Brief Description: Changing the vessel laws to warn and educate about carbon monoxide poisoning.

Sponsors: Representatives Walsh, Grant, Shabro, Morrell, Haler, Roach and McDonald.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

Recreational boating is generally regulated by the State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission). Areas of regulation include vessel muffler systems, personal flotation devices, water skiing safety, and required equipment. The Commission is currently developing a program of mandatory boater education. Boater safety education requirements are being phased in over 11 years, with all boat operators required to have successfully completed the education requirements by the year 2016.

Vessel emissions standards are not regulated by the Commission. However, the Commission is required to provide statewide recreational boating fire prevention education that includes education about the hazards of carbon monoxide (RCW 79A.60.610).

Summary of Bill:

Vessel operation prohibitions

A vessel operator may be fined up to $100 if he or she operates the vessel, or allows the engine to run idle, while another person is teak surfing, platform diving, body surfing, or holding onto the swim deck on the back of a vessel. An exception to this prohibition exists when the vessel operator is docking or departing, or when the vessel is being used for law enforcement or emergency rescue.

Carbon monoxide education

The Commission is required to take certain steps to educate the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning at the stern of a vessel. The Commission must include information about carbon monoxide poisoning as an element of the boating education safety classes under development and provide a brochure on the topic for inclusion with mailed registration materials. The informational brochures must be mailed for two consecutive years.

Warning stickers

All new and used vessels sold in Washington must display two stickers that warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. One sticker is required to be placed in the interior of the vessel, and the second sticker must be on the rear exterior of the vessel. New vessel dealers must provide the stickers at the time of initial sale. For used vessels, the warning stickers must be contained in the initial registration materials received by the new owner.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/16/06.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.