Boaters who don't follow drawbridge-opening protocol to the T are getting menacing letters from the U.S. Coast Guard. And, they may face fines up to $15,000. All for asking for unnecessary bridge openings, or for failing to lower antennae, outriggers or other structures that may impede clearance.

As reported in the March issue of BoatU.S. magazine, bridge operators are putting teeth in an established law that has required boaters to minimize the need for bridge opening requests. Operators who perceive violations may send reports to the Coast Guard, which in turn mails a notice of violation to the boater. Boaters can dispute that notice by providing proof of the height of the boat, from a survey or the manufacturer.

A nasty twist in the law (which we feel is badly in need of revision) states that if "you can modify your boat to make the item flexible, hinged,

collapsed or telescopic, you should"--and that failing to do so could bring a fine.

Federal law also requires boaters to contact the bridge on VHF radio, regardless of whether the bridge has already been opened for other vessels.

Best to figure out a conservative height for your boat, advises BoatUS, and check clearance gauges before requesting an opening.

Fortunately, in many parts of Florida, drawbridges are giving way to high-rise fixed structures that easily accommodate all boats.

FS