Vessel Registration Fees To Increase

Funds generated will be used to develop new public boat access areas. Extra, Waterfowl Hunting Safety Tips

December 3, 2007

CARTERET COUNTY NC NEWS -- The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has announced that vessel registration fees will increase due to the increased impact of stress from public use along North Carolina waterways.

Currently in North Carolina, one-year vessel registrations are $10.00, and three-year registrations are $25.00. Starting January 1, 2008, one-year vessel registrations will increase to $15 and three-year registrations will increase to $40.00. The fee increases, will apply to new and transfer registrations, as well as renewals on existing registrations. Fortunately for boaters, vessel titling cost will remain at $20.00.

The funds generated by the fees increase will be used to develop new public boat access areas as well as maintain existing accesses.

Gordon Myers, a deputy director with the Commission said, "The rapid rate of change along North Carolina's shorelines has created a situation that requires immediate action and adaptation. Our goal is to maximize public value by directing these new funds towards projects that leverage multi-agency partnerships and multi-use facilities."

While registering a vessel is required by North Carolina law, boaters should also take advantage of the free National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education courses offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. NASBLA boating education courses cover safe operation, legal requirements, handling emergencies and other information. In addition, the course is a requirement for 14-16 year-olds to operate a personal watercraft such as such as, Jet-Ski's, Sea-Doo's and Wave-Runners in North Carolina. To check boating education course availability in your area of North Carolina contact:

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission at (919) 707-0031.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at 1-800-336-BOAT
• U.S. Power Squadron, at 1-888-FOR-USPS.

Therefore, when your teens are out having fun on the water next summer, be sure they have completed the safety course and carry their certification card with proof of age when operating watercraft.

Meanwhile, during the fall and winter season waterfowl hunting is a very active sport. The dangers of hypothermia greatly increase during these seasons when persons are submerged in water, even for a brief time. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, more waterfowl hunters die of hypothermia and drowning than gunshot wounds.

Captain Chris Huebner, boating safety coordinator for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offered the following safety tips for waterfowl hunters; always wear a life vest, never overload your boat with passengers, keep dogs prone in the center of the boat, and never move about the boat with a loaded firearm.

Finally, North Carolina provides some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in the country, so enjoy and be safe. Remember the safety tips provided above could make the difference between going home with holiday dinner, or having to attend a funeral in North Carolina.