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File #: 25-1162    Version: 1
Status: Approved
File created: 9/2/2025 In control: Harbor Commission
On agenda: 9/10/2025 Final action:
Title: Discussion of Potential Safety Requirements for Single-Day Small Vessel Rental Customers in Newport Harbor
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. Attachment A - Florida Boating Safety Education Requirements, 3. Attachment B - Georgia Rental Boat Requirements, 4. Attachment C - Harbor General Rules Signage, 5. Attachment D - Harbor Map Sticker

 

Title

Discussion of Potential Safety Requirements for Single-Day Small Vessel Rental Customers in Newport Harbor

Recommendation

The Harbor Commission will conduct a discussion regarding potential safety requirements for single-day small vessel rental customers in Newport Harbor. The purpose of this discussion is to explore options that could improve the safety of renters, other harbor users, and the general public by addressing issues such as renter orientation, life jacket usage, operator age or experience, general harbor rules and the rules of navigation awareness. The Commission will consider current practices, review examples from other jurisdictions, and provide input to staff or a Commission Subcommittee on possible approaches for enhancing renter safety while maintaining accessibility to recreational boating in 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 or the Newport Harbor Safety Committee on the development of guidelines and requirements related to safety for single-day, small vessel rental customers