America’s Boating Clubs ready to help boaters prepare
The America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva reported that the Florida Freedom Boater law went into effect on July 1. It directs local tax collectors to have boat owners complete a Vessel Safety Equipment Attestation form to get the Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal sent to them.
The new form must be completed upon the original registration, renewal or transfer of vessel ownership. It asks the owner to attest and confirm two statements.
The first statement says, “I, the undersigned, hereby affirm and attest that the vessel described above is equipped with all safety equipment required by the United States Coast Guard and applicable federal regulations for legal operation on state and federal waters.”
For those unsure of whether they have all the required safety equipment, a free Vessel Safety Check can help them identify any items missing or in need of replacement. Vessel Examiners with the Sanibel-Captiva club, as well as the America’s Boating Club of Cape Coral, also know about recent changes in the requirements and can help keep boaters informed.
The club reported that it is a good idea to get a Vessel Safety Check annually as some items on a boat have expiry dates and other items can wear out. The clubs’ Vessel Examiners are trained to identify issues with the required equipment and keep up-to-date on all the new regulations.
The second statement says, “I understand that it is my legal responsibility as the owner and/or operator of this vessel to ensure compliance with all applicable maritime safety laws and regulations.”
There are a myriad rules and regulations that boaters need to know — federal, state and local. The America’s Boating Clubs offer classes that cover these rules and regulations. The America’s Boating Course covers all the requirements established by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and is approved by the state. Students that pass the final exam receive a Florida Boating Safety Education I.D. Card — good in all states that require a Boating Safety Education I.D. Card.
It is also recommended that boaters consider taking the two-hour Rules of the Road seminar. It takes an in-depth look at the inland and international rules. Boaters on the Florida coast need to know the subtle differences between them. The inland rules end start as soon as one crosses the line of demarcation and enters the Gulf, where the international rules begin.
The Sanibel-Captiva club’s classes and seminar will resume in the fall.
For more information, visit www.sancapboating.club.
For questions, contact Education Officer Mary Holden at 720-260-0225.
In addition, the club is planning opportunities for free Vessel Safety Checks.
For more information, email execofficer@sanibelcaptivasps.org.
The Cape Coral club also offers free Vessel Safety Checks, and its boating classes and seminars will resume in September. For more information, visit https://www.ccsaps.org/ or call 239-549-9754.
To reach AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA, please email