MN HF3162

Requests Congress enact legislation requiring the U.S. Coast Guard to develop licensing qualifications appropriate for smaller vessels operating on inland waters, rather than using the "six-pack" license designed for larger vessels.

Directs the U.S. Coast Guard to establish interim enforcement that addresses safety issues without penalizing small vessel operators for violations unrelated to inland lakes.

Notes Minnesota's leisure and hospitality industry contributes $11.2 billion annually to the state economy, accounts for 16 percent of state sales tax revenue, and provides over 245,000 full-time and part-time jobs.

Identifies over 500 fishing guides in Minnesota operating on inland navigable waters and hundreds of resorts offering casual boat and pontoon rides as entities affected by current Coast Guard licensing requirements.

Directs the Minnesota Secretary of State to transmit copies of the memorial to the President, U.S. Senate leadership, U.S. House leadership, the Coast Guard Commandant, and Minnesota's Congressional delegation.