Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar are working to solve a licensing issue that has proved cumbersome for commercial small-boat operators and fishing guides in northeastern Minnesota and elsewhere.
The Duluth New-Tribune’s Sam Cook has a blog post on the story HERE.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently began enforcing a law that requires commercial operators of small-occupancy watercraft on federally navigable waterways to obtain permits and licensing as “Operators of Uninspected Passenger Vessels.” Operators have voiced concerns over the expense of licensure which, with coursework, can cost up to $1,500 per operator.
Klobuchar pressed the matter with Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., the President’s nominee to be U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, at a congressional hearing recently. Klobuchar and DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten have also met with regional U.S. Coast Guard officials about their concerns.