Wilderness News Online

Ely-area outfitters recently voiced concerns about U.S. Coast Guard regulations for businesses that guide clients on federally navigable waters.

At a recent meeting, reported HERE by the Timberjay, the outfitters were concerned about the economic and time costs of licensing their businesses and employees. The Coast Guard requires an approximately $600 fee which covers an outfitting business for five years. Outfitters and their employees are also required to know first aid and CPR and to have undergone background checks and drug testing.

According to the Timberjay story, many of the Coast Guard requirements have been on the books since the late 1960s, although they have not been actively inforced. The Coast Guard says it is willing to work with outfitters who find some of the regulations difficult to comply with immediately.