Monterey Harbor Update
December 2014

In This Issue

Annual Parking Decals for Berth License Holders

Christmas Parade

California Vessel Operator Card

MPYC Halloween Parade

Green Boating Practices

Recent Storms

No Smoking

Porta Potty's

California Fish and Wildlife

2015 Annual Parking Decals

Now Available

Berth license holders on South tiers, A, and H tiers now available at the Harbormasters office. Please bring in a current registration of your vehicle you wish to renew or add to you Marina Account. The fee remains the same as in 2014

Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club

Lighted Boat Parade

December 7, 2014

Sunday, December 07, 2014 Despite torrential rains last week and more inclement weather expected in a few days, conditions were perfect Sunday night for the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade in Monterey harbor.

About 100 people gathered on the Coast Guard pier, with many others lining the shoreline from Cannery Row to Monterey Municipal Wharf No. 2, as a flare shot into the sky to indicate the start of the parade. Thomas Leo, a Monterey resident, said the weather was the best he can remember since he started coming to watch the event.

California Vessel Operator Cards

Recently passed and signed by the Governor of California is the new California vessel operator card. We have linked the Senate Bill to the full text for your review. In short, there are about 3-years before the first age groups will be required to obtain the training and the certification card, none of which has been created as yet. There are exempt groups such as commercial fishing operators. The information is worth reading so at least you are up to date on what is coming in the future.

Senate Bill No. 941Chapter 433

An act to add Article 1.4 (commencing with Section 678) to Chapter 5 of Division 3 of the Harbors and Navigation Code, relating to vessels.

[ Approved by Governor September 18, 2014. Filed with Secretary of State September 18, 2014. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

This bill would prohibit the operation of a vessel that is propelled by an engine in the waters of the state except by a person who is in possession of a valid vessel operator card developed and issued by the division, and would impose that prohibition on persons pursuant to a specified schedule. The bill would exempt certain persons from that requirement, as specified.

The bill would require the division, on or before January 1, 2018, to develop vessel operator cards and issue a vessel operator card to a person who provides the division with proof that the person has passed a vessel operator examination and would authorize the division to develop an examination. The bill would require the division to provide links to approved examinations on its Internet Web site. The bill would require the division to charge specified fees for those cards, would establish the Vessel Operator Certification Account in the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, and would require the fees to be deposited in that account. The bill would authorize the division to expend the moneys in the account, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of the vessel operator card program.

MPYC Halloween Parade 2014

On October 25th, the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, MPYC along with Liz Chandler at the helm organized the first Halloween trick or treat parade for the youth sailors. Decorated boats and sailors made for a great day of fun on the water.

Green Boating Guidelines

Boater Responsibility

Boaters play an important role in protecting the health of California's

waterways. Boat sewage, graywater, cleaning products, spilled fuel and oil, trash and aquatic invasive species are all potential sources of pollution. Government alone cannot protect California's environment. Every boater must take responsibility for pollution prevention and try to minimize the environmental and public health impacts from boating activities. There are a couple of publications addressing soaps and cleaning solutions worth review. They include methods of how to minimize introduction of chemicals and particulates to surrounding waters. The information is comprehensive and offers boaters several ways to protect vessels and the environment at the same time.

2.2.1 Deck Washdown and Runoff and Above Water Line Hull Cleaning

Coastal Commission and State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways:

Boating Clean and Green Program:

Environmental Boating Laws (brochure, p. 2):

For additional information on green boating guidelines beyond that contained in this booklet, visit the following Web site:

Green Boating Guide

Safe Boating Classes

About Boating Safely

General information about boats and maintenance
Information on preparing for safe and enjoyable outings
Navigation rules and aids to navigation
Guidelines for operating your boat or PWC safely
What to do in case of boating emergencies
State-specific laws and regulations you must follow
Certificate for successful course completion

In general, this information applies to all recreational watercraft (powerboats, PWCs, sailboats and boats which are paddled). PWC and Jet Ski operators often have additional laws and restrictions which apply to them.

JOIN THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Click this link for more information

Safe Boating Classes

The Harbor Staff

City of Monterey - Office of the Harbormaster

HARBOR OFFICE HOURS

8AM - 5PM DAILY

PHONE NUMBER

(831) 646-3950

AFTER HOURS

(831) 594-7760

COAST GUARD MONTEREY

(831) 647-7300

E-MAIL

scheibla@monterey.org

INTERNET

www.monterey.org/harbor

RADIO WATCH

VHF channels 5a & 16

ON FACEBOOK

Monterey Harbor

FREE Marina WiFi

Pay your Marina Account online at Monterey Harbor

Recent Storms Test Moorings and Crews

The recent storms have tested mooring lines, docks, berths, and crews. It has been quite a few years since we have experienced strong winds and rain. This last week was a good example. The Harbor Staff put some temporary lines on a few boats and there were a couple of issues in the outer moorings. All in all a good test after several years of few wind events. Please come down and check all your vessels and moorings carefully. Thank you very much.

Smoking in Restrooms and Marina facilities

No Smoking

Please do not smoke inside of any marina building, including bathrooms, at any time. Furthermore, cold cigarette butts are to be disposed of in trash receptacles. Monterey is a certified Green Marina and any cigarettes that are discarded into the harbor or onto the docks pose a direct threat to the wildlife and detract from the scenic beauty of our beautiful home!

City of Monterey Smoking Ordinance

Porta Potty's and Marinas

Porta Potty's require the user to empty the contents from time to time. The only way to empty one in or around the marina is to dump the contents into a toilet. This is where the harbor is having some issues. The emptying process into a toilet has recently resulted in the boaters bathrooms becoming unusable until building maintenance has cleaned up the toilets. We discourage the use of Porta Potty's in the harbor as there is no good way to empty these systems other than at RV parks that have receptacle bowls specially built for their use.

Please remember washing or using a hose to remove the waste into the harbor waters is prohibited. Thank you

Cal Fish and Wildlife

California is a great place to fish!

To help you plan your fishing day, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has developed the Fishing Guide.

It allows you to see many of California's excellent fishing spots and learn about various fishing-related activities and information.

The Fishing Guide contains fish planting locations that Fish and Wildlife has recently planted or plans to plant in the coming weeks.

The Fishing Guide also contains historical fishing locations that at one time provided excellent fishing opportunities.

We plan to add additional information over time, such as Fishing Regulations, License Sales locations, and more.

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