This past summer, after 25 years of service, the Marine Board’s titling and registration system reached the end of its useful life and was retired. The Marine Board made the transition to a web based titling and regis tration system that has more functionality, more security and brings more online options for boaters. The new registration system combines the old mainframe data with boater education, AIS permits and the Outfitter/Guide/Charter databases into one, integrated system. The customer interface, “RegLine,” allows boaters to login and manage their contact information, as well as apply for boat title and registration and renew or order replacement documents, 24/7. The new system allows boaters to order replacement boater education cards, purchase AIS permit(s) for paddlecraft, and coming next year, Outfitters, Guides and charters will be able to apply online. The transition to the new system last summer created backlogs for boaters who were transferring titles and registering during the already busy summer months. As a result of extensive transactions sent through the mail, particularly boats that have not been registered recently or those coming from out-of-state, staff are entering the data into the new system manually. Staff and boaters have also had to work through the technical difficulties of a new system. This led to an increased backlog of boat transactions, which most boaters are not accustomed to experiencing from the agency, which has the reputation of having a fast turn-around time. The patience and understanding of boaters has been very much appreciated. For quick turn-around on boat registration renewals, boaters are encouraged to renew online. Online boat registration renewals are immediately processed when payment is approved and printed the same or next day for mailing. Boaters should be aware that the new online interface has additional safety measures built in that can be confusing, so it is important to read and follow the directions closely. “The new system is up and running, but we are still working with our contractor to improve functionality while our staff are becoming more proficient with the user interfaces,” says Janess Eilers, Title and Registration Manager for the Marine Board. “Over the past few months we have brought on temporary staff and had registration specialists work overtime to catch up the on the backlog, so while we are happy with the progress, we will continue to have some inconvenience for those who are accustomed to faster service,” Eilers adds. The Marine Board, working with marine law enforcement, will honor any temporary permits that expired until the agency is caught up with transaction backlog.
