Title
Progress Update - Small Vessel Rental Customer Safety Program: City-Produced Safety Video, Knowledge Quiz, and Certification Process
Recommendation
Commissioner Scully will provide the Harbor Commission with an update on significant progress made toward improving safety for single-day small vessel rental customers operating in Newport Harbor. Since the Commission's initial policy discussion in September 2025 and the follow-up discussion in March 2026, the Newport Harbor Safety Committee has advanced the development of a City-produced safety video, an associated knowledge quiz, and a certification process. This report introduces that update and invites Commission discussion regarding the potential adoption of these tools as a strong suggestion or formal requirement for all small vessel rental customers on Newport Harbor.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and
2. Receive and file; or
3. Provide direction to staff and/or the Newport Harbor Safety Committee regarding the implementation of the City-produced safety video, knowledge quiz, and certification process as a strong suggestion or potential requirement for all single-day small vessel rental concession operators and their customers in Newport Harbor.