R
Ron Green
Guest
A few months ago the Amphicar and the possibility of it not allowed to operate on Pennsylvania (PA) waterways was a close reality. That would include all Amphi's and not just those from the State. This came about due to one of our members simply operating his car (no issues) and an overzealous park ranger.
I spoke to the head State Park Director (John) who is a very nice guy and collects antique Jeeps. Without John the PA Boat & Fish Commission was within a hair of ruling no Amphicar's on any waterways. John negotiated with the PA Boat & Fish Commission to allow us on the non state Park waterways, explaining to them we are Coastguard approved. Now the catch: in order for the Amphicar to operate on State Park waterways they will require IAOC to enter into a 10 year Special Activities Agreement that solves the problem.
The board has reviewed and approved this agreement though basically it is not applicable to an Amphicar. This is what the State Parks required, no option. The agreement will be signed and placed in the Treasurer's paperwork along with our Trademark documents of which will be passed on to the next board. There is nothing in this agreement that would hurt the club liability wise, and insurance is the responsibly of the operator.
It is a rather lengthy agreement which talks about parades and temporary displays, etc. I will mail a copy to all PA Amphicar owners. I can make also copies for those interested. A write up will be placed in the Nov / Dec newsletter as the current issue is complete. Note: for both in and out of State owners there are no fees to you (including a boat ramp) but you must display your boat license on the side of Amphi. The outcome could have been much worse and we can only hope that this doesn't spread to other States.
This was a very time consuming process for all of us. I would like to thank the board for acting quickly and responsibly on this important matter.
Ron Green
IAOC President
I spoke to the head State Park Director (John) who is a very nice guy and collects antique Jeeps. Without John the PA Boat & Fish Commission was within a hair of ruling no Amphicar's on any waterways. John negotiated with the PA Boat & Fish Commission to allow us on the non state Park waterways, explaining to them we are Coastguard approved. Now the catch: in order for the Amphicar to operate on State Park waterways they will require IAOC to enter into a 10 year Special Activities Agreement that solves the problem.
The board has reviewed and approved this agreement though basically it is not applicable to an Amphicar. This is what the State Parks required, no option. The agreement will be signed and placed in the Treasurer's paperwork along with our Trademark documents of which will be passed on to the next board. There is nothing in this agreement that would hurt the club liability wise, and insurance is the responsibly of the operator.
It is a rather lengthy agreement which talks about parades and temporary displays, etc. I will mail a copy to all PA Amphicar owners. I can make also copies for those interested. A write up will be placed in the Nov / Dec newsletter as the current issue is complete. Note: for both in and out of State owners there are no fees to you (including a boat ramp) but you must display your boat license on the side of Amphi. The outcome could have been much worse and we can only hope that this doesn't spread to other States.
This was a very time consuming process for all of us. I would like to thank the board for acting quickly and responsibly on this important matter.
Ron Green
IAOC President