Summer 2016 will mark the second year in which Coast Guard Sector Anchorage oversees implementation of the new Restricted Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (ROUPV) regulations in Western Alaska. The Coast Guard remains committed to helping the inland sport-fishing guide industry understand the change. In response to questions from guides and lodge owners, Sector Anchorage has developed the following FAQ:
Q: What are the new rules?
Detailed information about the regulations is available in Marine Safety Information Bulletin 04-15. This document is available on the Sector Anchorage website at https://www.uscg.mil/d17/SectorAnchorage/msib.asp.
Q: Why did the old “Freshwaters of Western Alaska” ROUPV endorsement change in Alaska?
A: A nation-wide change to 46 Code of Federal Regulations §11.467 took effect on March 24, 2014. The new regulation superseded the old ROUPV credential that had been available in Alaska. The old credential allowed individuals to work on any freshwater lake or river in Alaska after 120 days of experience anywhere. The new national standards mandate more geographically-restrictive ROUPV credentials. First-time guides who wish to work anywhere in Alaska may still do so by obtaining an unrestricted OUPV credential, which requires 360 days of experience.
Q: Does the regulatory change affect guides who hold the previous “Freshwaters of Western Alaska” ROUPV endorsement?
A: No. Guides who currently hold “Freshwaters of Western Alaska” ROUPV endorsement may continue to work under that endorsement. They may renew the endorsement indefinitely. That endorsement will remain valid for all freshwater rivers and lakes in Western Alaska.
Q: Does the regulatory change affect new guides who have never held the previous “Freshwaters of Western Alaska” ROUPV endorsement?
A: Yes. New applicants are subject to the latest requirements. New applicants that accrued at least one day of experience on the water (not necessarily Alaskan waters) before March 24, 2014 may – after accruing a total 120 days of experience on the water (not necessarily on Alaskan waters) – apply for a ROUPV endorsement until March 24, 2019. These applicants will be restricted to operating endorsements for just three bodies of water – i.e., river drainages of their choice in Alaska. Applicants who did not accrue any experience before March 24, 2014 or who apply after March 24, 2019 must have 90 days of experience gained on each body of water for which they seek an endorsement.
Q: What endorsements have been approved in Western Alaska?
A: An up-to-date list of approved ROUPV endorsements for Western Alaska is available at https://www.uscg.mil/d17/SectorAnchorage/roupv.asp.
Q: Are there special exceptions to the new regulations for Alaska?
A: No. The new regulations are applicable throughout the United States. However, the new regulations provide the Coast Guard some discretion in local implementation.
Q: Did Sector Anchorage meet with guides and lodge owners when the regulation changed?
A: Yes. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage worked with the fishing and hunting guide industry in Western Alaska to refine local implementation of the new federal regulations regarding ROUPV endorsements. Sector Anchorage held a public meeting on ROUPV endorsements on April 10, 2015 in Anchorage. Sector Anchorage representatives also discussed ROUPV endorsements at two Bristol Bay area guide meetings. They attended the Commercial Use Authorization Holder Meeting for Katmai National Park and Preserve, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, and Alagnak Wild River in King Salmon on June 3, 2015. They also spoke at the Choggiung Ltd. Camp’s annual meeting on the Nushagak River on June 12, 2015.
Q: Is Sector Anchorage planning any other public meetings?
A: A representative from Sector Anchorage will speak on this topic Thursday morning, March 24, 2016 at the 14th Annual Alaska Tribal Transportation (Plus) Symposium in Anchorage.
Q: How can guides and lodge owners ask questions and provide feedback to the Coast Guard on this issue?
A: Sector Anchorage and the Coast Guard Regional Examination Center are available to answer questions on this topic. Please direct questions to: Lieutenant Commander Brierley Ostrander, Sector Anchorage inspections at 907-428-4164 or inspections.anchorage@uscg.mil, or to: the Anchorage, Alaska Regional Examination Center at 907-271-6736 (option 5).