Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 31-Aug. 6

Reminder for the week: Paddle boards are vessels – and boating regulations apply

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 31-Aug. 6 made 3,433 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 222 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 77 citations. Officers responded to 88 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers hosted their inaugural Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Advanced Youth Academy August 1-5 at Fish & Wildlife’s Ommelanden Hunter Education Center in New Castle with thirteen participants receiving instruction in safe gun handling, skeet & rifle shooting, fishing, hunting, and camping. Students finished the camp with an overnight camping trip to Lums Pond, followed by a public outreach program at Cabela’s in Newark.
On August 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed boating safety, search and rescue, and hunting and fishing enforcement during the annual “National Night Out” events in both Milford and Wyoming. Officers displayed patrol vessels at both locations, which were very popular.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

On July 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Robert Martin, 26, of Smyrna following an investigation into deer hunting violations that occurred near Smyrna. Martin was charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited and possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed. Martin was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover and was released on his own recognizance pending a court date in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas.
On July 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested a second juvenile from Harrington following last week’s investigation into nighttime deer poaching which occurred near Harrington. This juvenile was charged with hunting whitetail deer during closed season, hunting at nighttime, loaded firearm in a vehicle, failure to tag antlerless deer, fail to retain tag on antlerless deer, failure to register antlerless deer within 24 hours, unlicensed hunting, game animal not consumed or utilized for its value and unlawful method of take for whitetail deer. The juvenile was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 and was released with an order to appear in Kent County Family Court at a later date.
On August 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Christopher Ribolla, 35, of Clayton for several commercial crab fishing violations that occurred on the Delaware Bay near Woodland Beach. Ribolla was charged with eight counts of failure to tend commercial crab pots within 72 hours of them being tagged by officers. Ribolla was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover where he pleaded guilty and was fined $856, including court costs.
On August 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited Granville L. Conaway, 78, of Georgetown for unlawfully loaded firearm in vehicle and hunt from a motor vehicle. Fines totaled $230, including court costs; a 17 caliber rifle was seized as evidence.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Unlicensed Hunting (1), game animal not consumed or utilized for its value (1), hunting white tailed deer during closed season (1), hunting at nighttime (1), unlawful method of take for white tailed deer (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (1), fail to register antlerless deer within 24 hours (1), failure to retain antlerless deer tag (1), and possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (11), fail to obtain a FIN number (3), trespass to fish on private property (1), possession of a prohibited shark species- sandbar shark (1), failure to release prohibited shark unharmed (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (6), no recreational crab pot bycatch reduction device (1), and possession of undersized white perch (2) and possession of undersized largemouth bass (1). Commercial: Failure to tend commercial crab pots within 72 hours (8).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (3), failure to observe slow no wake zone (1), failure to observe slow no wake on division ponds (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (3), no boating safety education certificate (3), equipment violation-no sound producing device (2), and equipment violation-no fire extinguisher (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited (1), unlawfully loaded firearm in a vehicle (2), hunt from a motor vehicle (1), driving while suspended or revoked (1), inattentive driving (1), and improper lane change (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (8), target shooting on a state wildlife area (1), and operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1)*.

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind paddle boarders to review Delaware’s boating laws and regulations and how they apply to paddle boards before heading out on the waterways.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the State of Delaware recognize a paddle board as a vessel when operated outside the confines of an ocean surfing or swimming area. Therefore, many of the same vessel requirements for personal flotation devices, visual distress signals, sound producing devices and the use of a navigational light during low light conditions apply when paddle boards are operated in Delaware waters.

A paddle board less than 16 feet in length must meet the following safety equipment requirements when operated in Delaware waters outside the ocean surfing or swimming area:

All paddle boarders must have a United States Coast Guard-approved lifejacket on board.
Any child age 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved lifejacket at all times while on a paddle board.
Paddle boarders must carry a whistle, horn or some other sounding device capable of making an efficient sound signal.
When operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise, paddle boarders must carry a visual distress signal – an electric distress light or flares – suitable for night use. This applies to all boards operated on coastal waters and directly-connected waters (bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc.) which are two miles wide or wider.
When operating between the hours of sunset and sunrise, a paddle boarder also must have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light for use as a navigation light, which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

Paddle boards longer than 16 feet may have additional safety requirements. For more information, please visit the Delaware Boating Safety webpage.

Media Contacts: Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police respond to multiple boating accidents, address safety violations

DOVER – During the two-week period Aug. 1-14, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police marine patrols statewide investigated seven boating accidents and issued numerous boating safety-related citations to help keep Delaware waterways safer for boaters.

On Aug. 13, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police conducting a routine vessel safety and fisheries compliance check cited Stephen J. Healy III, 56, of Townsend, for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel with an expired registration, no navigation lights, no sound-producing device and no fire extinguisher at the Woodland Beach Boat Ramp east of Smyrna. Healy was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover at a later date.
On Aug. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police investigated a boating accident with injuries near Pot-Nets Bayside near Long Neck, in which a personal watercraft (PWC) overturned in rough waters, ejecting the operator and passenger. The passenger was treated for a dislocated ankle at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. The operator, who was not injured, was not cited in the incident.
On Aug. 12, Peter A. Bailey, 60, of Milton, was cited for negligent operation of a personal watercraft, causing an accident, and failure to observe a slow-no-wake zone on Rehoboth Bay. The PWC struck a pontoon boat, causing approximately $1,500 in damages. No injuries were reported. Bailey was fined $107, including court costs.
On Aug. 8, Benard W. Sparenberg, 51, of Seaford, was cited for operating a vessel under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the Lewes Public Boat Ramp. Sparenberg was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown at a later date.
On Aug. 8, Ricky Riordan, 64, of Fort Myers, Fla., was cited for careless operation of a vessel. The 51-foot vessel collided with the Reedy Island jetty near the town of Augustine. No injuries were reported to the operator or passenger. Riordan was fined $107, including court costs.
On Aug. 8, Anthony Black, 30, of New Castle, was cited for inattentive operation of a vessel. The 17-foot vessel collided with the Pea Patch Island jetty. No injuries were reported to the operator or four passengers, who were transported along with the vessel to Delaware City. Black was fined $107, including court costs.
On Aug. 8, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police responded to a report of a 36-foot sailboat on fire in the C&D Canal near St. Georges. Delaware City Fire Company arrived on scene and suppressed the flames, and the vessel’s two occupants escaped without injury. The incident remains under investigation.
On Aug. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police responded to a report of an overturned vessel in the Delaware Bay south of Augustine Beach. The 16-foot vessel capsized when its trot line became entangled with a commercial crab pot. The vessel’s two occupants clung to the overturned vessel for approximately two-and-a-half hours before they were rescued by the Delaware City Fire Company’s marine unit near the Smyrna River. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued in the incident.
On Aug. 7, Jamie L. Bieller, 33, of Parkville, Md., was cited for careless operation of a vessel and no boating safety education certificate. The 14-foot vessel capsized in the C&D Canal. No injuries were reported to the operator or passenger, who were rescued by the Port Penn Volunteer Fire Company. Bieller was fined $214, including court costs.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that they are legally required to report boating accidents when:

A person dies;
A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
Damage to the vessel and other property totals more than $500; or
A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury.

To report a boating accident, please contact Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 800-523-3336 or 302-739-4580.

Boaters navigating Delaware waters also are reminded that operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is in violation of Delaware and federal laws. Boat operators found to be at or above the limit will find their voyage terminated, will be cited and may have their vessel impounded. Boat operators found to be under the influence also can face fines and potential jail time.

For more information on safe boating practices and regulations, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

Media Contact: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 308

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 11-17

Reminder for the week: Practice safe boating, including wearing your lifejacket

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 11-17 made 1,642 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 311 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 54 complaints and issued 24 citations, one of which was related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

An incident of note:

On July 16, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Robert S. Osbourne, 48, of Avondale, Pa., for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI) and no navigation lights near Indian River Inlet. Osbourne was given a mandatory appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 14 in Georgetown at a later date.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3)*, possession of undersized blue crabs (3), possession of undersized summer flounder (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (2), negligent operation of a vessel (1), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), operating an unregistered vessel (3), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), no boating education certificate (4), no fire extinguisher (1), and no navigation lights (1).

Public Safety: Clamming in an area under seasonal closure (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: unlicensed fishing (1).

A DNREC press release was issued related to this week’s citations: Maryland man cited for OUI after boating accident near Fenwick Island.

Are you AWARE?
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters to practice safe boating, including use of lifejackets. Delaware law requires that all personal watercraft (PWC) operators and all children 12 years old and younger aboard a vessel of any type wear a lifejacket while underway. The law does not require wearing a lifejacket for those age 13 to adult on vessels other than PWCs; however, boat owners/operators are required to carry a readily-accessible lifejacket for each person aboard a vessel.

“Vessel operators are responsible to make sure that children aboard their boat are wearing lifejackets – and they can set the example by also wearing one,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “Although the law does not require ages 13 and older to wear a lifejacket except for personal watercraft, we strongly recommend lifejacket use by everyone aboard a vessel in Delaware waters, especially anyone with limited swimming skills. It’s a smart choice that can prevent an unnecessary tragedy.”

The same requirements that apply to vessels also apply to paddleboards, canoes and kayaks operating on Delaware waters. All paddleboards, canoes and kayaks must have a wearable lifejacket and a whistle or other sound-producing device aboard and readily accessible. “Regardless of the size or type of vessel, if you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your vessel for a better chance of being found sooner,” Sgt. McDerby added.

Boaters also should ensure their vessel is ready for a trouble-free day enjoying Delaware’s waterways by performing a pre-departure check. Before leaving home, you should have:

All current required licenses and registrations, including boat registration, boating safety certificate, boat ramp certificate if required and fishing license(s);
Enough lifejackets for everyone on board, including children age 12 or younger who are required by Delaware law to wear them; for vessels 16 feet or more in length, a throwable life preserver is also required;
Plenty of water to stay hydrated and sunscreen to protect against sunburn, which can be severe on the water.
Checked the local weather forecast;
Checked the vessel for working navigation lights, steering and throttle controls;
Checked its oil, fuel and fluid levels;
Checked for fuel leaks, including hose clamps and connections;
Drained all water from the engine compartment or bilge, and replaced and secured the bilge plug;
A fully-charged engine battery, emergency flares and a fire extinguisher;
A marine radio and/or a fully-charged cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag; and
Left a float plan with a friend, family member or local marina.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 268

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 20-26

Reminder for the week: Observe safety precautions when towing water skiers

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 20-26 made 1,696 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 169 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 43 complaints and issued 30 citations, one of which was related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

An incident of note:

On June 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Gerard M. Centofanti, 68, of Reading, Pa., Todd Sheridan, 51, of Thomasville, Pa., John Krinex, 70, of Ellenton, Fla., and Bradley Sheridan, 73, of Spring Grove, Pa., for one count each of recreational crab pot tampering on Vines Creek in Indian River Bay. The four men were fined $107 each, including court costs.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1)*, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (6), recreational crab pot tampering (4), use of recreational crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (5), and possession of undersized summer flounder (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (2), no lifejackets on water skiers (2), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (3), operating an unregistered vessel (1), no fire extinguisher (1), and no boating education certificate (1).

* Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters of some important safety regulations when towing water skiers.

“Water skiing is a three-person sport – the water skier, the boat operator and the observer,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator. “Under Delaware law, any vessel towing a water skier must have a person aboard other than the operator to act as the observer. To ensure the skier’s safety, the observer faces backwards, watches the skier and alerts the boat operator of any hand signals from the skier or if the skier goes down.”

Other safety requirements for water skiing:

Recreational water skiers must wear lifejackets.
A water skiing tow line cannot exceed 75 feet in length.
Observe all “Slow-No Wake” areas.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
If water skiing or tubing behind a personal watercraft (PWC), the PWC must have the capacity to legally carry the operator, observer and the person being towed.
Observe marked “No Water Skiing” areas, which include all marked swimming areas, Assawoman Canal, Indian River Inlet, Roosevelt Inlet, Whites Creek, a portion of the channel through Masseys Landing and portions of the Rehoboth-Lewes Canal.
Maintain a safe and reasonable distance from shipping lanes, other vessels, persons and property.
Water skiing is prohibited at night between sunset and sunrise, and within 100 feet of persons in the water, piers, docks, floats, wharfs, vessels anchored or adrift and private or public boat launch ramps.

For more information, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

Contact: Sgt. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 243

DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage safe boating practices over holiday weekend

DOVER – With many boaters heading out on the water for the long 4th of July holiday weekend, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise “steady as she goes” for practicing safe boating on Delaware waterways. “We need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk,” said Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Chief Robert Legates.

Recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show the top five primary contributing factors for boating accidents are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol use. With these factors in mind, Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police boating safety coordinator, offered some tips for safe boating:

Safety-check your vessel and equipment before getting underway
Preparations for putting your boat in the water each season should begin with servicing the motor or engine to ensure it is in good operating condition. Before heading out, always check engine oil levels and make sure you have enough gasoline in your tank, as well as making sure all navigational lights are working.

“Unexpected engine failure or running out of gas can strand you and your passengers – and this rarely happens at a convenient time or place,” Sgt. McDerby said. “Add nightfall, an approaching summer storm, rough seas or other hazards, and you place yourself and your passengers in danger.”

Additional items to check include the appropriate number of life jackets and a fully-charged cell phone and/or marine radio, as well as the following safety equipment: flares, a whistle or sound-producing device, and a fire extinguisher.

Wear a lifejacket
In 2015, the number of boating accident fatalities nationwide totaled 626, including 22 children under the age of 13, according to U.S. Coast Guard statistics. Where cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims when lifejacket usage was known, 85 percent were not wearing a lifejacket.

“Like seatbelts in automobiles, we know without question that lifejackets save lives. Delaware law requires that children age 12 and younger wear a life jacket while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters,” Sgt. McDerby said, noting that no children age 12 or younger have died as a result of drowning in Delaware since this law was passed in 1991.

“Though lifejackets are not legally required to be worn by adults, they should also wear them, especially anyone with limited swimming skills,” Sgt. McDerby continued. “Boating accidents can happen very fast – and there’s no time to reach for a stowed lifejacket and put it on.”

While operating a vessel, stay alert and keep a sharp lookout
When operating an automobile, safe driving includes keeping your eyes on the road and avoiding distractions that take your attention elsewhere.
“The same applies to operating a vessel,” Sgt. McDerby said. “At all times, boaters need to watch where they are going, looking for other vessels and anything in the water that poses a hazard or redirects vessels.”

Things to look out for include: swimmers, water skiers and smaller vessels such as kayaks or jet skis; floating hazards such as large branches or logs in the water; shallow areas where your vessel can become grounded; and directional channel markers or other signage.

Watch your speed
As with land vehicles, boaters need to remember that the faster you drive your boat, the more you reduce your reaction time and increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

“Operating a vessel at excessive speed poses a hazard to you and your passengers as well as everyone else on the water around you, especially in areas with a lot of boat traffic – a common occurrence on popular waterways, especially during busy summer holiday weekends,” Sgt. McDerby said. Boaters should take particular care to observe posted slow-no-wake areas, he added.

Don’t drink and boat
According to Coast Guard statistics, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 17 percent of the 626 boating-related fatalities reported nationwide in 2015, with 306 accidents resulting in 122 deaths and 258 injuries.

“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. McDerby, noting that boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.

While it is not illegal for recreational boat operators to consume alcohol, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated. Sgt. McDerby also noted that boat operators above the limit put themselves and their passengers at risk, and those found operating under the influence face fines and potential jail time.

Delaware’s emphasis on boating safety education

Taking a boating safety course to improve your skills can help reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that in states where instructional data was available, 71 percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

“Last year, we had one boating-related fatality and 25 reportable boating accidents in Delaware. We’d like to see the number of accidents go down,” Chief Legates said, noting that to date this year, Delaware has had 10 reported boating accidents and no fatalities.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft. “We recommend that everyone who is going to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, regardless of their age,” Sgt. McDerby said.

Delaware’s 8-hour basic boating safety course, which fulfills Delaware’s mandatory boating safety class requirement, is offered in multiple locations statewide in one to four sessions. An online version of the course also is offered. Upon completing the course, boaters receive a boating safety certificate, with those required to take the course having to carry the certificate while boating as proof of course completion.

For more information, including the boating safety class schedule, access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other boating information, visit Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or by email at john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

Contact: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 236