Buness reappointed to boating safety council

Governor Sean Parnell has reappointed Wrangell resident Terry Buness as vice chair to the Boating Safety Advisory Council. The seven-member advisory board promotes boating safety in Alaska by helping write boating regulations, making recommendations for safety educational materials and promoting boating safety education programs throughout the state.

Buness said he believes the mission of the group is beneficial to all Alaskans – but most especially those that live and work on or near the coastal waterways.

“The commission helps Alaska because most people that live on the coast live and play on their boats,” he said. “Because of that, it’s important to have vessel safety and safe operating practices. We go through new legislation as it comes in and ensure it promotes boating safety.”

Buness has served on the commission for six years and been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 25 years – and holds a “six-pack” certification to carry passengers for hire.

Growing up on the waters of Wrangell, Buness added, gives him a unique perspective on his commission seat.

“I’ve been a boat rat since a young age,” he said. “So, I know the pitfalls and also the joys of having a boat. It’s something we’re always around, so you need to be aware of the safety issues that accompany that.”

Buness has served as an emergency medical technician and firefighter, and is currently the assistant fire chief at the Wrangell Fire Department. He is also a partner in Buness Bros., Inc., a marine supply and variety retail business in downtown.