[Federal Register: December 24, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 247)]
[Notices]
[Page 74625-74627]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24de03-102]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
[USCG-2003-16730]
Recreational Boating Safety Projects, Programs and Activities
Funded Under Provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century; Accounting of
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: For each of 5 fiscal years starting in 1999, the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century has made $5 million
available to the Secretary of Transportation for payments of Coast
Guard expenses for personnel and activities directly related to
coordinating and carrying out the national recreational boating safety
program. This notice is being published to satisfy a requirement of the
Act that a detailed accounting of the projects, programs, and
activities funded under the national recreational boating safety
program provision of the Act be published annually in the Federal
Register. In this notice, we have specified the amount of monies the
Coast Guard has committed, obligated or expended as of September 30,
2003.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Captain Scott Evans, USCG, Chief,
Office of Boating Safety, telephone 202-267-1077, fax 202-267-4285, or
Mr. Jeffrey N. Hoedt, Chief, Program Management Division, telephone
202-267-0950, fax 202-267-4285.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st
Century became law on June 9, 1998 (Pub. L. 105-178; 112 Stat. 107).
The Act required that of the $5 million made available to carry out the
national recreational boating safety program each year, $2 million
shall be available only to ensure compliance with Chapter 43 of title
46, U.S. Code--Recreational Vessels. The responsibility to administer
these funds was delegated to the Commandant of the United States Coast
Guard. With the transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), this authority in the Transportation Equity
Act for the 21st Century has been transferred to the Secretary of the
DHS from the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (Sec. 888 of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002), and redelegated to the Coast Guard
(Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.).
Subsection (c) of sec. 7405 of the Act directs that no funds
available to the Secretary under this subsection may be used to replace
funding traditionally provided through general appropriations, nor for
any purposes except those purposes authorized; namely, for personnel
and activities directly related to coordinating and carrying out the
national recreational boating safety program. Amounts made available
each fiscal year 1999 through 2003 shall remain available until
expended.
Use of these funds requires compliance with standard Federal
contracting rules with associated lead and processing times resulting
in a lag time between available funds and spending. The following
activities have been initiated using fiscal year 1999 through 2003
funds transferred to the Coast Guard from the Aquatic Resources
(Wallop-Breaux) Trust Fund. The total amount of fiscal year 1999, 2000,
2001, 2002 and 2003 funding committed, obligated and/or expended for
each activity is shown.
Factory Visit Program: An initial contract was awarded to establish
a national recreational boat factory visit program using contractor
personnel. The contract included the development of a plan of action
and an 18-month pilot program to validate the elements of the plan and
the concept of the program. The pilot program commenced in the summer
of 2000. ``Compliance associates'' (inspectors) were trained and formal
factory visits were initiated in January 2001. The factory visit
program currently allows contractor personnel, acting on behalf of the
Coast Guard, to visit approximately 2,000 recreational boat
manufacturers each year to inspect for compliance with the Federal
regulations, communicate with the manufacturers as to why they need to
comply with the Federal regulations, and educate them, as necessary, on
how to comply with the Federal regulations. ($6,284,665)
Boat Compliance Testing: Funding is provided for expansion of the
boat compliance testing program whereby new manually propelled and
outboard recreational boats are purchased in the open market and tested
for compliance with the Federal flotation standards. The expanded
program includes inboard/sterndrive boats and used boats. ($651,381)
Associated Equipment Compliance Testing: A contract was awarded to
buy recreational boat ``associated equipment'' (e.g., starters,
alternators, fuel pumps, and bilge pumps) and test this equipment for
compliance with Federal safety regulations. This new initiative
complements the boat compliance testing program. ($426,220)
Compliance Associated Travel: Travel by employees of the Office of
Boating Safety is being performed to carry out additional compliance
actions and to gather background and planning information for new
compliance initiatives. ($108,395)
New Boat Manufacturer Outreach Package: A contract was awarded to
design and develop a comprehensive and user-friendly outreach package
for distribution to new recreational boat manufacturers. Included in
the package are a brochure and video that outline the many facets of
the recreational boat manufacturing business, including Federal
regulations, voluntary standards, self-certification, financial
aspects, insurance concerns, liability issues, points of contact and
the steps necessary to become a new recreational boat manufacturer. The
package also includes plain language guidelines that help clarify
Federal requirements. The outreach package is aimed at increasing the
level of new recreational boat manufacturer compliance with applicable
Federal regulations. ($433,995)
National Recreational Boating Survey: The national recreational
boating survey was completed on November 30, 2003. The purpose of this
project was to obtain up-to-date statistical estimates on recreational
boating. Over 25,000 surveys were completed with individuals who boated
between September 2001 and September 2002. Survey findings were
extrapolated to produce national, regional and State estimates of boat
use as well as the characteristics of boat operators, passengers,
boats, safety equipment, and
[[Page 74626]]
the boating environment. The final report is available upon request to
the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline at 1-800-368-5647. ($1,809,144).
Boating Accident Report Database (BARD): A contract has been
awarded to enhance the capability of all States and the Coast Guard for
the successful electronic exchange, management, and reporting of
recreational boating accident report data using the BARD software
application. This contract provides for software module development,
software module testing, applicable rework, implementation,
maintenance, and technical support for the user community in the 50
States, five Territories, and the District of Columbia. ($2,953,755)
State Incident Notification: The Coast Guard Search and Rescue
Management Information System (SARMIS) software has been modified to
electronically notify the relevant State boating law administrators
regarding any fatal recreational boating incident cases to which the
Coast Guard responds. The intent of this notification is to ensure that
these cases are captured in the accident report data submitted by the
State boating law administrators to the Boating Accident Report
Database (BARD). ($12,678)
Articulated Mannequins/Computer Simulation Model: The objective of
this contracted program is to improve the safety of recreational
boaters by fostering developmental technology for improved personal
flotation devices (PFDs). This program is furthering development of
flotation mannequins and a water forces computer simulation program to
promote the rapid, objective evaluation of different PFD designs on
various body types that are representative of the recreational boating
population. The computer simulation program will be validated through
the use of a family of anthropomorphic, articulated mannequins. Under
the contract to develop the articulated mannequins and computer
simulation model, a male model has been built and is almost perfected.
Currently, a female and a child mannequin are being developed. The
development of a computer simulation program will facilitate evaluation
of the effectiveness of new and unique PFD designs. ($814,341)
Risk-Based Personal Flotation Device Approval Process: This ongoing
effort will improve the approval process for personal flotation devices
(PFDs) by developing a risk-based compliance system that is based on an
objective Life Saving Index. This index will provide a formal structure
and consistency to the process for accepting new approaches to
designing devices for drowning prevention. The risk-based process
identifies critical factors for evaluating PFD lifesaving potential and
defines the minimum level of performance necessary for approval.
($421,509)
Carbon Monoxide Research: The Office of Boating Safety has entered
into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health and Human
Services, U.S. Public Health Service, Federal Occupational Health
Program, to continue investigation into identifying and classifying
additional recreational boating carbon monoxide related deaths and
injuries. ($573,475)
Houseboat Manufacturers Workshop/Conference Support: Funding
provided support services for a Coast Guard-sponsored gathering of the
houseboat industry to explore potential design solutions to the carbon
monoxide poisonings that have occurred on recreational houseboats.
($17,030)
Hull Identification Number (HIN) Economic Analysis: This contracted
effort provided the Coast Guard with a cost/benefit analysis on the
effects of expanding the current 12-character HIN to a 17-character HIN
for all newly constructed recreational boats. ($47,626)
Virtual Reality Personal Watercraft (PWC): A virtual reality PWC
was developed under contract to provide a platform to gather objective
data on operator reactions to various scenarios. This information would
otherwise be unobtainable or would require more costly methods and
sources, due to the risk of injury to the operator as well as due to
the difficulty of accurately replicating conditions for all operators.
The virtual reality PWC is being used in various test scenarios to
collect human factors data including the measurement of reactive
movements and reaction time that will assist in making decisions or
taking action to improve personal watercraft safety. The data from this
effort will give greater insight into the human-machine interface
related to PWC operation and will assist in the effort to attempt to
reduce PWC accidents. ($407,638)
Knowledge Management System: The first phase of a proposed three-
phase contracted effort to develop a comprehensive Knowledge Management
plan for automating office processes within the Office of Boating
Safety was successfully completed. This phase provided the system
requirements, potential applications and over-arching possible utility
of the knowledge management system. Upon review of phase one analysis
it was determined that the project should be terminated. This decision
was based upon information obtained while performing this segment. In
addition, it was determined that with projected changing software
systems within the federal government that it was in our best interest
to wait until the new federal system was made available. The second and
third phases will not be implemented until further federal direction is
obtained. Phases two and three, if implemented, would install document
imaging software to capture and fully automate product assurance and
consumer files and provide support that will ultimately enhance
efficiency in supporting customers, partners and stakeholders. This
would provide quicker, more effective and efficient program oversight
while providing customers with the ability to do business with the
Coast Guard via web-based technology, thus enabling the Coast Guard to
reduce the amount of paper transactions involved in servicing external
customers. This system will assist in the electronic monitoring,
storage and daily use of information and materials within the Office of
Boating Safety. ($431,890)
Coast Guard Infoline/Office of Boating Safety Web Site: Funding has
been provided for both technological and educational enhancements to
the toll-free Coast Guard Infoline and the Office of Boating Safety Web
site to create a one-stop customer service center. The Infoline
provides information about safety, regulations, communications, Coast
Guard policy, and available material related to boating safety issues.
Additionally, this effort provides a complete interactive recreational
boating safety Web site that offers the public and boating safety
agencies and organizations real-time information on every aspect of
recreational boating safety. One of the goals of this program is to
create a one-stop customer service center for all users. ($859,798)
Federal Requirements Publication: A customer-friendly ``Federal
Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats'' publication was
developed based on easy-to-read, high visibility graphics, and with
subject-specific safety tips that promote high retention by the reader.
Both hard copy and electronic interactive versions have been created
for the public. The enhanced Federal Requirements brochure is being
widely distributed, and in addition, can be downloaded from the Office
of Boating Safety Web site (http://www.uscgboating.org). ($427,000)
Emergency Radio Call Procedures Decal: An emergency radio call
procedures decal was produced and disseminated that provides the
recreational boater with the proper
[[Page 74627]]
procedures to use in making an emergency or distress call via VHF-FM
Channel 16. This decal will be distributed via the Coast Guard
Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, and State boating offices, as well as
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the
Bureau of Land Management. This item also supports the Vessel Safety
Check (VSC) program provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power
Squadrons and States. The VSC program is a free service provided by
these organizations offering a safety check of recreational boats 65'
or less in length. ($25,810)
Aids to Navigation Booklet: A full-color booklet, ``U.S. Aids to
Navigation System,'' was produced to assist recreational boaters in
better understanding the use and identification of navigational aids.
This booklet is now used as an educational adjunct to the safe boating
classes taught by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, and
many of the States. It is also distributed in conjunction with the
Vessel Safety Check program. ($135,327)
``Operation BoatSmart'' Support: Funding support was provided to
this initiative which coordinated Coast Guard and other boating safety
organizations aims to energize recreational boating safety programs by
strengthening and extending partnerships at the national, State and
local levels. Through combined and coordinated efforts, the BoatSmart
partners targeted those activities and behaviors that presented the
greatest risk for the recreational boater. ``Operation BoatSmart''
brought together these organizations to work in tandem to promote a
positive change in boater awareness and behavior, with special emphasis
on inland waters where most recreational boating takes place. Special
emphasis was focused on encouraging life jacket wear, boater education,
and scrupulous enforcement of boating under the influence laws by
appropriate authorities. ($273,586)
Recreational Boating Safety Program Marketing Support: A national
marketing, awareness and education campaign in support of ``Operation
BoatSmart,'' as well as America's Boating Course, Boating Under the
Influence Campaign, and the Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Program, has been
funded. America's Boating Course is a joint boating safety education
course developed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power
Squadrons, supported by the Coast Guard. This course, available via CD-
Rom or Internet will set the standard for recreational boating safety
in our country. The Boating Under the Influence (BUI) campaign, ``It's
a Different World on the Water,'' is a multi-year effort to educate the
recreational boater about the hazards of boating under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. The marketing plan utilizes nationally recognized
cartoon characters, Popeye and Olive Oyl, to advertise the VSC program
to the boating public at marinas, yacht clubs, boat storage facilities,
retail outlets and other recreational outlets. ($98,956)
Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Outreach Program: This program
provides full marketing, media, public information, and program
strategy support to the RBS effort. The goal is to coordinate the RBS
outreach campaigns some of which include: National Boating Under the
Influence Campaign (BUI), Operation BoatSmart, PFD Wear, Vessel Safety
Check Program (VSC), America's Boating Course, and other recreational
boating safety issues on an as needed basis. ($2,189,254)
Kayak/Canoe Sponson Study: Study completed on the efficacy of the
use of sponsons on canoes and kayaks. ($26,171)
Field Support--District Funded Projects
Seventeenth Coast Guard District Boating Safety Detachment: Funding
was provided on a one-time, non-recurring basis to the Seventeenth
Coast Guard District in support of a Coast Guard Boating Safety
Detachment to assist in the transition of the State of Alaska's
assumption of Recreational Boating Safety Program responsibilities.
($25,000)
Seventeenth Coast Guard District Boating Education and Safety
(BEST)Teams: A 3-year effort, the BEST teams operated in the 17th
District in 16 separate locations, with more than 30 team members
providing educational benefits to the boaters of that district.
($150,000)
Eighth Coast Guard District Western Rivers Strike Team: Similar to
the 17th District program these strike teams operated in the western
rivers in the 8th District conducting safety education and providing
waterway management assistance to various state RBS related activities
within the Eighth Coast Guard District on an as needed basis.
($190,000)
National Boating Registration System: As a service for States/
Territories that currently have inadequate (or no) computer software
program to maintain their vessel numbering system information, funding
was provided to the U.S. Coast Guard Operations Systems Center (OSC) to
develop a National Boating Registration System software program that
can easily be adapted by any State/Territory for their own use. The
software that has been provided to States/Territories at no cost
includes a function to automatically generate the annual report on
numbered vessels that must be submitted to the Coast Guard each year.
($25,000)
Marine Dealer Literature Display Racks: Display racks for U.S.
Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary literature were purchased to
improve distribution of boating safety literature. These display racks
are intended to be used at retail outlets and marine dealers. ($23,725)
Personnel Support: Funding is providing for personnel to support
the development of new regulations, to support new contracting
activities associated with the additional funding, and to monitor and
manage the contracts awarded. ($905,791)
Marine Accident Investigating and Reporting: An initial contract
was awarded to investigate and provide reports on marine accidents. The
contractor also provides statistical analysis on causes. ($95,000)
A total of $20,844,160 of the $25,000,000 made available to the
Coast Guard through annual transfers of $5 million in fiscal years
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 has been committed, obligated or
expended as of September 30, 2003.
Dated: December 17, 2003.
Jeffrey J. Hathaway,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Director of Operations Policy.
[FR Doc. 03-31729 Filed 12-23-03; 8:45 am]
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