Elsewhere on that same site is a good explanation of the rules:

http://www.boattest.com/Resources/vi...px?NewsID=1013

The scenario I presented in another response isn't going to happen due to a
clever dodge by the EPA. This probably wouldn't stand up to the original
court ruling that started all this but it will take enough time for that to
work its way through the process that something will get worked out in the
meantime.

Evidently the way it will work is this:

The EPA will issue a blanket "permit" to cover all recreation vessels. Your
boat will be legal on October 1 because you'll "have" that permit even
though you don't have a piece of paper. If they find you violating any of
the provision in the regulations covering commercial vessels however, they
can fine you five figures per day and revoke your "permit". If you can
afford to keep your boat after this, you'll then have to apply for the full
permit.

Fortunately, the Coast Guard is too busy to enforce any of this.

--
Roger Long