M.A.S.K.G.I. MINUTES

MEETING DATE: February 28, 2002
LOCATION: Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth, Maine

OFFICERS PRESENT: Natalie Springuel, President
Scott Anchors, Vice President
Greg Shute, Treasurer
Doug Michael, Secretary

MEMBERSHIP PRESENT: 28

AGENDA OVERVIEW:

• Welcome & Introductions
• IFW & Marine Patrol updates
• Kittery Paddle Sports Show
• Maine Coast Seminar 2002
• BPL — Steve Spencer - Ethics of shared coastal use
• Insurance Discussion — Rob Shaw — Workers’ Comp
• Break out planning groups

MINUTES:

Al Johnson introduces Col. Tim Peabody and Officer John Williams of the Maine Marine Patrol.

• Al announced the CoastWatch program in Maine to increase domestic security. Brochures distributed. Annual Paddle Smart Stickers are available. Can be customized to include your logo. Contact Al if interested.

Tim Peabody — Described the process required for IFW to make rule-making changes.

• Tim outlined changes proposed to the guide examination process in response ot the backlog and increased demand of guide applicants.
• IFW emphasizes these are PROPOSED changes DRAFT ONLY at this time:
• Applicants would take a comprehensive oral board exam first, uniform for all guides, but with some specificity (ie navigation for sea kayak applicants).
• Oral boards would focus on the broad and universal concept of Caring for clients
• Upon successful completion of the oral board, applicants could take a written test specific to each license they apply for.
• Sea Kayak designation will be authorized for coastal overnights without a separate recreational license.
• Master guide designation would be based on experience in any single class. ie., 10 years of guiding experience with a certain number of guide hours.
• Tim emphasized IFW welcomes our input now while in the planning process. Please contact Mark Warren at 287-2031 with any questions or comments. Mark.warren.state.me.gov.us
• It is unlikely any changes will take place this summer.

John Williams, Marine Patrol

• Officers are seeing an explosion of kayaking in past 25 yrs
• Only remember 3 related drownings in past 25 years
• Kayaking not a large part of their work, mostly enforcing commercial fishing
• Have had some occasions in recent 2-3 years with non-licensed guides. Current penalties for guiding without a license are $1000. and 3 days in jail.
• Recognizes potential risk of accidents in fog between kayaks and other boaters
• Suggest opening lines of communication between kayaks and other boaters to be safe in fog conditions. Kayaks not visible on radar.
• Suggestion made from membership for Marine Patrol to aid in enforcement of trip leader permits.

Kittery Paddle Sports Show

• Natalie announced show dates — April 5-7, requested volunteers for MASKGI booth.
• Bob Stanley and Rob Shaw volunteered to "man" the booth, Al Johnson offered to assist
• Bob Stanley suggested a subgroup form to focus on Marketing activities.
• ACTION — email the group to solicit interest in a marketing committee

Maine Coast Seminar 2002

• Michael Hayes — Guide/Educator volunteered to chair planning team
• Michael outlined some preliminary plans and requested volunteers to coordinate the effort..
• Old Quarry, Webb Cove/Stonington agreed to be the site host
• Tentative dates May 18& 19
• Looking for folks to help coordinate or donate resources — registration, food, beverages, speakers etc.
• Outstanding opportunity for guides to receive good training
• Michael to email group regarding specific needs
• ACTION: Michael will bring a budget back to the group at April meeting

Treasurer

• Time to renew memberships
• Greg is "retiring" from MASKGI leadership. Nominations will be accepted for the treasurer’s position between now and the next meeting. Please nominate yourself if interested!

Gulf of Maine Expedition (GOMEX)

• Natalie gave a run down on the exciting summer ahead
• Starts May 4^th, Provincetown, MA
• Raise awareness of Safe boating, GOMEX ecosystem, eco workshops, navigation
• Need guides for June 15^th benefit event
• Need suggested places to stay and take meals along the way
• Want to connect with paddlers along the way
• Need logistical support, getting media out on the water etc.
• Will have a website updated from the field
• Possibility for MASKGI to sponsor GOMEX
• ACTION — put on April agenda further discussion of GOMEX and MASKGI sponsorship

MASKGI Brochure rack cards

• General suggestions to date it, update photo, add mission statement
• Bob Stanley volunteered to work on the updating of cards
• Membership Dues renewal due by end of March
• ACTION: Bob will have a draft ready to show membership at April meeting

Insurance

• Insurance Agent will be coming to April meeting to discuss general liability
• Robert Shaw led a discussion of current changes in Worker’s Comp practices.
• Robert prepared a brief handout of the issues and opportunities for members
• Lack of specific classification for Sea Kayak Guides
• Currently classified with amusement operators
• Suggested individual members file a complaint with the Bureau of Insurance (form attached to handout)
• Suggestion to have insurance agent be prepared to speak about this at April meeting
• Members can also obtain Maine Bureau of Insurance complaint form at www.maineinsurancereg.org

Emergency Plan

• Bob Stanley provided a brief update on the emergency response protocols for MASKGI and suggested brining guest speakers to a future meeting — one out of state outfitter who dealt with a fatality and another outfitter with a near miss.

General

• June 9-12, 2003, IFW will be hosting the annual meeting of the Northern association of Boating Law Administrators (representing 22 states!) The Dept of IFW would like MASKGI to be involved.

The scheduled break out time for committee planning was deferred to the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9 pm.