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Fish and Boat Commission highlights boating safety push, equipment upgrades for conservation officers
Summary
At the committee hearing, the commission emphasized life-jacket requirements, Operation Dry Water enforcement, a recent boat-replacement plan and technology upgrades for water conservation officers.
Tim Schafer, the commission's executive director, emphasized boating safety as a top priority and reminded legislators that Pennsylvania requires life jackets in certain cold-water months and for some small craft.
"Wear your life jacket," Schafer said, stressing a November 1 through April 30 cold-water life-jacket requirement for canoes, kayaks and boats under 16 feet. He said the requirement has cut fatalities in half during cold-weather months.
Schafer said the commission completed a three-year boat replacement plan and has placed new boats in service for field operations. He described new technologies for conservation officers, including an e-filing system and a mobile platform ("pocket ward") that officers can use on phones to improve efficiency.
The commission also highlighted Operation Dry Water, a national enforcement project to reduce boating under the influence; the agency noted boat- and driver-safety training it provides to first responders.
Why it matters: Upgrades to vessels and officer tools, and targeted safety campaigns, affect public safety on Commonwealth waters and the commission's ability to enforce laws and respond to incidents.
