New Law For Dock Owners

[skeeter]

http://www.eclassifiedsnetwork.com/content...p;MemberID=1191

While this sounds like a good idea it will have a negative side also. This will assist thieves in locating the dock from the land side after they check out what kind of boats are left on the lifts on a given dock. So be sure and remove everything of value from boats left on lifts.

[Phil Lilley]

New Law Will Improve Safety on Lakes

11/2/2009

News Release from Missouri Water Patrol

On January 1, 2010, a new state law takes effect, requiring dock owners on Missouri lakes to post the closest emergency address for their dock. The goal is faster response times by emergency services to incidents on the water. Emergency address postings on docks will also aid in non-emergency calls for services for lost or disabled boaters.

The new law affects docks on Lake of the Ozarks and all Missouri lakes managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The law states that "the appropriate ‘911’ address or in the absence of a ‘911’ system, the physical address nearest to the dock by land," must be posted. It is suggested that the sign be posted so that it is visible when looking at the dock from the water. The Missouri State Water Patrol recommends a minimum of three inch letters be used when posting addresses on docks. For maximum visibility, the address should be in a color that contrasts with the backing. Reflective paint or material is preferred for the lettering.

If you are unsure of the closest emergency or 911 address for your dock, please contact your local emergency services office or sheriff’s department. Many local sign shops are now printing dock signs that conform to the new law. Owners who wish to make their own signs can purchase reflective lettering at most hardware stores. The Water Patrol suggests that the posted address include the street number and street name and the zip code, or 911 address and zip code. For convenience, the dock permit number, which in most instances must already be displayed, can be posted alongside the emergency address.

Dock owners should also be aware of additional requirements for the posting of dock information from the agency that permits docks on their lake. Docks on Lake of the Ozarks are permitted by Ameren UE. More information and examples for posting requirements at Lake of the Ozarks can be found at the Ameren UE website: ameren.com/LakeOzarks/ADC_911Posting.asp .

Posting requirements for docks on lakes controlled by the United States Army Corps of Engineers are determined by the lake project office. For a listing of United States Army Corps of Engineers project offices see the following site: usace.army.mil/about/Pages/Locations.aspx .

The posting of emergency addresses on docks will enhance safety on Missouri’s lakes. You can call the Missouri State Water Patrol with any questions regarding the new law at 573-751-3333.

Seems like with today's technology, law enforcement could easily log this information on gps's instead of having to find it posted physically on a dock.

[getfished]

Seems like with today's technology, law enforcement could easily log this information on gps's instead of having to find it posted physically on a dock.

I agree with this. Using the the current method will allow/force (whichever you like) the expense to be borne by the property owner instead of the government. But I'm sure there's more to it.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Or post the GPS location on the dock, confirmed by the Water Patrol of course.

[Sam]

I think the new law is a heckuva good idea.

I might know every inch of the water I'm fishing, but I'd have no idea how an ambulance could get there by road if I had to call 911. If the nearest address is posted on docks, that'd be a real help in an emergency. So far as GPS coordinates, I could give 'em that from anywhere I called from anyway - but I bet the agencies wouldn't know what to do with it.

And I don't think having the 911 address on docks makes theft any more likely. It seems like thieves could get to, and get away from, docks a lot easier by water than by land without having to use a dead-end road or someone's driveway, and that wouldn't change.

[CaptainJoe]

I agree with you, Sam. It is a good idea.

[Billfo]

Personally, I agree with Sam.. When it really comes down to it- we all want to be safe & heaven forbid someone need an ambulance they will be able to find you ! Id rather loose all my stuff to a theif, than loose my wife cause I could not get an ambulance to her..

I think the new law is a heckuva good idea.

I might know every inch of the water I'm fishing, but I'd have no idea how an ambulance could get there by road if I had to call 911. If the nearest address is posted on docks, that'd be a real help in an emergency. So far as GPS coordinates, I could give 'em that from anywhere I called from anyway - but I bet the agencies wouldn't know what to do with it.

And I don't think having the 911 address on docks makes theft any more likely. It seems like thieves could get to, and get away from, docks a lot easier by water than by land without having to use a dead-end road or someone's driveway, and that wouldn't change.

[Stump bumper]

We could use that over in Beaver also since most of the time law enforcement can't get a boat running on the water around here I would hate to need an ambulance out there and be dependate on a 911 operator and abulance driver trying to match GPS cordinates with a map. I have seen the Game wardens and Benton County sherrif trying to get a boat on the water at the same time and ended up depending on bass fisherman for boats.

I always feel safer on Table Rock and this will help even more IMO.

I also believe if anyone is going to steal from a dock it would be eaiser from the water.

[moduck38834]

Good idea, but seems to be a bit overkill....most docks(if not all, as I am a transplant to the area) are required to have a permit.....if they aren't, then make it a requirement. Post the permit number on the dock as it is supposed to be(just like 911 requires for a house number). This permit number should be linked in the 911 database or local law enforcement/water patrol database for quick reference. Basically, it becomes a shorter address, something easier for the Water Patrol to verify, etc.

Just my .02......

Chris

[steveearle]

Not overkill as most accidents on the water require road driven EMS....and money is always a factor (linking 911 to dock permit #s)...If you've been to LOZ this year, you have seen the law in full affect.....addresses on the end of every dock...