7 Vol. 83, No. 1 | Proceedings The National Recreational Boating Program The Value of the Recreational Boating Safety Program by VeRne GiffoRd Chief Boating Safety Division Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety U.S. Coast Guard T he modern Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program traces its inception to the Federal Boat Safety Act (FBSA) of 1971. The Act’s purpose was to improve boating safety by encouraging and assisting participation by the states, industry, and public. It also established national construction and performance standards and created flexible regulatory authority concerning boats. Since then, the many elements of the National RBS Program have successfully reduced incidents, injuries, and deaths. Led by the State RBS and National Nonprofit Organization grant programs, the combined effects of many program elements, and safer boats and boaters, the RBS Program achieved the fewest number of boating deaths in its history—a key measure of success. The National RBS Program and Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety President Nixon signed the FBSA on August 11, 1971, helping establish national standards, cooperation among the federal and state governments, and a national recre- ational boating safety, or RBS Program. Perhaps, most importantly, it created a funding mechanism to facilitate the program’s goals. It also encouraged greater unifor- mity of boating laws and regulations and reciprocity among state jurisdictions. This authority led to regula- tions addressing vessel numbering, casualty reporting, equipment requirements, defect notification, manufac- turer requirements, and boats and associated equipment. The National RBS Program, administered by the Coast Guard, was established “to encourage greater state participation and uniformity in boating safety efforts, and particularly to permit the states to assume the greater share of boating safety education, assistance, and enforcement activities….”1 Under the program, an eligible state must have an approved RBS Program, which includes five key elements—enforcement, education, vessel numbering, casualty reporting, and a memorandum of agreement with their U.S. Coast Guard District.2 Within the Coast Guard, the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety coordinates the National RBS Program. That office includes the Boating Safety Division with 26 full-time members who are organized into three branches: • The Program Management and Operations Branch (CG-BSX-21) • The Grants Management Branch (CG-BSX-22) • The Product Assurance Branch (CG-BSX-23) CG-BSX-21 chiefly assists the states with maintaining their approved RBS programs. CG-BSX-22 ensures Branch Responsibilities Program Management and Operation: • Ensure compliance of state RBS programs • Productions of annual recreational boating statistics report and quinquennial Survey • Promote uniformity among states • Oversee vessel identification system Grant Management: • Administer state agent program • Administer national nonprofit grant program • Ensure compliance with all statues, regulations, and directives Product Assurance: • Maintain recreational boat manufacturer compliance program • Investigate consumer complaints and incidents to determine legitimacy • Execute recall campaigns • Publish boating safety circular
