Sec. 05.25.053. - Boating safety program. [See delayed repeal note]..

(a) Except as provided in this section, the department shall administer a statewide boating safety program. The program must, to the extent consistent with state law,

(1) secure the full benefits available to the state under 46 U.S.C. 13101 - 13110; and

(2) take additional actions necessary to gain initial and ongoing federal acceptance of the boating safety program and to qualify and apply for federal money under 46 U.S.C. 13102.

(b) The department shall cooperate with local, state, and federal agencies, private and public organizations, and individuals to provide for

(1) a statewide boating safety education program; the program must

(A) develop educational materials relevant to the unique needs of urban and rural boaters in this state;

(B) support statewide boating safety training programs;

(C) support boating safety education and training programs for children and other high risk groups;

(D) train, certify, and support boating safety instructors;

(E) evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of programs funded under this chapter;

(2) a boating safety advisory council as described in AS 05.25.057 ;

(3) a uniform state waterway marking system; and

(4) a boat registration and numbering system through the Department of Administration.

(c) The Department of Public Safety shall cooperate with local, state, and federal agencies, private and public organizations, and individuals to provide for

(1) a boating collisions, accidents, and casualties reporting system; and

(2) boating safety patrol and law enforcement activity.