Now that the application link is working again and I have gotten a chance to read it through I must say that this is beyond ridiculous. Not only do I have to determine the distance my swim raft will be from my own property, dock, etc., but I also have to provide the proper distances of my neighbors shore frontage, dock, possible moorings and/or swim rafts. I guess we will all have to get together one weekend and measure everyone's stuff so that the marine patrol, in all its wisdom, can ensure that my swim raft won't be a "safety" hazard. Does anyone else believe that the Marine Patrol is actually going to go around and check to see if a swim raft is placed in the manner it was described on the application? What if when they do an inspection you have not yet floated your raft for the season, say in early June? I know that mine doesn't go out until late June when the weather warms up. Are they going to make it a priority to come back at a later date? How accurate are you supposed to be? If I say that my raft is 60' from shore and it turns out to be 67', am I subject to a fine, revocation of my permit, or are they just going to tell me to move it? The bottom line is that this is a misallocation of resources, both on the water and back in the office. Some poor guy is going to have review all these applications and approve them. The state should have enough to worry about already than whether or not my raft is placed safely. I agree with you Glenn, this is totally unneccessary.
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