| Betsy Morrigan Hawaii Pack and Paddle |
| Bo Pardau |
| Brent Carman DAR |
| Brett Mele Nai'a dolphin song |
| Bruce Malasky |
| Bryce Groark, Living Ocean Productions |
| Caroliine Neary |
| Chad Wiggins, Marine coordinator |
| Charles Fasano |
| Chris Perritt |
| Cindi Punihaole The Kohala Center |
| Dana Remy, Surfrider |
| Dianna DeRosa |
| Doug Tupper |
| Elaine Jack's Diving Locker |
| Erin Heindrich |
| Frank Carpenter - Kona Boys |
| Fred Lindsey |
| Jamie Pardau Reef Teach, Reef check |
| Jayne LeFors, NOAA |
| John Wachsmuth Property owner |
| Julie Steelman |
| Karen Hand Adventures in Paradise KAI |
| Kathy Malasky |
| Kona Honu Divers (Glenn) |
| Kosta Stamoulis University of Hawaii |
| Luana Nan Howell |
| Mara Hisiger Mara's dive |
| Marni Herkes |
| Mendy Dant Fair Wind Cruises |
| Patricia Sullivan Cetacean Society International |
| Patrick du Monceaux - independent instructor |
| Paul DiGangi Cetacean Society International |
| Phil Sharkey |
| Rich Osada |
| Robin Baird, Cascadia Research Collective |
| Ron Gittins; Coral Reef snorkel and Dive |
| Scott Larson, Maylaigh Ministries |
| Shelley Steele |
| Stephanie Donoho, County of Hawaii, Research and Development |
| Tania Howard - Maile Charters |
| Teri Leicher Jacks Diver Locker |
Document code: WD-1 (Working Draft)
Draft number: WHVS2
Title:
Voluntary Standard for
General Boating Activities
in
Prepared by:
Members of the Kona’s Community
with the assistance of the Coral Reef
Keywords:
Conservation; coral
reefs; environment; marine recreation; preferred practices for good
environmental behavior; recreational boat operations; general boating; bare
boat rental; recreational fishing; safety; ski boats; towed recreation; whale
watching; dolphin watching; surfing; surf schools; surfboard rental; water
safety; kayaking
Abstract:
This voluntary standard
specifies standards for environmental performance, conservation practices, and
operational safety that enhance marine recreational activities while minimizing
environmental impact of boating operations on fragile marine ecosystems, fish
and whales in the waters of West Hawaii particularly near coral reefs, related
coastal environments and impacts on marine species such as cetaceans, turtles,
monk seals and other animals. This standard was developed by community members
within
1. Scope
This West Hawaii voluntary
standard specifies standards for marine recreation providers engaged in boat
operations - including motorized and non-motorized boats, glass-bottom boats,
sailing boats, multihull boats, submerged and semi-submerged vessels, thrill
craft, jet skies, surf boards, kayaks and boats used for parasailing, near
fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs or protected marine animals. It
specifies general requirements for operational, safety and environmental
responsibilities, and good practices that service providers shall adopt for
most types of recreational boating as well as specialized requirements for
scuba diving and snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching, and bareboat rentals.
This voluntary standards document does not address standards for business
relationships with clients.
2.
Referenced documents
The following
documents are referenced in this standard:
West Hawaii
Standard #4 - Standard requirements for
recreational scuba diving and snorkeling operations in Hawaiian waters1
West Hawaii
Standard #1 - Voluntary Standard
requirements for wildlife interactions in Hawaiian waters2
West Hawaii
Standard #3 - Voluntary Standard
requirements for shoreline activities in Hawaiian waters3
Chapter
13-257
Hawaii Boating
Law basics 4
1, 3 & 3 Available online at http//www.coral.organization/____, or from CORAL,
417 Montgomery St., Suite 205, San Francisco, CA, 94104, USA.
3 Available at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor/rules/13-257.pdf
4 Department
of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dbor/dbor.htm
3. Terms and Definitions:
3.1 Bareboat
A boat either motorized or
with sails, that is rented (chartered) without a captain or crew employed by a
marine recreation provider.
3.2 Boat
Any vessel which is used or
is capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.
3.3 Captain
The person who has ultimate
responsibility for operation of a vessel whether he or she is or is not
physically manning the helm.
3.4 Coral reef conservation
The act of preserving and
protecting coral reefs, related near-shore ecosystems and coastal environments
from degradation.
3.5 Coral reef ecology
The study of organisms in
their coral reef environment that includes the interactions within this
environment.
3.6 Day-use mooring
A mooring installed in near shore
waters for short term public boater use during daylight hours that was legally put in through permit .
3.7 Environmental briefing
Information on ways and
reasons to minimize impact on coral reefs and related costal environments while
SCUBA diving and snorkeling verbally presented by a divemaster, snorkel leader,
captain or naturalist prior to engaging in the activity.
3.8 Guided kayaking
Organized kayaking where
clients are accompanied by a kayaking guide appointed by the marine
recreational provider.
3.9 Guided surfing
Organized surfing where clients
are accompanied by a surf instructor appointed by the marine recreational
provider.
3.10 Guided whale and
dolphin watching
Organized whale or dolphin watching
where clients are accompanied by a whale-watch or dolphin-watching guide
appointed by the marine recreation provider.
3.11 Harassment (Harassment
(Marine
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) official definition)
Any act of pursuit, torment
or annoyance that:
(a)
injures or has the potential to injure a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild; or
(b)
disturbs or has the potential to disturb a marine
mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural
behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surface
breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding or sheltering.
3.12 Independent surfing
Surfing activities not
organized by a marine recreational provider or led by an employee of the
provider but where an individual has rented equipment by a provider.
3.13 Independent kayaking
Kayaking activities not
organized by a marine recreational provider or led by an employee of the
provider but where an individual has rented equipment by a provider.
3.14 Live boating
Diving or snorkeling
operations conducted from a boat that is neither anchored nor moored
3.15 Marine Protected Area
(MPA)
An area of the marine
environment that has been reserved by federal or state laws and/or regulations
to provide protection and conservation of all the marine, terrestrial and
cultural resources within its boundaries.
3.16 Marine recreation
provider:
Entity (business, individual or organization), including any individual acting
on behalf of such entity, which offers one or more of the following services to
individuals as for hire.
(a) Training, education or information sharing on SCUBA, snorkeling, kayaking,
surfing or other marine recreational activity.
(b) Guided operations of SCUBA diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, kayaking, marine
wildlife viewing, sightseeing or the rental of powered or unpowered boats with
or without crew or other recreational activity
(c) Rental of recreational snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, surfing or other
marine recreational activity.
(d) Environmental education prior to or during guided activities or prior to
the rental of equipment to persons participating in marine recreational
activities.
(e) Entities providing a tour through transportation to an area for shoreline
activities, such as bus drivers and tour guide operations. This shall not include when such entities are
only hired for to transport customers.
3.17 No wake speed
A vessel speed at which the
vessel does not produce a wake (a wave of appreciable height). This speed should not exceed 5 miles per
hour.
3.18 Safety briefing
Information sharing by
marine recreation providers that instructs and guides those participating in
SCUBA diving and snorkeling activities in safety and operational practices
prior to engaging in these activities.
3.19 Sewage
Solid or liquid human body
wastes.
3.20 Six Pack
Uninspected Passenger Vessel,
limited to six paying customers.
3.21 Kayaking guide
A person who has sufficient
knowledge, skill and experience to plan, organize, teach, supervise and lead
kayakers in how to kayak while staying safe in the ocean around fragile
habitats and marine animals.
3.22 Surfing instructor
A person who has sufficient
knowledge, skill and experience to plan, organize, teach, supervise and lead
surf students in how to surf while staying safe in the ocean around fragile
habitats and marine animals.
3.23 Whale-watch or
dolphin-watch guides
Persons who have specialized
knowledge, skill and experience to plan, organize, supervise and lead customers
in how to safely view whales and dolphins around fragile habitats.
4.1 Requirements:
4.1.1 Marine recreation
providers shall:
(a) Comply with all
applicable local, national and international laws, regulations, and possess
requisite licenses and permits;
(b) Verify that boat captains
and crew members possess the requisite level of knowledge and experience for
the service in which they are engaged and comply with these standards and
(c) Verify that boats meet
applicable safety and performance standards through specified periodic
inspections and possession of a current Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection
where required.
4.1.2 The captain of a boat
is ultimately responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of
passengers, the vessel and its crew. Boat captains shall understand and comply
with all regulations concerning safety, rules of the road, environmental
practices and required equipment. An unsafe condition is grounds to cancel an
operation or discontinue an operation in progress.
4.2.3 Prior to departure the
captain shall:
(a) Perform a functional
inspection of the boat and equipment, including communications, and confirm
that they are working properly;
(b) Confirm that the
passengers and their equipment will not exceed the maximum capacity of the boat
as set by the COI by coast guard on inspected vessels or the weight limit on
six packs;
(c) Assess all conditions
that could affect planned activities (weather, ocean conditions, etc.) and if
necessary reduce the number of passengers;
(d) Have appropriate charts;
(e) File a trip plan and
estimated time of arrival with a responsible person or organization; and
(f) Provide a safety
briefing to all on board on emergency procedures, location of personal
flotation devices, fire extinguishers, and methods of seeking assistance.
4.2
4.2.1 Speed restrictions – the speed of all vessels on the waters of the
state shall be limited to a slow-no-wake speed so as to create no wake of
appreciable wave height, when within two hundred feet of any: (1) shoreline;
(2) float; (3) dock; (4) launching ramp; (5) congested beach; (6) swimmer; (7)
diver’s flag; or (8) anchored, moored or drifting vessel.
4.2.2 While underway, captains
shall at all times be prepared to avoid a collision and have engines or sails
ready for immediate maneuvering.
4.2.4 DOHBOR rule §13-232-6 Littering land areas - prohibited. No
person
shall
throw, place, leave, deposit, or abandon, or cause or permit to be thrown,
placed, left deposited, or abandoned any litter within a small boat harbor,
except in receptacles designated by the department for the disposal of such
materials.
No
person shall use refuse containers or other refuse disposal facilities in a
small boat harbor for disposing of litter brought as such into the small boat
harbor except when the litter is generated during and results from a vessel's
voyage.
Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, "litter" as used in this
section means any and all types of debris and substances, whether liquid or
solid, and materials such as garbage, refuse, rubbish, glass, cans, bottles,
paper, wrappings, fish or animal carcasses, or any other nauseating or
offensive matter or any machinery, appliance or automobile, or parts thereof,
or any other substances which render small boat harbor lands or facilities
unsightly, noxious, or otherwise unwholesome to the detriment of the public
health and welfare or the enjoyment of the small boat harbor for recreational
purposes. [Eff 2/24/94 ] (Auth: HRS §§200-2, 200-3) (Imp: HRS §§200-2, 200-3)
4.2.5 DOBOR rule §13-232-7 Littering or polluting water - prohibited.
No
person shall place, throw, deposit, or discharge, or cause to be placed,
thrown, deposited, or discharged into the waters of a small boat harbor any
litter, sewage, or other gaseous, liquid, or solid materials which render the
water unsightly, noxious, or otherwise unwholesome so as to be detrimental to
the public health and welfare or to the enjoyment of the water for recreational
purposes. [Eff 2/24/94 ] (Auth: HRS §§200-2, 200-3) (Imp: HRS §§200-2, 200-3)
4.2.6 When underway marine
radios shall be turned on with the volume up and set on channel 16 or scan
unless in the process of communication on another channel, upon the completion
of which, the radio shall again be tuned to channel 16 or scan.
4.3.3 Boats shall not run
between an anchored, moored or drifting vessel and the shoreline at any rate
above a no-wake speed if within 200 feet of the vessel anchored, moored or
drifting vessel.
4.3.4 Boats shall use ramps
and piers for loading and unloading expeditiously – boats shall not linger
awaiting passengers. If needed, a boater can pull away from the ramp or pier to
wait for a client, thus allowing others access.
4.3.5 Boats shall not use
4.3.8 Captains shall not
offload customers to engage in snorkeling, diving, or other recreational
activity in areas fishermen are actively fishing, and are advised to choose a
different site. Customers shall not be offloaded at dive sites where fisherman
already have lines from shore within the water, and vessels shall not pull up
to drifting nets where a fisherman is already trolling to drop snorkelers and
divers in the water
4.3.6 Marine operators shall
not use loud speakers near homes, cultural sites, fragile environmental sites,
or other operators to gain customers’ attention except in emergency situations.
This is noise pollution for others and the environment.
4.3.7 Marine operators shall
advise customers swimming from a boat to not go beyond the high water mark on
private property if swimming into shore from the boat.
4.3.9 Fishermen shall not
begin fishing in an area in which divers or snorkelers are actively SCUBA
diving or snorkeling.
4.3.10 Marine operators
shall brief clients to be respectful when within a cultural site.
4.3.11 Alert other boat marine
operators of any hazards observed in the area through marine radio, Coast Guard
or Department of Land and Natural Resource
4.3 Proper mooring and
anchoring
4.4.1 In Hawaiian waters
day-use buoys may be installed only in locations authorized by the US Army
Corps of Engineers and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Marine
recreation providers shall cooperate with these agencies, other recreation
providers, managers of marine protected areas and other responsible agencies to
identify sites deemed fragile and ecologically important and assist in
installing day-use mooring systems in heavily visited areas. The selection of
day-use mooring sites and mooring systems should take into account prevailing
sea conditions and currents, and studies carried out or provided by marine
environment experts or government environmental personnel.
4.4.2 Day use moorings are recommended
for use of a single vessel under 50ft in moderate weather for no longer than
2.5 hours if another boat is waiting. No overnight stay on buoys is permitted.
No anchoring within 100 yards of the mooring is permitted. Such size limitations are currently
recommended as substrate type and the vicinity of the shoreline do not render
areas safe for larger vessels.
4.4.3 Boat captains shall
use day-use moorings whenever available. When using day use mooring follow the
rules as listed in the day use mooring guide available through the Malama Kai
Foundation and day use mooring regulations listed under day use mooring
definition.
4.4.4 Any mooring damage not
caused by recommended use is the responsibility of the captain and marine
recreation provider that caused the damage. The damaging parties shall replace
or repair the damaged mooring buoy in a timely manner or request Malama Kai Foundation
to repair it at the operator’s cost.
4.4.5 Report faulty or
damaged moorings to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Malama Kai
Foundation for repair or replacement. Malama Kai Foundation – (808) 885-6354
Division of Aquatic Resources Kona – (808) 327-6226, DOBOR (808) 329-4215 or
Jack’s Diving Locker (808) 329-7585.
4.4.6 If mooring systems are
not installed, anchors shall be placed in sand or rubble channels away from
coral reefs where anchors, chafing chain, anchor chain etcetera can not come in
contact with the reef or boats can “live boat” according to current Coast Guard
rules. For example, current Coast Guard regulations for six pack vessels with
scuba divers do not require marine operators to have a divemaster on deck when
“live boating”. For larger vessels a crew member in addition to the captain
must be onboard the boat during “live boating” with scuba divers in the water.
4.4.7 When anchoring a vessel near
coral reefs, great care shall be taken to ensure that the anchor and anchor
chain or line does not contact any corals or live rock. State administrative rules allow for a fine
of up to $1000 per coral head destroyed or broken to be levied upon the
operator and/or captain.
(a) Anchors shall be placed
in a sand or rubble location that is large enough for the anchor and all chain
not to come into contact with coral
(b) Boats shall use anchors
of appropriate size for their vessel
(c) When placing an anchor, captains
shall use one of the following methods:
(i)
When visibility allows crew members may guide the
anchor into the sand/rubble area from aboard the boat. Anchors must than be
checked once in the water
(ii)
A crew member shall enter the water and guide the
anchor into a sand or rubble patch
4.4.8 Boat captains shall be
aware of no-anchoring zones (such as
4.4.9 In addition to the
primary anchor line, boats shall carry a secondary anchor line in case of
emergencies.
4.5.1 The marine recreation
provider shall prevent and mitigate any environmental damage to the reefs and
coasts within Hawaiian waters. An action plan shall be prepared and maintained
for reducing negative impacts caused by boat operations and a contingency plan
for acting in case of an environmental emergency. The marine recreation
provider shall review these plans with staff at six-month intervals maximum.
4.5.2 Prior to embarking or
during the trip, diving and snorkeling clients or whale watchers shall receive
environmental briefings according to West Hawaii Standards WHST#1 for Wildlife Interactions or
WHST4, SCUBA and Snorkeling Standards as applicable.
4.5.3 Boat captains shall:
(a) Be on the alert for
marine animals and travel slowly in areas where they are known to be present;
(b) Stay alert for seals,
sea turtles, sharks, rays, whales and dolphins as well as other marine life;
(c) Comply with all state
and federal rules applicable to observing endangered and federally protected
animals such as whales, dolphins, turtles and monk seals.
4.6 Waste management and emission control
4.6.1 Boat captains and crew
members shall brief clients, comply with and stay vigilant toward a zero waste
policy, i.e. nothing goes overboard, no food (unless previously partially
digested), no oil, no plastic bags or trash of any kind.
4.6.2 All sewage (black
water) shall be properly disposed at least three miles from shore (non-state
waters).
4.6.3 All fish carcasses,
fish scraps, or other remains shall be properly disposed of at least three miles
from shore (non-state waters) or wrapped in plastic for proper disposal into
dumpster within the harbor. Fish
carcasses, fish scraps, or other remains shall never be used to attract marine
life (including all fishes and sharks) to a dive site or dumped in state water, including harbors.
4.6.4 When the boat captain,
crew or clients observe trash or other floating debris at dockside, or in the
ocean these shall be collected whenever possible and properly disposed of at
onshore facilities.
4.6.5 Hazardous waste (oil,
paint, batteries, cleaning agents, etc.) shall not be released into the water.
Oily bilge water shall not be pumped overboard. Petroleum products shall be
separated from bilge water with reusable oil-absorbent pads. The most
environmentally friendly products among paints, anti-fouling bottom coatings,
paint remover, detergents, etc., that are available and work efficiently shall
be used. Used batteries, old anodes, transmission fluid, and oil-absorbent pads
shall be treated as hazardous waste. Hazardous waste and all other refuse shall
be properly disposed of at an onshore facility.
4.7 Bareboat rentals
4.7.2 Bareboat rental
operations shall have on board and/or brief and orient customers to:
(a) a copy of
(b) a copy of the day use
mooring booklet ,
(c) a copy of DLNR’s current
regulations booklet ,
(d) a briefing on applicable
Coast Guard regulations ,
(e) a briefing on current
sea state and conditions ,
4.7.3 Bareboat rental
operations shall equip their boats with :
(a) Coast Guard regulation safety
equipment (this shall include PFDs, first aid kit, signaling devices, etc.)
(b)
a GPS unit with waterways, mooring buoy locations and hazardous water
locations,
(c) a marine radio with a
placard on how to use it, and renters shall be briefed on how to call for
assistance from the Coast Guard if in need.
4.7.4 Prior to initiating
their trip, renters shall be given an oral or video briefing on the following:
(a) Proper mooring and
anchoring practices including a warning that in the event of damage to coral,
fines of upwards of $1,000 per coral head can be issued;
(b) Managing solid waste, sewage
and other refuse if appropriate;
(c) No-anchoring locations;
(d) How to contact the
marine recreation provider and emergency services.
(e) Locations of marine protected
areas and their meaning;
4.8
4.8.1 Marine recreation
providers shall demonstrate leadership and role modeling both along the
shoreline and in the water by enforcing all provisions of the preferred
practices for environmental behavior specified in Annex A. Oral pre-surf
briefings shall review these preferred practices and alert surfers to the
impact of poor environmental practices on coral reefs, related coastal
ecosystems and wildlife. Briefings may be facilitated by use of a whiteboard,
video, handouts, or other educational materials, but these aids are not
substitutes for oral briefings.
4.8.2 All in-water staff
shall be trained in the procedures for surfing and safety practices. All
in-water staff shall maintain current certification in first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that includes Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) training.
4.8.3 New surfers to the
area are encouraged to always go with a surf instructor, but it is not
mandatory. For all guided surfing sessions a surf instructor shall take no more
than four students per qualified surf instructor or assistant. Surf instructors
and assistants shall serve as role models, share information and provide
leadership to clients both out of and in the water by enforcing all provisions
for the preferred practices for environmental behavior outlined in Annex A.
4.8.4 All instructors shall
have ready access onsite (at the shoreline) to an OSHA approved first aid kit
designed to address the potential needs of all students including the
instructor. Requirements can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9863&p_table=STANDARDS
4.8.5 Instructors shall use
a buoyed safety line system when instructing more than one student at a time.
Buoy line systems shall be deployed and picked up during each lesson (never
left in the water between lessons) and placed in locations to which students
can easily paddle and grasp the safety line to keep from drifting while the
instructor is with another student.
4.8.6 Buoyed safety lines
shall be placed in sand or rubble channels away from coral reefs. It is illegal
to break any coral when securing buoy safety lines. The penalty is upwards of a
$1,000 dollar fine for each broken coral head.
4.8.7 Instructors shall
provide necessary assistance to students in and out of the water and are
advised to carry boards in for students when conditions are not optimal.
4.8.8 During high surf
conditions marine operators shall employ a second instructor for groups to work
as an inside catcher for students.
4.8.9 Before any student
enters the water the instructor or person checking in students shall verify that
all students can swim.
4.8.10 All students or
clients renting gear must be given an oral orientation briefing and
environmental briefing using Annex A or B and be presented with the material in
at least one additional method from the list below:
(a) Reef Etiquette video ,
(b) Interpretive and
Instructional Flip-Chart ,
(c) Environmental pledge
(CORAL’s, DAR’s or HIRSA’s),
(d) Environmental pledge
bookmarks,
(e) Environmental bag tag.
4.8.11 During guided surfing
activities marine recreation providers and their staff are responsible for
pointing out poor environmental behavior, in a positive and supportive manner
to students while in the water and after a lesson, and for providing
information on why and how to adjust this behavior.
4.8.12 Staff must be
properly trained in management of clients who disregard rules or are ignorant
of environmental impacts associated with inappropriate behavior. After
training, surf instructors shall have practical tools and methods at their
disposal for taking corrective action, including the following: verbally
communicating with the client in a positive, reassuring manner, carried out in
as courteous manner as possible; warning second time offenders they may be
banned from further surfing activities; either banning third time offenders
from activities or restricting access to only costal areas that will not be effected
by their behavior.
4.9 Kayaking
4.9.1 Marine recreation
providers shall demonstrate leadership and role modeling both along the shoreline
and in the water by enforcing all provisions of the preferred practices for
environmental behavior specified in Annex C. Oral pre-kayaking briefings shall
review these preferred practices and alert kayakers to the impact of poor
environmental practices on coral reefs, related coastal ecosystems and
wildlife. Briefings may be facilitated by use of a whiteboard, video, handouts,
or other educational materials, but these aids are not substitutes for oral
briefings.
4.9.2 Within the state of
4.9.3 All in-water staff
shall be trained in the procedures for kayaking, and safety practices. All
in-water staff shall maintain current certifications in first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) that includes Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
training as well as carry a current lifeguard training certification.
4.9.4 New kayakers to the
area are encouraged to always go with a kayaking instructor, but it is not mandatory.
For all guided kayaking sessions a kayaking instructor will take no more than
eight students per qualified kayaking instructor or assistant. Kayaking
instructors and assistants shall serve as role models, share information and
provide leadership to clients both out of and in the water by enforcing all
provisions for the preferred practices for environmental behavior outlined in
Annex C.
4.9.5 All instructors shall
create a float plan prior to departure. Float plans shall include
(a) Land Contact (someone
who knows the guide’s plan and can contact help if the guide doesn’t reach
their destination),
(b) Necessary camping
permits ,
(c) Departure and return
times ,
(d) Weather and surf reports
Possible sites to use are www.hawaiisurfnews.com www.surfnewsnetwork.com www.soesthawaii.edu/buoy/model
,
(e) Paddle plan .
(f) Designated launching and
landing sites :
(i)
Know and obey legalities pertaining to their use ,
(ii)
Understand tide and surf patterns ,
(iii)
Know where launch sites are that kayaks can safely be hauled in at that does
not damage any of the surrounding fragile coastal environment.
4.9.6 Before departure, guides
shall ensure all guest have appropriate foul weather gear, sun and foot
protection.
4.9.7 All guided tours shall
carry a complete emergency kit including, but not limited to :
(a) Spare paddle,
(b) 50 foot tow rope,
(c) Spare PFD,
(d) Flares/signaling devices,
(e) Waterproof flashlight,
(f) Thermal Blanket,
(g) Extra water,
(h) Extra Food food,
(i) Charged cell phone or
VHF radio in a waterproof case,
(j) Snorkel gear for guides,
(k) Pump and water bailer,
(l) Identification,
(m) OSHA approved first aid
kit designed to address the potential needs of all individuals on the tour
including the instructor Requirements can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9863&p_table=STANDARDS.
4.9.8 Long distance trip
planning (trips traveling 3 miles or more, or that include an overnight stay)
shall include all above materials with excess of supplies suitable to the
extant of travel planned.
4.9.9 Instructors shall
provide necessary assistance to kayakers as they transit in and out of the
water and are advised to help kayakers load kayaks in regard to weight
disruption, back support systems, ensuring gear is properly attached to kayaks
and that bow-stern lines are safely stored.
4.9.10 During guided kayak
tours instructors shall paddle on the shoreward side of clients when ever
possible. Instructors are charged with insuring students stay off the coral
reef and surf areas.
4.9.11 All kayakers renting
gear or going on a tour must be given an oral orientation briefing and
environmental briefing following the standards outline in Annex C. All kayakers
must also sign the environmental pledge Annex D.
4.9.12 During guided
kayaking activities, marine recreation providers and their staff are
responsible for pointing out poor environmental behavior, in a positive and
supportive manner and provide information on why and how to adjust their behavior.
4.9.13 Staff must be
properly trained in management of clients who disregard rules or are ignorant
of environmental impacts associated with inappropriate behavior. After
training, kayaking guides shall have practical tools and methods at their
disposal for taking corrective action, including the following: verbally
communicating with the client in a positive, reassuring manner, carried out in
as courteous manner as possible; warning second time offenders they may be
banned from further kayaking activities; either banning third time offenders
from activities or restricting access to only costal areas that will not be
affected by their behavior.
4.10 References
4.10.1 All recreational boating
operations involving SCUBA diving and snorkeling shall fully comply with West
Hawaii Voluntary Standard for SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling Activities, WHST4
4.10.2 All recreational
boating operations involving wildlife interactions or viewing shall fully
comply with West Hawaii Voluntary Standard for Wildlife Interactions, WHST #1
4.10.3 All recreational
boating operations involving shoreline activities shall fully comply with West
Hawaii Voluntary Standard for Shoreline Activities, WHST #3
Annex A : Environmental
briefing outline for surf instructors or renters
a. SURF =
i.
Safety
ii.
Undertow
iii.
Rip Tide Currents
iv.
Fun
b. Rocks – brief on
slickness and urchins
c. Falling off -
i.
No head dives
ii.
No feet first
d. Leashes
e. No standing on the reef
at any time
i.
Why not to stand
1.
Corals are alive
2.
Standing on or touching corals easily hurts or kills them
f. How to paddle
g. When to get off the board
h. Never reach the rocks,;
if you end up on the rocks your day is done.
Annex B : Rental
environmental pledge for surfers
I have received a briefing
about the surfing activities in which I am about to engage, and this pledge
indicates my awareness of the potential impact of my activities upon the reef
environment and associated marine wildlife.
I will:
• Never touch, stand-on, and/or
kick the coral reef or live coral;
• Carefully select points of
entry and exit to avoid areas of the reef;
• Never sit in front of
another surfer;
• Never chase, move or
manipulate marine life;
• Recognize that if I am new
to Hawaiian waters it is recommended that I go with a guide my first time; at a
minimum I will seek local knowledge to orient myself to local waterways, ocean
conditions, marine life and local guidelines and regulations;
• Remember that “SURF”
stands for “Safety,” “Undertow,” “Rip Tide Currents” and “Fun!”
• Finally, share the waves
and have FUN!!
Signed: _________________________ Date:: _____________
Annex C: Environmental
briefing outline for Kayaking guides or renters :
1. Provide a safety
orientation ,
2. Instruct proper paddling
techniques and stress how improper techniques not only do not propel you
through the water, but can damage the fragile ecosystem they are enjoying by
disrupting the benthic habitat,
3. Review and practice
capsizing procedures/kayak re-entry stressing to never stand on the bottom
where corals live. Not only can coral cut into their feet or damage equipment,
they are also killing these organisms if they stand on them. ,
4. Brief clients to stay on
the ocean side of guides within shallow waters and to stay close within easy
hearing distance of the guide at all times.
5. Check for swimming skills
and water knowledge - Difference of Hawaiian waters to lakes, rivers etc
6. Stress that paddlers
should wear their PFD's at all times for safety, and if capsizing occurs, can
help them avoid coming in contact with the reef.
7. Discuss entry and exit
techniques to avoid all damage to fragile Hawaiian costal ecosystems
8. Environmental review
(a)
Endemic animals,
(b) Potentially dangerous animals
such
as wana/urchins; jellyfish; predatory animals,
(c)
Corals ,
(d)
Dolphins/whales – brief on standards in wildlife interactions .
9. Give information on how
to respect areas of landing and any legal issues for the areas they will/shall
visit.
Annex D: Rental environmental
pledge for Kayakers
I have received a briefing
about the kayaking activities in which I am about to engage, and this pledge
indicates my awareness of the potential impact of my activities upon the reef
environment and associated marine wildlife.
I will:
• Never touch, stand-on, and/or
kick coral reef or live coral;
• Carefully select points of
entry and exit to avoid areas of the reef;
• Lift kayaks over rocks at
entry and exit points;
• Use pivoting haul out for
single person kayaks;
• Pack in-out all trash and
goods;
• Use non-intrusive storing
of gear while on site;
• Never chase, move or
manipulate marine life ;
• Recognize that if I am new
to Hawaiian waters it is recommended that I go with a guide my first time; at a
minimum I will seek local knowledge to orient myself to local waterways, ocean
conditions, marine life and local guidelines and regulations;
Signed: ____________________________
Date:: ________________
