Federation, National Safe Boating Council, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and the Marine Retailers Association of America.

Existing Maryland law requires that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education in order to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters. NRP offers both in-person and on-line boating safety courses to receive that certificate. For more information go to http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/basiccourse.html

The full bill can be viewed at http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/sb/sb0092t.pdf

This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

As Marylanders prepare to take to the state’s waterways and parks for Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer season, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) urge boaters and park patrons alike to exercise caution this summer and throughout the year. To promote safety, NRP will be conducting an extensive statewide enforcement effort during the Memorial Day weekend.

The Natural Resources Police will aggressively target boaters operating in a reckless or negligent manner and/or under the influence of alcohol on the waterways. It will also focus on boaters not maintaining a proper lookout and not having the required safety equipment onboard.

Addition emphasis will be placed on conserving Maryland’s natural resources. Officers will concentrate on possession and size limits of our crabs and finfish resources.

Meanwhile, patrols in the parks and forests will focus on picnic areas, pavilions, campgrounds, and waterfront areas for alcohol consumption, and will educate the public as to where these types of beverages are permitted. Patrols will also focus on underage alcohol possession and individuals driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Memorial Day is generally considered to be the official beginning of the boating and camping season in Maryland,” said Colonel George F. Johnson IV, Superintendent of the NRP. “During the busy Memorial Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police urges citizens to enjoy Maryland waterways and parks while exercising safety and caution.”

NRP also recommends that boaters continue to use good judgment and take extra precautions during this busy holiday weekend. Boaters can help ensure their safety and the safety of others enjoying Maryland’s waterways by:

* Inspecting their vessel and its safety equipment for serviceability.

* Wearing an approved and properly fitted life jacket at all times while boating. Nationwide, approximately 700 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents.

* Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout.

* Be aware of fatigue on boaters caused by the wind, sun, and the motion of the boat.

* Staying in control of your vessel and respecting the rights of others enjoying the waterways.

* Ensuring that your boat is never overloaded.

* Leaving a float plan with someone at home describing where you are going, how long you will remain, and when you expect to return.

* Remaining sober and alert – remember the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water.

During 2008, some of the leading causes of boating accidents in Maryland were the result of faulty equipment, operator inexperience and inattentiveness, excessive speed, and excessive wake.

The Natural Resources Police, United States Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be hosting a boating safety day at Sandy Point State Park, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on May 30, 2009. The day will include demonstrations, vessel safety inspections, USCG helicopter, and NRP & USCG patrol vessels and Officers.

For more information on safe boating in Maryland, visit the DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/.

The Yacht Basin Company in Annapolis and the Annapolis City Dock in Anne Arundel County have been designated the 110th and 111th certified Maryland Clean Marinas. Together with 24 smaller facilities designated as Clean Marina Partners, Maryland now boasts 135 certified facilities.

“I commend the managers of these two facilities for taking initiative and becoming a Clean Marina,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Frequenting these businesses is one way that all Maryland boaters can be involved in the effort to improve the quality of our waterways.”

The Yacht Basin has been a mainstay in the Annapolis harbor for over 70 years and serves locals as well as many visitors. The marina runs a busy fuel dock, its own pump-out boat, and laundry and shower facilities for slip-holders. To meet the Clean Marina Award criteria, marina manager Steve Grace made a few adjustments to existing practices. For example, the marina installed small oil-absorbers in all storm-drain outlets to clean stormwater before it is discharged into the creek. Marina staff also take many precautions when fueling vessels and keep spill response equipment close at hand.

“We have been meaning to pursue the Clean Marina Award for several years but always get busy with other priorities,” said Mr. Grace. “But once I called DNR out, it was done very quickly. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer and am proud we accomplished this.”

The Annapolis City Dock is a bustling public dock which serves 8,000 – 10,000 visitors to Annapolis each year and also includes the dozens of public moorings throughout city waterways. The Harbormaster’s staff provides environmental education materials as part of every welcome packet and operates a pump-out boat that empties the holding tanks of visiting boats. Also, during a major renovation of the docks last year, several rain gardens were installed in the parking lots to capture and treat polluted run-off.

“The staff understands the need to be environmentally responsible in a city that is known for its environmental initiatives,” said Annapolis Harbormaster Ric Dahlgren. “Earning an award from the DNR is a nice thank you for all we do to educate visitors and protect our waterways.”

Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly have approved $5 million in State Waterway Improvement Funds and an additional $1 million in anticipated federal funds in the fiscal year 2010 Budget to improve public boating access and support boating safety projects in Maryland’s waterways. Some of the approved projects include: dredging local navigation channels, developing and maintaining public boating access facilities, acquiring fire/rescue and patrol boats, and installing marine sewage pumpout stations.

“Working together with our local governments, these projects are supporting the infrastructure Maryland needs for a vibrant boating community,” said Governor Martin O’Malley, “while ensuring that all Maryland families have the opportunity to enjoy our waterways.”

All boats titled in Maryland experience a 5% vessel excise tax that is directed to the Waterway Improvement Fund. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to federal, state and local agencies for a variety of projects and activities that support the general boating public.

“The Waterway Improvement Fund is essential for continued enhancements to recreational and commercial boating in Maryland,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “The 60 projects selected will surely have a positive impact on the lives of Marylanders as they utilize and enjoy our spectacular waterways.”

Since 1966, the Waterway Improvement Fund has provided over 4,200 grants valued at $282 million to develop nearly 300 public boating access sites, complete over 193 navigation projects, and support hundreds of other boating related projects and activities throughout Maryland.

source: DNR press release

The Task Force to Study the Boating Industry in Maryland recently submitted its 2008 Legislative Report to Governor Martin O’Malley, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

“Maryland’s boating industry is a major economic engine in our State, providing a wide array of services to both resident and visiting recreational boaters,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication displayed by the task force’s members as they developed ideas to address the challenges facing Maryland’s boating industry.”

The Task Force’s report offers specific recommendations on marketing Maryland waters to the out-of- state boating public and creating a more positive environment to grow and expand Maryland’s marine industry.
“Recreational boating is a popular activity in Maryland,” said Senator John Astle, Chairperson of the Task Force. “Over the past eight years, the number of registered boats in Maryland has remained stagnant and has recently started to decline. The Task Force was charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding protecting and growing the boating industry in Maryland.”

Highlights of the Task Force’s recommendations include:

* Proposing legislation to allow matching funds for grants to be used for supplies and equipment that support best management practices at privately-owned DNR Certified Clean Marinas.

* Explore creating a single boat use permit for publicly-owned boat ramps and landings, registering non-powered vessels and using the sales tax captured in the Waterway Improvement Fund.

* Supporting the Marine Trades Association of Maryland’s (MTAM) effort to create a new consumer website marketing Maryland’s recreational boating opportunities.

* Asking the Department of Legislative Services to conduct an analysis of options for extending the stay of the transient boater in Maryland, while protecting the integrity of the Waterway Improvement Fund.

* Broadening the State’s definition of commercial waterfront property to include facilities that require direct access to, or location on the water; public marinas, boat ramps, boat hauling and repair services, waterfront recreational facilities and commercial fishing services.

* Expanding the federal definition of “commerce” to include marinas and tourism.

“Members of the task force, while representing divergent constituencies, came together to evaluate Maryland’s boating industry and find practical ways to improve and modernize the State’s efforts,” said Susan Zellers of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. “We believe these proposed improvements will help the industry through new and enhanced policies, programs, initiatives and statutory changes.”

Chapter 523 was enacted during the 2007 Legislative Session to establish the Task Force to study the Boating Industry in Maryland. The Task Force was charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding protecting and growing the boating industry in Maryland

For the full report, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pdfs/boating_task_force_report.pdf

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Hydrographic Operations crew has broken ice aboard the A.V. Sandusky along the coastline of Kent Narrows.

“Our work of deicing Maryland’s waterways allows accessibility to a variety of people,” said Captain Shawn Orr. “If we let the ice build up on some of these areas for too long, it can inhibit the daily lives of many that rely on our State’s iconic aquatic resources.”

Deicing allows law enforcement units, such as the Maryland Natural Resources Police, commercial watermen using pound nets and public service vessels, such as fuel barges, to operate during winter conditions. The Smith Island community of Maryland relies heavily upon this service to allow boats to transport students to school, the U.S. mail to be delivered and commerce on the island to occur.

The diesel-powered A.V. Sandusky has 700 horsepower and can operate in up to 8 inches of ice. The vessel was built in 1989 and is 80 feet long.

When not performing this seasonally important responsibility, Hydrographic Operations manages about 2,500 floating and 360 fixed navigational and regulatory aids with a staff of 22 across the entire state of Maryland. The three ice-breaking vessels serve as buoy tenders and their other tailored outboard boats mark safety hazards near dams, as well as state and county lines.

Area’s longest running boat show docks at Baltimore Convention Center January 21-25, 2009

The 2009 Baltimore Boat Show, Maryland’s largest and longest running indoor boating event, is returning January 21-25, 2009, packing the Baltimore Convention Center with hundreds of boats and marine accessories at the best deals of the year.  The Show offers visitors more boats, more exhibits, and more family fun than ever before.

WHEN:

Wednesday, January 21 – Sunday, January 25
Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Special Preview Night)
Thursday and Friday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

Affordability Pavilion – Boating is very affordable compared to other family leisure activities.  Visitors can check out this special selection of boats that can be owned for less than $250 a month.

Green Boating Zone – Visitors can about the latest green boating products and practices to protect the environment and preserve boating fun for future generations

Daily boating and fishing seminars – The Show features daily seminars with boating experts offering advice on everything from fishing to financing.

Discover Boating Center– From the beginner to the seasoned boater, visitors of all interests and skill levels can take advantage of unbiased advice from the experts at the Discover Boating Center.

Ravens Appearances – Meet Linebacker Jarret Johnson and members of the Raven’s cheerleaders.  Fans can win a day long fishing trip with Jarret at BaltimoreBoatShow.com

Five days of family fun and entertainment – The Baltimore Boat Show features family-friendly activities and attractions, including the Take Me Fishing Center and Miss GEICO, the world’s fastest offshore racing boat.

Special Preview Night – The 2009 Baltimore Boat Show opens with its annual Special Preview Night Benefiting the Wish-A-Fish Foundation, an opportunity for guests to have an exclusive first-look at the 2009 Show, enjoy live entertainment and contribute to a worthy local cause.

TICKET PRICES:

$10 for adults
$5 for youth 13-15 years old
FREE for kids 12 years old and under
$20 for Special Preview Night Benefiting Wish-A-Fish

About the Baltimore Boat Show

The Baltimore Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing the $37.5 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information about the NMMA, visit www.NMMA.org.