There's been a lot of chatter on the message boards about the US CoastGuard "cracking down" on guides that work on the federally controlledwaterways in the area. Some of the waters that have been in thespotlight lately are the Mississippi, the St. Croix Rivers and LakeVermilion. The law the Coast Guard is enforcing requires vessels for hire tohave the operator obtain an O.U.P.V. license that's issued by the CoastGuard.
It's very clear. The guides that haven't gone through the licensing arevery, very unhappy about the law (and it's enforcement as of late) andthe guides that have the license are happy. This means more businessfor them, although many are ducking for cover to keep a low profile. Why? Becausethey don't want to be targeted as the"snitch", turning in unlicensed guides. I can't blame them, everyone isconnected in the fishing industry one way or another.
It's time for the guiding industry to stand up and take a lead oneither following the laws or changing them. It's just plain wrong tofeel uncomfortable because of following the law. The people thatshould feel uncomfortable are the guides that knowingly shrug off thelaw and the people that support this illegal activity!
When Ispoke with Officer John Nay of th CG's St Paul office inquiring thepurpose of this law, his response was "It's all about safety. Whenpeople hire a guide, they expect a certain level of safety." Andsafety is what the Coast Guard focuses on. They require a physical, abackground check, random drug testing, CPR and basic first aidcertificates along with a properly equipped vessel which includes boatregistration.
About a week ago, I was contacted by the Neil McMillin the USCG District Staff Officer
from the Eighth Western Rivers Region. He's been contactingadvertised guides to join in a voluntary boat inspection. The purposeof these inspections is to help ensure boaters have the proper safetyequipment on board and are complying with the licensing laws. The CGoffers this inspection to anyone that asks for one, not just guides.It's free. It's voluntary. These inspections are not a "gotcha". Theyare set up to increase safety and awareness on our waterways and helpinform boaters and guides of what and how they can become safer boatersand to come into compliance with our laws if needed. The inspectioninformation is not passed on to enforcement. Once passing theinspection, a decal that's good for two years is placed on your boat. Ihave one. Neil's attitude was pleasant. He was through in hisinspection and we talked about many how's and why's of boatingregulations. Even though we didn't agree on every point, he offeredpoints of view that I hadn't thought of before. I encourage all guides to contact Officer McMillin for an appointment.
As professional guides we are the leaders of the industry.
As a friend of mine put it, I'm paraphrasing... no matter if youare for or against the Coast Guards licensing, with all the talk on themessage boards and in the papers, the ball is in the customer's court to ask for verification of required licenses and insurance."
Whether you're a guide or not, contact Officer McMillin for your free inspection.
Neil McMillin
District Staff Officer
Vessel Examinations/Program Visitation
Eighth Western Rivers Region
Division 11
952-367-6384
nmcgaux@gmail.com
Good Fishin'
Briank@In-DepthOutdoors.com