Waterway Speed Limit Controversy

Waterway speed limits stir up a lot of controversy, and those on both sides of the argument feel passionately about their stance:

• some are gung-ho for speed limit regulations, citing safety as the reasoning; while
• others adamantly oppose waterway speed limits out of financial and business concerns.

Both sides may have a point, but the latter seems to be winning out, at least in Florida.

Speed Limit Controversy in Naples, Florida

In current news, city officials in Naples, Florida have been at odds with local captains over the waterway speed limits in Naples Bay. The city had been imposing its own regulations on what is a state-regulated waterway.

In 2012, two local captains purposefully sped through the bay and were ticketed, according to local news reports. They did this in order to have the opportunity to fight the validity of the charges in court. The captains went head-to-head with the city in court over the speed limit regulations – and won. The city has since lifted its speed limit regulations.

The Appropriateness of Local Speed Limit Regulations

NBC2 News nails the question at the heart of this debate: “Are local regulations further limiting vessel speeds in Naples Bay appropriate?"

Naples Mayor John Sorey says yes. He claims that imposing additional speed limit regulations is for safety issues, and that since safety is one of the town council’s primary objectives, the local officials should take measures to protect and enforce town members’ safety.

The captains, on the other hand, say that citing safety as a reason is merely a guise. Charter boat captain Allen Walburn explains that, in his opinion, city officials and speed limit regulations are simply "pandering to property owners."

Gene Cate in the Sun-Sentinel said it quite well, too: “Many view most of the current rules as inane efforts to placate various neighborhood or activist groups.” In other words, it’s not so much about safety as it is about pacifying a few locals.

How Speed Limit Rules Hurt Maritime Business

On the flipside, why are the captains so opposed to slower speed limits? It adds time to their trip. And time means money. Another Naples captain, Jim Rinckey, explains: "Twenty minutes, 30 minutes each way onto the trip and we already have to run so far to take these people out fishing."

Captain Washburn gets right to the heart of his plight according to NBC2 News: “Personally, I would go out of business before I idled up and down Naples Bay to conduct commerce."

Knowing Your Rights and Responsibilities

If you’re a captain or conduct any type of maritime business, know the waterway speed limit and wake laws where you travel, and carefully abide by them. While idling may not be necessary, neither is recklessness. You’ll still want to travel at a safe speed to steer clear of obstacles such as fishing lines and buoys, and to avoid endangering people or wildlife.

If you take issue with a regulation, then you can attempt to change the policy through the judicial process.

It’s interesting to note that the aforementioned ticketed captains in Naples have refused to pay their fines, and are preparing to go back to court if necessary to defend their stance.

You can read about this and other important topics in the marine industry on our regularly updated blog at My Vessel Logs. And if you need logbooks for your vessel, check our shop and order online or by calling 888-468-3757.