USCGAUX Support of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program

Objective

Through mutual participation and commitment, expand the involvement of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in a dynamic "Team Coast Guard" approach which actively engages Auxiliarists as full partners in aggressively supporting the Coast Guard’s National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Discussion

The mission of the Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats, through preventive means, in order to provide safe use and enjoyment of the U. S. waterways by the public. The mission to reduce recreational boat fatalities is one of the Coast Guard’s strategic goals outlined in its agreement with the Department of Transportation under the auspices of the Government Performance and Results Act Performance Plan.

USCG Boating Safety Division (CG-BSX-2)
Program Goals

The goals of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program administered by the Office of Boating Safety (G-OPB) include:

1. Improve the demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behavior of boaters;
2. Improve the safety of boats and their associated equipment;
3. Improve the physical and operational boating environment;
4. Improve intermodal and interagency cooperation, coordination and assistance.

Program Functions

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Commandant for for Prevention Policy (CG-5P), the Chief, Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety shall: Act as Program Manager for the Recreational Boating Safety Program to fulfill the National Coordinator responsibilities defined by the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, as amended. The role of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program Coordinator requires that person to:

1. Maintain liaison with appropriate international, federal, national, state, and local partners.

2. Administer federal recreational boating safety financial assistance grants to states.

3. Administer the national non-profit organization grant program.

4. Promote uniformity and reciprocity in boating laws.

5. Monitor agreements between the Coast Guard and the states for boating safety.

6. Ensure state participation in national marine casualty reporting.

7. Provide executive direction for the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee.

8. Oversee national boating safety outreach and awareness.

9. Oversee boating safety education standards.

10. Administer recreational boating product assurance programs.

Effectiveness Measurement

As part of its effort to meet Government Performance and Results Plan goals, the RBS Program has based its Measurement of Effectiveness on incidents of fatality, injury, collision, allision, or cost per hour of passenger exposure.