Boaters In Maryland Petition Gov. Hogan

In response to the recent boating ban by Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, many parties affected have turned to petitions in hopes of having the rules changed to allow safe-distance boating on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Two petitions had a total of over 16,000 names as of last weekend, according to an Annapolis newspaper.  BoatTEST Members wishing to sign one of these petitions can add their support to those that believe that “stay-at-home” should including “stay-on-your” boat as well.

Be Like Florida

One Maryland petition is being circulated by Mike Ferrari of Island Watersports in Ocean City had gained close to 2,700 signatures as of 6 p.m. on Saturday. That petition details how Florida is handling the coronavirus crisis and what guidelines that state has installed to allow safe boating.

Florida’s guidelines calls for a limit of 10 or less occupants and vessels must maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet. As stated in the petition: “This goes perfectly with the CDC guidance but still allows residents with boats to enjoy the outdoors.”

“The main thing we were trying to accomplish was to get notice to Governor Hogan, as well as the officials at the DNR, that social distancing and following the CDC and Maryland Department of Health guidelines can all be achieved while still using a boat recreationally with your family,” Ferrari said.

Ferrari looked at other states, including Florida, that rank among the country’s leaders in recreational boating for guidelines that make sense.

“So there is no rafting up, no going to sand bars,” Ferrari said. "So, all of that is very acceptable to meet the CDC’s guidelines, but the DNR’s interpretation of the executive order outlaws boating altogether, which infringes on everybody’s right to be outside.”

Ferrari’s opinion is that DNR “jumped the gun and their interpretation is a little far-fetched. Their job is to enforce the law, not necessarily create a law.”

Ferrari noted that charter boats are permitted to go out, which including the captain and his mate, allows up to 10 occupants aboard.

“Most fishing charters that I’ve been on aren’t family. They are usually friends that are going out,” Ferrari noted. “So, if you now have a group of unrelated friends, you’ve actually got more exposure than a family going out just to enjoy a boat ride together on a nice day.”

Maintain Social Distancing

Another petition started by Essex resident Scott Karg, which currently has almost 14,000 signatures, proposes Gov. Hogan amend the order “as long as a minimum of 50 feet are maintained between vessels and household members only are on board.” Karg noted that many sports anglers fit the category of “fishing for food,” which is permitted under the current order.

According to media relations manager Gregg Bortz, the Maryland DNR understands people feel inconvenienced and would like to be able to enjoy time on their boats, but the intent of the governor’s executive order is simple — stay home unless you absolutely must leave.

“This is a serious global health crisis and the number of confirmed cases and deaths in Maryland rises every day,” Bortz replied in an email to The Capital. “Risking unnecessary exposure is not just a hazard for you — it puts law enforcement, emergency responders, seniors and vulnerable populations in danger. We will save lives by doing the right thing and simply staying home.”

Mr. Ferrari’s petition can be found at http://chng.it/RnhVvHGSb6

Mr. Karg’s petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/governor-hogan-governor-hogan-s-recreational-boating-ban