ATTENTION ALL MMTA MEMBERS

MMTA has learned that the Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 Conducted Unannounced Compliance Inspections at two facilities in South Coastal MA last week. 

Preliminary reports are inspections were comprehensive, took 4-5 hours and focused on marina/boatyard environmental compliance in the areas of Storm water Management Planning and Permitting, Pressure Wash water Recovery and Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures. 

The Marine Industry Clearly Remains On EPA's Industry Watch List

MMTA has always stressed the critical importance of members' environmental and safety compliance.  Last Year EPA stepped up enforcement efforts in Rhode Island which led to initially six figure fines and supplemental project mandates. EPA Region 1 has now conducted surprise inspections at two Massachusetts facilities. MMTA urges you to regularly and diligently review your environmental, safety and disposal compliance.  The fines and penalties assessed by regulators for non compliance may one day jeopardize your business. 

For Information, links and advice search the MMTA Electronic News Archive using the keywords EPA or environment, Clean Water Act, RCRA or pressure wash. 

Be sure to review the short guidance document prepared by MMTA's Government Relations/Legal Counsel, Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq. regarding visits from government officials.  Ms. Madeja has specialized in environmental law for over 15 years, including four overseeing environmental enforcement for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She is also available to all MMTA members for an initial phone call, without charge to your facility, should you have a specific inquiry or concern.  She may be contacted by email at Jmadeja@buchananassociates.com or at 617-227-8410.

Access the Do's and Don'ts For Visits By Regulators by Clicking Here:

CAN YOU HELP?

MMTA Member Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology located in Boston is seeking a portable, wheeled outboard engine rack that will accommodate six (6) or more outboard engines up to 70 HP. 

This engine rack is urgently needed as soon as possible for the Marine Technology Program at BFIT.  If you can help provide equipment or know someone who can, please send an email to MMTA Education Chairman, Ed Lofgren at erl@3amarine.com 

Send An Email About Engine Rack By Clicking Here:

MASSASOIT'S SEPTEMBER MARINE TECH PROGRAM ENROLLING NOW

Click Here to Send an Email to Dean Stewart To Enroll

ABANDONED VESSEL LEGISLATION UPDATE

To Read the Text of House Bill 3781, Click Here:

BOATING INDUSTRY UNVEILS GROUND-BREAKING DEVICE TO MEASURE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MARINAS

Online Tool Generates Useful Customized Local, Regional and National Data

Several organizations within the U.S. recreational boating industry unveiled today the Online Boating Economic Impact Tool, the nation's only web-based means for estimating the economic impact of marinas across the country.  An interactive system designed to understand boater spending and provide estimates of the overall economic impact existing and planned marinas can have on a local, regional and national level, the Tool can also be used to estimate the impact of the potential loss of marinas. 

The Recreational Marine Research Center (RMRC) developed and maintains the Tool on behalf of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), Great Lakes Commission (GLC), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  It can be accessed at no charge at www.MarinaEconomics.com.

Click Here to Read More About the New Online Survey Tool:

CAFÉ DEBATE CLOSELY WATCHED BY MARINE INDUSTRY

CAFÉ – Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard – Debate in Washington DC Has Broad Implications for Recreational Marine Industry.  On July 25th the Marine Retailers Association of America sent the following comment letter to the US Congress….

Dear Member of Congress:

We understand Congress may begin debate on proposed increases to CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards for automobiles, light trucks and SUVs shortly.  Members of the Marine Retailers Association of America have long strongly supported a clean water and air environment to enhance the boating and fishing experience, but are seriously concerned about the potential effects of significant increases to CAFE on recreation, especially boating, fishing and camping.

Today about 80% of the boats sold are less than 26 feet and are towed to nearby lakes and rivers where families enjoy recreation in and on the water.  The Coast Guard estimates about 75 million Americans enjoy boating as the primary form of family recreation and many more also like to fish from their boat.  The only vehicles available to tow these boats are light trucks and SUVs.

We are very concerned that an increase in CAFE to the levels already passed in the Senate and being considered in the House will result in many unfortunate consequences not only to the nation's economy and the auto industry, but specifically to our industry as auto manufacturers downsize weight, torque and horsepower to meet the new standards.  We expect the price of SUVs and light trucks to go up by around $8,000.00 per vehicle putting them beyond the financial reach of many middle class Americans.  In addition, without vehicles to safely tow boats, we foresee significant increases in business closings of marine businesses and unemployment that will far exceed the onerous effects of the luxury tax on boats passed by Congress in the early 1990s.

As you consider efforts to increase CAFE, we ask you to remember our concerns and support efforts to establish performance differences and towing capabilities in light trucks.  This is a complex issue that has many ramifications that go far beyond an important interest to curb global warming.  Our nation's financial future may also be at risk.  Remember relatively small increases in CAFE in the past have removed the safe towing capacity of 99% of today's passenger cars. 

Light trucks and SUVs are all we have left to provide safe family transportation and towing ability to preserve recreational boating.

MA MARINE TRADES SPONSORS COASTSWEEP 2007

From The Desk Of Nathalie Grady, MMTA Public Affairs Director: 

Massachusetts boasts 1,500 miles of saltwater coastal and 2,700 miles of inland waterways.  Our vast natural resources are the very heart of the recreational marine trades and recreational boating community.  Given the benefits gained from our geographic assets, we must be reminded from time to time that they are dependent on our protection.  One of the many ways to improve the condition of the waterways is to participate in a

COASTSWEEP 2007 kicks off September 15 and continues throughout September and October. 

Each year thousands of COASTSWEEP volunteers take to the Commonwealth's coastlines, ocean bottoms and riverbanks to remove trash and marine debris. Collection information becomes part of the Ocean Conservancy's international effort to understand and ultimately reduce marine pollution.    Dumping can restrict and alter the natural water flow, impacting the vegetation, marine life, and ecological functions of an area. Hard as it is for most boaters to imagine, our waterways are often victim to our passion.

In 2006 COASTSWEEP volunteers collected waste ranging from toilets to fishing nets to the ever present cigarette butts.  While boats are certainly not the source of all trash that washes ashore, they can easily be part of the solution.  As COASTSWEEP celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2007, organizers are looking to increase the number of sites cleaned.  Financial donations are welcome as are in kind donations such as organizing a clean up near your facility or providing boat access for volunteers to reach less accessible areas.
 
CURIOUS 2006 COASTSWEEP CLEANUPS

Plum Island, Newburyport: 6,520 pounds of debris, including a wooden foot, a wooden step ladder, a child's plastic slide, five tires, a refrigerator, and lobster traps containing dead lobsters.

Long Beach, Gloucester and Rockport: 55 pounds of debris, including a dead seagull tangled in fishing line.
 
Constitution Beach, East Boston: 130 pounds of debris, including a baseball trophy
 
Crane's Beach, Ipswich: 1,300 pound of debris, including foam, plastic bags, and cigarette filters.
 
World's End and Nantasket Beaches, Hull: 433 pounds of debris
 
Duxbury Beach, Duxbury and Pembroke: 2,160 pounds of debris, including  a Duraflame log, a butane fuel container, and commercial fishing gear.

Long Beach, Plymouth:  250 pounds of debris, including lobster claw bands, a speaker, a mirror, and a decapitated seal.

Mystic River Banks, Medford: 110 bags of debris, including a toilet and a mattress.
 
Several South Coast and Cape Cod Beaches: 17,583 pounds of debris!

COASTSWEEP is organized by the Office of Coastal Zone Management and the Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts Boston.  All gloves, bags, and other clean-up supplies will be provided.  For more information about getting involved, please contact Nathalie Grady at nathalie.grady@boatma.com or 978-808-1408.

To Get Involved Or To Support Coastsweep 2007, Click Here:

MMTA MEETING AND MEMBER SOCIAL SEPTEMBER 6

THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION
CORDIALLY INVITE MEMBERS & GUESTS 
TO DINNER, MUSIC & LIBATIONS DOCKSIDE
AT THE 2007 MEMBER SOCIAL AND NOMINATING MEETING

THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 6TH
6 PM TO 9 PM
AT
SKYLINE AT MARINA BAY
305 Victory Road
North Quincy, MA

Guests and Prospective Members Are Always Welcome But Space Is Limited
Make Your Reservation By Clicking Here:  http://www.boatma.com/mmtaevents
Or Complete & Return The Reservation Form Sent In The Mail

Need Another Reason To Join Us?  

Marina Bay On Boston Harbor Will Host A
Pressure Wash Water Recovery System Demonstration
Before the Member Social Beginning At 5:30 PM. 

Click Here For Printed Invitation & Driving Directions:

DON'T MISS BOATING INDUSTRY'S WHITE PAPER: HOW TO THRIVE

When the economy is booming and boats seemingly sail out of the dealership, it's easy to forget the trials and tribulations that preceded this period of prosperity.

Like most retail channels, the marine industry is cyclical. But the huge investment in inventory and staff required to run a successful dealership can turn sour when the economy isn't so hot, as many dealers are finding out. Reactionary measures may sustain a dealer in the short-term but aren't likely to help in the long run.

Boating Industry spoke with top consultants and industry experts to get their take on surviving and thriving during all economic conditions. Although the experts vary widely among their positions in the industry, a number of common themes emerged from their responses.

Most involve sticking to one's business plan while looking for quality growth opportunities in closely related areas, concentrating on marketing and advertising, taking a critical look at each employee should layoffs need to happen, asking manufacturers for help with customer appreciation functions and taking steps to move older inventory.

Now's not the time to panic. Now's the time to heed the advice of experts and refocus your efforts on your dealership.

To download the white paper created from these discussions, click here

TIP FROM OUR FRIENDS AT RI MARINE TRADES

Greetings!
 
Lifting materials often poses a hazard.  OSHA's alliance partner, Material Handling Industry of America, has created a topic page on hoists -see link below. 

It has several fact sheets that might be useful. http://www.mhia.org/psc/psc_cmaa_hmi_mma_osha.cfm
 
Also you might want to check out this OSHA topic page:  http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/products/topics/basicsteel/index.html 

NATIONAL MARINA DAY UPDATE

ONE WEEK TO GO TO NATIONAL MARINA DAY!

Begin to place fliers and signage publicizing your celebration around your marina.  Use the logos provided to enhance the fliers and/or signage you decide to produce. 

Send the National Marina Day Sample News Release to your local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. Call everyone you send releases and alert them that the release is on the way.  Then call after you've sent the releases to follow-up, making sure they have been received, and answer any questions members of the press might have about your event.

August 10, 2007, the Day Before National Marina Day: Call all the media outlets you sent the National Marina Day Sample News Release to and remind them that your event is being held the next day, and invite them to cover the celebration.

August 11, 2007, National Marina Day: Deliver to your employees the Sample Salute to Employees at or shortly before your event.  Also conduct the facility tours you've scheduled for local elected officials.  Finally, have fun and enjoy the day!

For more information contact MMTA's Nathalie Grady at 978.808.1408 or by email at Nathalie.Grady@boatma.com

Click Here to Visit HQ for National Marina Day

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, August 11, 2007                     
National Marina Day
www.marinaassociation.org/nmd

Thursday, September 6th 2007
MMTA General Meeting & Social
Skyline @ Marina Bay On Boston Harbor, North Quincy
www.boatma.com/mmtaevents

Saturday, September 15, 2007                  
COASTSWEEP 2007
http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu/index.html

Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Marine Straddlelift & Forklift Training
Burr Brothers Boats, Marion MA
http://www.abbra.org/training_meot.rml?

Friday, September 28th 2007
MMTA Annual Meeting Breakfast
Seaport World Trade Center
In Conjunction With the 9th Annual Boston International In Water Boat Show

February 18 - 20, 2008
Conference On Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
http://www.comitt.org

Tuesday, January 29th 2008
MMTA 3rd Annual
Professional Development Conference
Location To Be Determined
Want To Jon The 2007 Conference Committee?  Send An EM to Leona.Roach@BoatMA.com

Click Here for the All NEW Marine Trades Calendar

MMTA LINKS OF INTEREST

Marine Trades Links

2007 MA Shrinkwrap Recycling Program: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/index.html
Boater Information Pipeline Signup:http://www.boatma.com/boatersenewssignupform.html
MA Marine Industry Careers: http://www.boatma.com/education.html
Advertise @ BoatMA.com: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/banneradinfo.html
Link to Archived ENews: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/archivednl.html
CZM Marina Workshop Presentations: http://www.boatma.com/czmworkshops/presentations

Navigation & Boating Safety

Massachusetts Tides: www.boatma.com/tides/index.html
MA Boater Safety & Education: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/boatrvsafe.htm
National Association of State Boating Law Administrators: www.nasbla.org
Trailering Guide: http://www.boatma.com/pdf/Forms%20and%20Applications/Trailering%20Guide%202007.pdf 
US Coast Guard NavCenter Notice To Mariners: www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm
US Coast Guard 1st District Boston: www.uscg.mil/d1
US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration: www.noaa.gov
US NOAA Charts: www.chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov

Government & Regulatory

MA Coastal Zone Management: www.mass.gov/czm
MA Department of Environmental Protection: www.mass.gov/dep
MA Find Your Elected Representatives: www.wheredoivotema.com
MA Legislation: www.mass.gov/legis
MA Office of Fishing & Boating Access: www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab
MA Office of Technical Assistance: www.mass.gov/envir/ota
MA Official Website of the Commonwealth of MA: www.mass.gov
MA Workforce Development: www.mass.gov/dwd
US EPA-Region 1: www.epa.gov/region1
US Occupational Safety & Health Administration: www.osha.gov
Boating Infrastructure Grants: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/projectbig.htm#big
Clean Vessel Act Grants:  http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/cvabig.htm#cva


New England Sales & Titling

MA Department of Revenue: www.mass.gov/dor
MA Boat Registration & Titling: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle
ME Boat Registration: www.maine.gov/ifw/rv/boatlaws.htm
NH Boat Registration: www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/ss/marinepatrol
RI Boat Registration: www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/manserv/hfb
VT Boat Registration: www.aot.state.vt.us/dmv/REGISTRATION/Motorboats/MOTORBOATS.htm
USCG Vessel Documentation Center: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/vdoc/nvdc.htm

Marine Industry Links

ABBRA: American Boat Builders & Repairer?s Assn: www.abbra.org
ABYC: American Boat & Yacht Council: www.abycinc.org
AMI: Association of Marina Industries: www.marinaassociation.org
AMTECH: Association of Marine Technicians: www.am-tech.org
Discover Boating: www.discoverboating.com
Grow Boating ? Rising Tide Campaign: www.growboating.org
MRAA: Marine Retailers Association of America: www.mraa.com
NMMA: National Marine Manufacturer?s Association: www.nmma.org

MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT: Click Here