The famous expression “all politics is local” could not be more true, especially when it comes to waterway issues. Local citizens and local governments are very protective of their local waterways and for good reason — waterways are the lifeblood of many communities.

Boat owners have a big stake in what goes on in their community. Local ordinances passed in meetings that are poorly publicized or attended by boaters, can have a major impact on boating. Is a new restriction being considered? Is a municipal marina going to be sold? Where do your boating fees and taxes go?

Local boaters are in the best position to address what’s going on in their home waters because local lawmakers want to hear from their local constituents.

Who's In Charge?

The first step in resolving an issue locally is to figure out who is in charge: What local official or office has jurisdiction over the matter in question?

In the U.S. there are three levels of government: Local, State and Federal and it’s not unusual for jurisdictions to overlap. Often federal, state and local laws all co-exist unless there is a conflict. It’s often up to the courts to decide issues of state-federal jurisdiction or even state-local jurisdiction if laws are passed that are inconsistent or in direct conflict with other laws.

Some issues may cross jurisdictions. Bodies of water are often patrolled by both state and local police officers or by local police officers and state wildlife wardens. If the issue relates to navigation, the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may also have jurisdiction, in addition to the state. It’s best to start locally and work your way up the chain of command.

Regardless of the type of local government, someone is in charge, whether it is a mayor or county commissioner. Local government has three branches, Executive, Legislative and Judicial, just like the federal government.

Writing To Elected Officials

A personal letter has long been one of the most effective ways to address an issue with government officials. In the U.S. Congress, it is standard practice for all constituent letters to receive a reply and be passed on to the federal agency involved. State and local government offices likewise are charged with paying attention to letters they receive from citizens.

Hearing from boaters and boating groups not only brings your issue to their attention but is a good reminder that boating is a community to be recognized when decisions are being made.

First, determine the level of government that will solve your problem. Then get the name(s) of your elected officials.

Forming Coalitions

There is strength in numbers. Consider aligning your organization (yacht club, sailing association, paddling clubs, fishing group) with other like-minded groups to form a coalition. Lawmakers are more likely to listen to an organization representing 100 constituents than 10.

Bring various groups or individuals together under “one umbrella,” forming a common, broad-based goal, (e.g., “protecting public access to Big Bay” or “continued funding for state boating programs.”) or engaging in joint activities (shore clean-up, marsh grass planting) are great ways to form a coalition.

Who are likely allies? Who else has a stake in your issue? (marina operators, boat dealerships, retailers, yacht clubs, service organizations, USPS, USCGA, state marine trade associations, chambers of commerce)

Get together: Host an event to get likely allies talking with each other.

Select officers, if necessary and especially a “point person” who will handle communications among coalition members, such as group e-mail.

The Internet has made organizing this a lot easier (search Web sites, news articles, discussion boards, e-mail list serves); post a query on one of the BoatUS.com message boards.

State marine trade associations, state boating agencies may know of organizations likely to join your cause.

Getting The Media Out On The Water

Nothing can be more attractive to a desk-bound, harried reporter than a chance to get outside in the sun on someone’s boat, or to a local yacht club or fishing pier.

Invite the media to an outing to see what boating and fishing is all about. Many successful events with the media as well as politicians have not only generated great press but fostered a greater understanding of boating as a recreation.

Offer to show a reporter in person either by car or boat. Seeing something in person is often the best way to gain an understanding of a problem or issue.

Provide good photos to also demonstrate your issue. It saves the newspaper the trouble of assigning a photographer.

U.S. Congressional Boating Caucus

Initiated by NMMA GR ( National Marine Manufacturers Association) in 1989, the Congressional Boating Caucus is an informal, bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Representatives concerned with issues affecting the recreational marine industry. The Caucus seeks to improve the economic viability of the industry and support the protection of the environment, boating safety and the creation of international trade opportunities for the industry.