OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5412

AN ACT CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF CERTAIN VESSELS REGISTERED WITH MARINE DEALER REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

SUMMARY:

Under current law, certain specified people may, until May 27, 2012, operate a vessel with a marine dealer registration number. This bill removes the sunset provision and expands the list of people to whom the law applies.

The bill allows a person to operate a vessel with a marine dealer registration number if he or she:

1. holds a current U. S. Coast Guard passenger-for-hire license,

2. holds a current Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) charter boat registration, and

3. operates a recreational charter fishing guide service using a vessel registered with a marine dealer registration in connection with the guide service.

With respect to the third criterion, current law allows the person to operate a vessel with a marine dealer registration only if he or she has operated such a guide service for at least five of the 10 years before May 27, 2010. By law, DEEP cannot revoke a marine dealer registration number for vessels used in the above circumstance.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Marine Dealer Registration Numbers

The law allows marine dealers to operate, or direct their bona fide full-time employees to operate, a vessel with a marine dealer's registration number when:

1. a potential purchaser or customer is aboard;

2. running a new vessel from an import terminal to the dealer's place of business;

3. test running a new vessel after receiving it from the manufacturer;

4. delivering a sold vessel to the new owner;

5. running a trade-in vessel from a buyer;

6. test running a trade-in vessel before it is made available for sale;

7. running a vessel to, and using a vessel in, a fishing tournament;

8. test-running a vessel after repairs, maintenance, or winter storage;

9. in connection with the business of the marine dealer;

10. running the vessel to obtain or deliver parts for the repair of the vessel or another vessel; and

11. running a vessel for the marine dealer's personal use (CGS § 15-145(e)).

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable

Yea

28

Nay

0

(03/21/2012)