Late yesterday, speaking beachfront from Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump has announced an Executive Order decommissioning the U.S. Coast Guard – a move recommended late last week by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, as Musk’s efficiency experts cited millions of dollars in wasteful spending on what Trump termed the “Cub Scouts of the Military.”
Of note to PWC owners, the dismantling of the Coast Guard will eliminate the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, which has traditionally been responsible for marine vessel safety checks, PFD requirements, safety courses and BUI regulations, among other watercraft-related laws and regulations, as well as navigation rules.
Trump announced that, in keeping with efforts to reduce government overreach, the majority of marine safety practices will now be voluntary, however, owners of all motorized vessels must register their PWC with the newly created U.S. Safe and Beautiful Waterways Taskforce.
All registered vehicles will be required to display the official Task Force registration code, and must carry approved safety equipment, including mandatory walkie talkies and American-made first-aid kits. All watercraft must also fly a Task-force approved visibility enhancement flag of no less than 3’ x 4’, consisting of a safety-red background emblazoned with a white, reflective MAGA symbol to enhance visibility in both daylight hours and at night. During any watercraft operation after dusk and before dawn, the visibility enhancement flag must be lit by the provided battery-operated mini-spotlight.
According to new U.S. Safe and Beautiful Waterways Task Force Commander Chase Elliot, implementation of the safety equipment requirements will go into effect on April 15, while Task Force Registration Chief Kid Rock advised The Watercraft Journal that a new website would be launched within the week to allow marine craft owners to register their vessel online.
The Watercraft Journal will continue to monitor these new requirements and the impact of the elimination of the U. S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, and will provide pertinent updates as new changes to policy are announced.
For more information, or to pre-register your PWC, visit the Task Force website.
