Topics of discussion will include:
* Vessel Regulation (recreational, passenger, freight, etc)
* Passengers for Hire
* New Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements
* How to Reduce or Eliminate CG-835 Requirements
* How to Appeal CG-835 Requirements
* Limited Scope Licenses
* The "Inspector Presence" Program

Marine Industry Day is coming to Avalon Thursday, February 16, 2006

Every year the local U.S, Coast Guard and the Long Beach Marine Inspection office hosts a marine industry day in San Pedro. However, because there is a large number of boat operators and marine activity on Catalina Island, this year the event will be held on the Island. It will also be tailored for an Avalon audience.

The program should appeal to anyone who is a boat operator, captain, deckhand, boat owner, camp and cove operator, lifeguard, fireman, paramedic, or just interested, in marine activities.

Local Charlie Canby and Brian Bray helped the Coast Guard organize the event.

"This is a great way for boaters to have a chance to come up to speed on the latest Coast Guard requirements and it eliminates the need to go overtown if you want to attend the event," said Canby. "Otherwise they would have to got to San Pedro for the meeting."

The event will be held from 8:30 to noon on Thursday, February 16th  in the council chambers at Avalon City Hall, 410 Avalon Canyon Road.

The seminar will cover the following topics:

. How do you count to six on a "six-pac" boat? Can you make the seventh person a hand? How about two deck hands for a party of eight! Learn about manning requirements.

. Drug testing...Operators must be drug tested but what about deck hands, even if they work only once in a while? Do "six-pac" operators have to maintain a drug-testing program even if they are a single person operation? Required drug testing rules will be reviewed.

. How do I arrange for an annual in water and out of water inspection?   How much notice is suggested? Is it best to phone or write to schedule an appointment? And, what types of accidents am I required to report.

. If I dial 911 will I get the Avalon Sheriff or the San Bernardino Highway Patrol? We may have an USCG search and rescue person attending the meeting.

. What is the advantage of having a "self inspection program" (SIP) and how do I set it up? SIP programs tend to eliminate 835's

. What are the guidelines and requirements for operating a boat as an "oceanic research" or "marine research" vessel and being exempt from marine inspections and licensed operators? Equipment and inspection requirements will be covered for all types of vessels

. What special operator's licenses and inspections is the USCG developing for the Catalina Island Camps and Coves that operate close to shore and seasonally?

. If I am involved in a marine accident or are reporting an accident, what information does the USCG SAR (search and rescue) want to know.

. How do I get an USCG operators license for myself and an USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI) for my boat?

. Over the past years there have been a few boat sinkings and accidents that may be discussed.

 . What is the USCG policy of derelict and unsafe boats anchored along the coast that we all know will be sunk or on the rocks in a matter of time?

Those who chose to participate in the event should arrive at 8:00 a.m. for some coffee and doughnuts.  There will be a raffle for two unique door prizes: a sectioned/saw cut three bladed propeller and a Zane Gray wooden mallet. Raffle money will pay for the doughnuts.

Between 1 and 1:30 p.m. the group will meet at the Mole and shoot off some flares. Everyone will get several opportunities to light some flares.  This is a valuable opportunity to light flares, a somewhat nerve racking experience the first time. Participants are encouraged bring your old expired flares to share.

For more information and to make reservations, call Charlie Canby at 310-510-1240 (cccanby@hotmail.com) or Brian Bray at 310-510-0535 (brianbray@cityofavalon.com)