NASBLA Roundtable

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  • 1.  Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 15 days ago

    Florida's legislature has proposed a bill which would require all informational waterway markers (permitted after July 1, 2023) to be affixed to a "plastic breakaway structure or a floating buoy".  

    My question to everyone is: have any of you utilized anything like a "plastic breakaway structure" or seen any technology related to same?  And if so, how have they worked in real world conditions?



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    Rachel Bryant
    FL Fish & Wildlife
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  • 2.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Reporting Project
    Workgroup
    Posted 15 days ago

    Rachel,

    I have never heard of plastic breakaway structure for a waterway marker and am assuming you may have a hard time finding such a thing. I would also assume that the first hurricane would completely remove every sign each time if this were to be a thing that passes in your state. Texas has no experience that I know of that may help. Best of luck to you as you work to address this proposed legislation.



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    Cody Jones
    Boating Law Administrator
    Asst. Commander Game Warden
    Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
    512-389-4624 Office
    512-431-1326 cell
    cody.jones@tpwd.texas.gov

    Texas Game Wardens Serving Texans since 1895 - Law Enforcement off the Pavement
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  • 3.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 14 days ago

    All new traffic signage, if in close proximity to traffic, are designed to breakaway when impacted to prevent/reduce injury. There are many designs which can be easily Googled - however, the "plastic" seems to be either new or not previously used. I would venture a guess that environment, i.e., in salt/brackish water, affected the thinking. Being a Louisiana native, I have seen some of the larger signs down after Hurricanes - 



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    BRIAN SIGNORELLI
    Boat Services
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  • 4.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 11 days ago
    My concern would be that if breakaway signs are use and if they are hit. The sign and structure are in the water and can be a nav. hazard!

    Dennis Mintus
    330-540-6367
    Ohio Waterways Safety Council





  • 5.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 14 days ago

    Hello Rachel, what is the bill number?



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    David Dickerson
    Vice President, State Government Relations
    National Marine Manufacturers Association
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  • 6.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 14 days ago

    Rachel,

    You should contact. if you haven't already, the 7th Coast Guard District Waterways Management Office or Scott Szczepaniak the 7th District RBS Specialist 843 327-9655. He can help get in touch with the waterway's folks there.  

    v/r



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    Daniel Shipman
    13th District Recreational Boating Safety Specialist
    USCG D13 Seattle
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  • 7.  RE: Breakaway signage pilings

    Posted 12 days ago

    I checked into this bill...SB 1640. It likely will never have an initial hearing. It has no House companion bill, as well as being transparently benefiting some unknown vendor. I would not be concerned about this bill becoming law.



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    David Dickerson
    Vice President, State Government Relations
    National Marine Manufacturers Association
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