Para enmendar los Artículos 3 y 7 en la Ley 430-2000, según enmendada, mejor conocida como la “Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática de Puerto Rico”; a los fines de establecer el uso mandatorio de protectores de hélices en toda embarcación, establecer cuáles serán las embarcaciones exentas; definir “protector de hélice”; disponer el importe de multa administrativa por el incumplimiento con esta Ley; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill would require all vessels in Puerto Rico to install and use propeller guards, define guard standards, set penalties for noncompliance, and specify exemptions.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Overview

Bill PC 434, introduced on March 21, 2025, proposes amendments to Articles 3 and 7 of Law 430-2000 (the Puerto Rico Navigation and Safety Act, known as the “Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática”). The core aim is to promote boating safety by mandating the use of propeller guards on all vessels, defining what constitutes a propeller guard, and establishing the administrative penalties for noncompliance. The bill also provides for certain exemptions and related purposes. As of the latest actions, the bill has been referred to committees.

Purpose and Intent

Improve safety in navigable waters by reducing the risk of propeller-related injuries.

Create a standardized requirement across vessels for wave/propeller protection.

Clarify the term “protector de hélice” and specify enforcement mechanisms, including penalties.

Identify vessels or circumstances that would be exempt from the mandate.

Key Provisions (as proposed)

Mandatory use: Revisions to Articles 3 and 7 would require the installation and use of propeller guards on all vessels operating in Puerto Rico’s waters.

Definition: The bill would define what constitutes a "protector de hélice" (propeller guard) for uniform application and enforcement.

Exemptions: The draft would establish which vessels are exempt from the mandate. Specific exemption categories are not listed in the provided summary but would be defined in the text of the bill.

Administrative penalties: The bill would set the amount of administrative fines for noncompliance with the propeller guard requirement.

Related provisions: The measure is framed to address related safety and regulatory considerations associated with the mandate.

Affected Parties

Vessel owners and operators across Puerto Rico, including recreational and commercial craft.

Boat rental and marina operators who manage vessel safety requirements.

Enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with the Navigation and Safety Act.

Potential impact on manufacturers or suppliers of propeller guards, due to the new requirement.

Implementation and Timeline

If enacted, the bill would implement through amendments to existing law (Articles 3 and 7 of Law 430-2000) and would require regulatory or administrative steps to enforce the mandate, define exemptions, and set fines.

The exact effective date and regulatory timeline would be determined within the final text and any implementing regulations.

Potential Impact

Safety: Potentially improved protection against propeller injuries for passengers and bystanders.

Compliance: New equipment and potential cost burden for vessel owners, particularly in the recreational and small commercial sectors.

Enforcement: Establishes clear penalties to incentivize compliance, with ongoing regulatory guidance to define exemptions and procedures.

Bill

Summary of Bill PC 434