The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has appointed a new State Boating Law Administrator (BLA), who will represent Louisiana on the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Major Clarence Marques, of Livingston, replaces Lt. Col. Rachel Zechenelly as Louisiana’s BLA.
“I am extremely honored to be appointed BLA for the state and am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our boating safety mission,” Marques said. “I’ve held many boating safety positions with my time in the law enforcement division and I’m ready for this role.”
Major Marques hails from Chalmette and joined the LDWF Law Enforcement Division in 2006. Major Marques began as a patrol officer in Livingston Parish. While serving as a field officer, Major Marques also became a NASBLA Tactical Operator Course Instructor and certified in the NASBLA Officer Water Survival Course.
Major Marques was then assigned to the LDWF Law Enforcement Division Staff in 2014 in Baton Rouge as the Nautical Education Coordinator. In 2015, he received the NASBLA Boating Law Enforcement of the Year award.
From 2016-21, Major Marques served on the NASBLA Boat Advisory Board and currently serves on the NASBLA Finance and Grants Committee. He also recently graduated from NASBLA Leadership Academy in 2021.
“I watched Major Marques rise through the ranks and was impressed with his ability to learn every part of the job and especially his dedication to boating safety,” Lt. Col. Rachel Zechenelly said. “He has helped me plan, lead, manage and oversee our boating safety mission since joining head office in 2014.”
In addition to being the state BLA, Major Marques is also responsible for training, search and rescue, boating safety, and maritime security.
NASBLA is a national, nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents recreational boating authorities in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NASBLA’s mission is to enhance the ability of state and territory boating authorities to reduce deaths, injuries and property damage associated with recreational boating and to ensure a safe, secure and enjoyable boating environment.
