Link to MMTA's Archived ENews



MMTA ENews: July 10, 2006

  • TWO MORE MMTA MEMBER CERTIFIED
  • WELLS YACHTS CHOSEN BY BAVARIA
  • DPA'S OK FOR BOAT STORAGE
  • VALVTECT SPONSORS NATIONAL MARINA DAY TROPHY
  • DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING VHF RADIOS ARE HERE
  • SELECTED TIDBITS FROM JULY 2006 CZ MAIL
  • READ THIS BEFORE BOATING IN RHODE ISLAND
  • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
  • REMINDERS & LINKS OF INTEREST


    • TWO MORE MMTA MEMBERS ACHIEVE
    MARINE INDUSTRY DEALERSHIP CERTIFICATION

    Two additional MMTA members' recently became certified under the Grow Boating Initiative's Marine Industry Dealership Certification program. Both newly-certified dealerships -- A to Z Boatworks of Scituate and Allen Harbor Marine Service of Harwich Port--participated in Marine Industry Dealership Certification Launch Workshops hosted by MMTA in January prior to earning their "certified" status.

    "These dealerships join the ranks of many others already aboard the dealership certification bandwagon," says Phil Keeter, president of the Marine Retailers Association of America. "The Marine Industry Dealership Certification status confirms their individual commitments to servicing customers in the best possible manner and improving the boating experience across the board."

    The dealer certification program was designed to address a critical issue limiting growth in the marine industry - customer service. An effective dealership certification program that provides consumer and dealer benefits is fundamental to the industry's Grow Boating Initiative, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Additional launch workshops are planned for the fall. Details will be posted shortly on www.growboating.org. For more information about the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, contact McAllister or visit http://www.GrowBoating.org/service.

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    WELLS YACHTS HONORED TO REPRESENT BAVARIA YACHT USA LINE

    Ann Stanley, President and Michael Conway, General Manager of Wells Yachts of Marblehead, MA decided several years ago that after 40 successful years in the boat retail sales industry, Wells Yachts could do even more for its loyal and growing client base.

    Following a comprehensive review of product lines and a search for the highest quality, Wells Yachts was thrilled with the opportunity to represent Bavaria Yacht USA's line of cruising and performance-cruiser sailboats.

    Bavaria prides itself on excellent quality, economic pricing and availability. Among several factors that stood out for Stanley and Conway was Bavaria's parts turnaround, which is generally a 24 hour window given the company's domestic warehouse in Annapolis, MD.

    "Bavaria Yachts shares the same customer service philosophy as Wells Yachts, which is 100% satisfaction. The company stands behind its product and we are proud Bavaria representatives," stated Michael Conway, General Manager.

    Wells Yachts is a full-service marina that includes inside and outside storage, trained and certified technicians and a retail store. For more information contact Ann Stanley (astanley@wellsyachts.com) or Mike Conway (info@wellsyachts.com) at 781-631-3003.

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    CONSIDERING MORE VESSEL STORAGE SPACE?
    FRUSTRATED WITH UNDERUTILIZED DESIGNATED PORT AREAS?
    FROM THE DESK OF JAMY B. MADEJA, MMTA LEGAL AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COUNSEL


    MMTA advocates for state policies and practices which advance recreational boating needs statewide. A critical shortage of slips and moorings and absence of adequate public access points to the water are among the many industry needs. A long-serving career staff person at the state Office of Coastal Zone Management has recently confirmed, in writing, that off-season storage of recreational vessels is definitely an allowed use, as of right, in Designated Port Areas, pursuant to the Chapter 91 regulations. Water-side berthing space in Designated Port Areas can also be occupied by recreational vessels "on a transient basis, as reflected in the important qualification in the [Chapter 91 regulations] for vessels awaiting service", which is interpreted by this particular staff person as meaning "awaiting service within hours or days, not weeks or months, and that the vessel is not in active use during the period of occupancy."

    MMTA is delighted with this potential for invigoration of underutilized Designated Port Areas, and sees room for still more progress regarding in-season racked boat storage of vessels on land, with in-out privileges associated with regular service contracts.

    Members should keep in mind that local zoning requirements do still apply. Designated Port Area status is in addition to local zoning, not instead of it.

    Interested members are welcome to contact Attorney Madeja at 617-227-8410 or jmadeja@buchananassociates.com.

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    VALVTECT SPONSORS NATIONAL MARINA DAY LONGEST CRUISER TROPHY

    ValvTect Marine Fuels is pleased to co-sponsor the 2006 National Marina Day program with the Association of Marina Industries by providing each participating marina with a ValvTect "Longest Cruiser" Trophy. This trophy can be awarded to the boater who has traveled the furthest to attend your National Marina Day event or to the boater who has cruised the furthest distance over the past year or other recipient of your choice.

    This trophy will be provided at no cost. We only request that you recognize ValvTect Marine Fuels as the sponsor of the trophy in your program along with the ValvTect Marine Fuel logo if possible. Please e-mail a request for an electronic ValvTect Marine Fuel logo to mferris@valvtect.com. To receive your trophy, please complete and fax (847-272-4260) the enclosed Order Form to our office by July 15th. The trophy will be shipped to you the first week in August. We thank you for participating in the 2006 National Marina Day program. We hope your event is successful and helps to promote boating and the important role your marina plays in your community.

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    DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING RADIOS
    ADD NEW SAFETY DIMENSION TO RECREATIONAL BOATING

    A new technology in marine (VHF) radio technology now gives recreational boaters with one of the new marine radios, a connected GPS and a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number (which is free) programmed into the radio to identify the vessel in cases of emergency.

    The MMSI is a unique nine (9) digit number that is assigned to a DSC radio station. If the boater has a valid Federal Communications Commission (FCC) station license or plans to operate in international waters they need to contact the FCC to get an MMSI. Otherwise, they can register with BoatU.S. by obtaining an MMSI Assignment form. Forms are available on the BoatU.S. Web site http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/ or by calling 1-800-563-1536. Registration is also available from Seatow (http://www.seatow.com).

    Some important points to consider are:
    • Each vessel you own needs to have a discrete MMSI to be properly identified.
    • The boater needs to keep their MMSI Assignment data current.
    DSC technology makes a VHF radio function more like a telephone. It allows boaters to send a digital call directly to another DSC equipped vessel or shore station. In an emergency, one push of a button and the DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification (MMSI), and position (if the radio is connected to a GPS or Loran unit) to other DSC equipped vessels and rescue facilities.

    As an additional benefit to boaters, makes it so you can also privately hail another DSC equipped vessel, or shore station, if you know their MMSI. It is similar to having a VHF phone number which "rings" the radio called and then automatically switches you to a pre-determined working channel. Rescue 21 is the Coast Guard system that will provide the May Day response capability described above. For more details on the Rescue 21 System and its availability in your area visit http://www.uscg.mil/rescue21

    The Global Maritime distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is the international system governing safety radio equipment on commercial ships. For more information on GMDSS visit http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/gmdssfaq

    The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, volunteer Component of Team Coast Guard who assist the active duty Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education. For more information, please visit: http://www.auxpa.org

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    Select Tidbits From July 2006 CZ-MAIL

    Shell fishing Areas Remain Closed Due to Red Tide Bloom - Due to the ongoing red tide bloom, many areas of state's coastal waters remain closed to the harvesting, sale, or possession of shellfish. For the latest information about the red tide bloom in Massachusetts, including a map of the open areas and a red tide information page, see the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries' (DMF) Website at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/psp_notice.htm#shelsani. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has posted a public health fact sheet about red tide.

    Flood Recovery Information Available - Help is available for those affected by May's record rainfall. For all the details about federal aid, flood recovery and cleanup tips, emergency contacts, and information about contributing to the flood relief, go to http://www.mass.gov/recovery. In addition, the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program has developed a report that provides details about the storm's impacts. See the report, May 2006 Extreme Rain Event and the Response of the Coastal Waters in the Massachusetts Bays System, at http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/pdf/springrains_2006.pdf.

    DEP eNewsletter - The Summer 2006 eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEP), which highlights DEP accomplishments, new regulations, upcoming public hearings, and the latest environmental enforcement actions, is now available online at http://mass.gov/dep/public/publications/enews.htm. To subscribe to future issues, go to http://mass.gov/dep/public/publications/sublist.htm.

    Neptune Draft EIS Available for Comment - The U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are seeking comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Neptune Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project to be located off Cape Ann in Massachusetts Bay. To submit comments, view the DEIS, the application, and associated documentation go to http://dms.dot.gov. Go to docket number 22611. Comments are due by July 17. The project is also being reviewed by the state as a Draft Environmental Impact Report. Comments may be submitted as part of that process on or before July 17 to: Secretary Stephen R. Pritchard EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office Briony Angus, EOEA No. 13641. 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114

    Buzzards Bay Wind Farm - A second wind farm has been formally proposed for waters off the Massachusetts coast. Patriot Renewables, LLC is proposing to construct 90-120 turbines in three areas of Buzzards Bay. As opposed to the Cape Wind project, referenced below, this proposal is entirely within state waters. The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office is seeking initial comments on the proposal. For more information, see the Environmental Notification Form submitted for the project at http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/060706em/13812.pdf. Comments should be submitted before July 31 to: Secretary Stephen R. Pritchard EOEA, Attn: MEPA Office Aisling Eglington, EOEA No. 13812 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 MMS Seeks Comments on Cape Wind - The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) has announced that it will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Cape Wind Offshore Energy Project-the proposal to construct an 130 turbine offshore wind park in Nantucket Sound. MMS is seeking comments prior to drafting the EIS. Review the proposal, submit comments, and get additional information at http://www.mms.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy/Projects.htm. Comments are due by July 14.

    Hurricane Season Is Upon Us - On June 1, the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season began. and once again a fairly active season is predicted. Updated predictions and the latest hurricane information are available on the NOAA National Hurricane Center Website. Go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Check out the CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit at http://www.mass.gov/czm/hurricanes.htm for detailed information about hurricanes, past and present, and how to prepare for an approaching storm. Also, the 2002 issue of Coastlines, CZM's annual magazine, focuses on hurricanes and the potential impacts to Massachusetts. See http://mass.gov/czm/coastlines/2002/index02.htm.

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    NOTICE TO BOATERS IN OR TRANSITING THROUGH RHODE ISLAND WATERS
    REGARDING RHODE ISLANDS NO-DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

    FROM: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management -- June 2006

    This revised notice summarizes Rhode Island's new No-Discharge Compliance Program, which took effect on June 1, 2006 after being modified by several important legislative changes. This notice updates and replaces prior notices on the program issued over the past year.

    Purpose of the Program
    The program is aimed at bolstering compliance with Rhode Island's No-Discharge Law by ensuring that all boaters have taken the steps necessary to prevent overboard discharges of sewage when operating or moored in Rhode Island waters.

    Applicability: The program applies to all boats with permanently installed marine toilets.

    Exemptions: There are three categories of boats that are exempt from the program:

    1. Boats with self-contained port-a-potties, or no toilet at all.

    2. Boats already subject to mandatory U.S. Coast Guard inspection, as demonstrated by a valid USCG-issued certificate of inspection.

    3. Transient boats that are operated or moored in RI waters for less than 30 days.
    Requirements: All boats subject to the program must obtain and display a decal issued by an authorized Certification Agent. Decals are issued after an inspection to verify that the boat is in compliance with RI's No-Discharge Law. All decals are valid for a period of four years.

    Effective Dates: The program has been operational since April 2006 and formally took effect on June 1, 2006. Yet, pursuant to one of the recent legislative changes, the penalty and enforcement provisions of the program will not take effect until June 1, 2007.

    Thus, all boats subject to the program now have until June 1, 2007 to get inspected.

    Notwithstanding this new deadline, all boaters are strongly encouraged to get their inspections done during the current boating season. Those choosing to wait until next spring may have to contend with workload delays during the busiest time of the year for marinas, harbormasters, and other certification agents. After June 1, 2007, any boat subject to the program that fails to display a decal may be subject to enforcement action, including a fine of up to $100.

    Inspection Fees: Certification agents may charge up to $35 per boat for each inspection and decal. For boats with more than one marine toilet, agents may charge up to $25 for each additional toilet.

    Inspection Process: The inspection process is essentially twofold: determining that each boat with a marine toilet has a proper MSD [Marine Sanitation Device], and determining that the MSD is properly configured and/or secured.

    1. Type of MSD - Every boat that has a permanently installed marine toilet must have a Type I, Type II, or Type III Marine Sanitation Device (MSD).

    2. Status of MSD - Boats that have a Type III MSD (i.e., holding tank) and no through-hull fitting that would allow the overboard discharge of sewage are automatically in compliance with RI's No-Discharge law. Such boats, upon inspection, are issued a green decal. Boats that have a Type I or Type II MSD, or a Type III MSD with a through-hull fitting that would allow the overboard discharge of sewage, must have their MSDs properly secured and/or configured to prevent a discharge whenever the boat is moored or operating in RI waters. Such boats, upon inspection, are issued a yellow decal.
    Obtaining an Inspection: Inspections must be performed by an authorized certification agent. A list of all such agents is available on DEM's website - http://www.dem.ri.gov - under "Timely Topics." The list will continue to be updated as more agents become authorized to conduct inspections.

      Additional Notes:

    • The delayed penalty and enforcement provisions, and the exemption categories, relate solely to the inspection program. All boats, including those that are exempt from the inspection pro-gram, are subject to the State's No-Discharge Law - in effect since 1998 - whenever they are in RI waters. As such, no boat, under any circumstances, is allowed to discharge boat sewage from any source into RI waters, irrespective of the provisions of the new inspection program.

    • As an option, any boats falling under any of the three exemption categories may still get inspected and obtain a decal if the owner or operator wishes to do so. So, for example, a boat with a self-contained port-a-potty can obtain a (green) decal, showing that it is in compliance with the State's No-Discharge Law, even though it is not subject to the decal requirement.

    • Municipalities may deny mooring permits for boats that have not been inspected, but they are under no obligation to do so. It is up to each city and town to decide how they want to handle this issue; it is no longer a state mandate.

    • Boaters are not required to maintain pump-out records. That former provision has been deleted from the program.
    Further Information: For further information on the program, go to DEM's website - dem.ri.gov - or contact Robert Ballou (Robert.Ballou@dem.ri.gov; 401-222-4700 x4420) or Maria Costa (Maria.Costa@dem.ri.gov; 401-222-4700 x2405)

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    MARINE INDUSTRY EVENT CALENDAR