Bill

Adding a new Title 72 to the Pohnpei Code relative to boating which title contains a new Chapter I entitled “Motor Boat Registration”; and for other purposes

Proposed by:

Marvin T. Yamaguchi

Introduced: 15 Feb 2024

Key provisions

The bill requires every motor boat operated in Pohnpei State waters to be registered with the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, which is designated as the registering agency. Owners must submit an application containing the vessel’s specifications, hull identification, engine details, and the owner’s contact information. Upon registration, each vessel is issued a unique Pohnpei registration number and a certificate of registration that must be carried on board whenever the vessel is in operation.
A tiered registration fee schedule is established based on vessel length and engine horsepower, with reduced fees for vessels used primarily for subsistence fishing. Registrations are valid for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. The bill also provides for the transfer of registration upon sale of a vessel and for the replacement of lost or damaged certificates.

The bill vests enforcement authority with the Department of Public Safety in coordination with the Transportation Authority, and establishes civil penalties for operating an unregistered motor boat, displaying a false or altered registration number, or failing to report the transfer or destruction of a registered vessel.
Finally, the bill directs the Pohnpei Transportation Authority to promulgate implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment, and appropriates an initial sum of $75,000 from the General Fund to establish the registration system, including database infrastructure, registration plates or decals, and public awareness activities.

Purpose

The bill’s sponsors note that Pohnpei State currently has no formal registration system for motor boats, which hampers search-and-rescue operations, complicates the investigation of boating accidents, and limits the State’s ability to enforce fisheries and maritime safety laws. Establishing a registration regime is intended to improve safety at sea, support law enforcement, and provide a reliable data foundation for future boating policy.

Legislation Enacted

The bill was signed into law on the following date: 17 July 2024.

The attached version of the bill is a copy of the bill that was signed into law. In any case of dispute, the authoratitive copy of the legislation shall always be considered to be the copy that is held by the records office of the OEK.

Progress of the Legislation

First Reading

8 Apr 2024

On the morning of Tuesday, 12 May 2026, Representative Ioanis Paulino introduced L.B. No. 428-15 during the regular legislative session. The Clerk read the bill by its title only: "An Act Adding a New Title 72 to the Pohnpei Code Relative to Boating, Which Title Contains a New Chapter 1 Entitled 'Motor Boat Registration'; and for Other Purposes."

Copies of the bill were distributed to all members for their review. The Speaker then referred L.B. No. 428-15 to the Committee on Transportation and Communications, with a secondary referral to the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations in view of the new code provisions and enforcement mechanisms proposed.

No debate took place. The bill was entered into the legislative record and the Legislature moved to the next item of business.

Second Reading

24 Jun 2024

L.B. No. 428-15 was taken up for Second Reading on the morning of Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Communications presented the Committee's report and its three proposed amendments.

Members debated the bill in detail. Several members rose in support, noting that a clear registration regime would improve safety at sea, assist in search-and-rescue operations, and support enforcement against illegal fishing. One member raised concerns about the administrative capacity of the Transportation Authority to implement the new system, and proposed a fourth amendment to phase in registration requirements over a two-year period beginning with the largest vessels. After debate, all four amendments were adopted by voice vote.

The Legislature then voted on the bill as amended. L.B. No. 428-15 passed Second Reading and was ordered to lie over for Third Reading, to be taken up at a subsequent session in accordance with the Rules of the Legislature.

Assigned to Committee

Standing Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Communication

Download Introduced Version

This is a copy of the bill that was first introduced to the legislature. In any case of dispute, the authoratitive copy of the legislation shall always be considered to be the copy that is held by the records office of the Pohnpei State Legislature.