BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!

Massasoit Community College Marine Technician Program Begins In Early September

Enrollment in Massasoit Community College's 350 Hour Marine Technician Program is a great opportunity for MMTA Members to invest in employees and which allows them to become more valuable to your organization by expanding their knowledge and skills.  Classes are held 2 nights per week and select weekends.  Now is the time to enroll: courses begin in early September.

Offered in partnership with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, the Marine Technician Program consists of 3 modules taught sequentially:  Fundamentals, Outboard Engines and Inboard Engines.  All three modules must be completed to successfully receive the industry recognized Marine Technician Certificate from the MMTA. 

The first module, Fundamentals, begins in September and provides a concise overview of the marine industry and working environment for technicians, marine tools and equipment, and safety training. Introduced are the basic principles of internal combustion engines, engine systems, and basic electricity, plus the theory of power generation. In addition, fuel, water, steering, electrical, lubrication, ventilation, ignition and instrumentation systems are presented, as well as basic trouble-shooting for each system. Also covered are Spring preparation and repair, Fall lay-up, trailering, yard equipment, and basic boat moving and handling. Instruction includes both lecture and hands-on training.

The second and third modules: Marine Technician Outboard Engines and Marine Technician Inboard Engines are offered the following semester. This program is approved for the State Workforce Training Fund Express Program. Companies with fewer than 50 employees who pay for an employee's training and meet other eligibility requirements can recoup 50% of the tuition cost for this course.

For More Information On Massasoit's Marine Technician Program Contact Dean Elaine Stewart at 781-821-2222 ext. 1560 or by e-mail at EStewart@massasoit.mass.edu or visit http://www.massasoit.mass.edu/acad_depts/certs/marine.cfm

Click Here For More Info on Massasoit's Marine Tech Program

AND SPEAKING OF EDUCATION….

A Refresher on the Allowable Uses of Massachusetts Marine Dealer Registration Plates

MMTA has learned of recent enforcement actions undertaken by the MA Environmental Police in the matter of the use of Marine Dealer Registration Plates.  Many MMTA members will recall rigorous enforcement of these (sometimes unclear) regulations in 2005.  MMTA succeeded through cooperation with the MA Env Police in receiving clarification on the dos and don't for Marine Dealer Registration Plates.  As distributed in 2005, we are including it again as a refresher….

ALL vessels on the waters of the Commonwealth, whether underway or at rest at a mooring or dock, MUST AT ALL TIMES display a temporarily affixed marine dealer registration placard and original registration card together with identification of the dealer name and location e.g. a For Sale sign with dealer/broker contact information.

1. It has been a commonly held belief that the only time the marine dealer registration placard had to be displayed was when the boat was actively being demonstrated or sea trialed. THIS IS AN INCORRECT ASSUMPTION. If your inventory "floats," it must at all times display the dealer placard, dealer identification and the original of the dealer registration in order to comply with the law that states every vessel on the waters of the Commonwealth shall be registered. There is no limitation on duration of time a "demonstration vessel" may be in the waters of the Commonwealth provided it properly displays dealer registration plates;

2. To accommodate the anticipated flurry of applications for additional marine dealer registration numbers to cover all floating inventory, EPO has reiterated that there is no limitation on the number of dealer plates issued per dealership provided the need is reasonably demonstrated and verifiable. For example, if you are a shore side dealer with an average of 40 boats in your inventory and up to 20 boats are on display in the water at any one time, you should request at least 20 dealer registration numbers for your dealership. If, on the other hand, you are an inland dealer that maintains inventory on land but may demonstrate or sea trial up to 3 vessels at one time, then you should have sufficient quantify to insure that all boats being demonstrated carry registration placards.

3. If you do not currently hold sufficient dealer registration placards to cover your inventory you should apply immediately for additional numbers for floating inventory. In the short term, if you require permission to transport multiple vessels at the same time under a single dealer registration, a form is available that may be faxed or mailed to the EPO notifying them that you are "caravanning" a fleet of boats to a particular event e.g. boat show, rendezvous, alternate sales location etc.

4. Environmental Police reminds MMTA members that displaying dealer placards on marina/boatyard workboats is an inappropriate use of dealer plates. Dealer plates are exclusively reserved for those vessels being demonstrated for sales promotional purposes and should not be affixed to marina capital equipment. If you have a workboat, towboat or similar vessel, it should be registered and titled just like any other machinery or vehicle you employ in the course of doing business.

Download Info on MA Dealer Plate Use By Clicking Here:

RSVP TODAY FOR SEP 6 MEETING/MEMBER SOCIAL

The Officers and Directors of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association
 Request The Pleasure of Your Company At The
 2007 Member Social & Nominating Meeting
 on Thursday, September 6th
$35 Per Person Donation Includes
Dinner, Libations, Parking, Lovely View and the Guitar of Greg Paul

6 PM TO 9 PM at
Skyline At Marina Bay
305 Victory Road North Quincy, MA

Guests and Prospective Members Are Always Welcome 

MMTA has extended special invitations to Massachusetts Senator Michael W. Morrissey (MMTA's 2006 Senate Legislator of the Year) and to Massachusetts Representative Bruce J. Ayers who each represent the Norfolk district that includes Marina Bay.  PLEASE plan to join us on September 6th to welcome Senator Morrissey and Representative Ayers to an evening with Massachusetts' Marine Industry.


Need Another Reason To Join Us?

MMTA Member Marina Bay On Boston Harbor Will Host A Pressure Wash Water Recovery System Demonstration of the Electro Pulse system manufactured by OilTrap Environmental Inc. which represents a major advancement in marina wash water treatment using electro coagulation (EC), a revolutionary electrical-based technology for effectively treating wash water economically and on-site. 

Pressure Wash Demonstration begins Thursday at 5:30 PM
in the Marina Bay Travelift area behind the Marina Office. 

The ElectroPulse system, manufactured by OilTrap Environmental Inc., represents a major advancement in marina wash water treatment using electro coagulation (EC), a revolutionary electrical-based technology for effectively treating wash water economically and on-site. The EC system removes a broad range of contaminants including bottom-paint, heavy metals, emulsified oil & grease, TPH, and suspended solids; where other treatment systems (i.e. chemical treatment, filtration, evaporation, etc.,) are either ineffective or expensive to operate and maintain. Wash water treated by the OilTrap ElectroPulse system is guaranteed to be of a quality that can be reused or discharged to the sanitary sewer.  Packaged with on-board automation, the system is fully automated reducing maintenance. When comparing other types of treatment systems, operator labor is reduced by up to 95%, creating significant savings.

Access information on the Electro Pulse system by clicking here:
http://www.boatma.com/pdf/Miscellaneous/OilTrap%20ElelctroPulse%20Marina%20Product.pdf

Click Here to RSVP for the September 6th MMTA Event:

LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS AT MA EOEEA

NEW COMMISSIONER OF MA DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: LAURIE BURT

Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Secretary Ian Bowles announced on July 20, 2007 that he has appointed Laurie Burt, founder of the environmental law practice at the Boston firm of Foley Hoag LLP, as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

"I am excited to join the Patrick Administration and take on the challenge of environmental protection in Massachusetts," said Burt. "DEP is a vital state agency, charged with protecting the quality of our air, water, and land through vigorous enforcement of our environmental laws. It is also a critical agency in terms of ensuring that development takes place in a way that preserves our natural resources. I hope to set a new standard for both environmental protection and regulatory efficiency." 

Burt takes office September 4.  Continue reading about Massachusetts new DEP Commissioner, Laurie Burt, by clicking here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/press/pressreleases/072007_burt.pdf

To Visit EOEEA Press Releases, Click Here:

NO DISCHARGE AREAS SPREADING

As anticipated, more Massachusetts communities are considering applying to the EPA to have their coastal regions designated as No Discharge Areas.  Recently the City of Boston in partnership with adjacent cities and towns announced its intention to apply for such designation.  Now is a good time to become more familiar with No Discharge Areas and what NDAs mean for your facility and your customers. MA Office of Coastal Zone Management summarizes what NDAs mean for all of us. Below are excerpts from the MA CZM website: 

No Discharge Area (NDA) Definition
A No Discharge Area, or NDA, is a designated body of water in which the discharge of ALL boat sewage, even if it is treated, is prohibited. A body of water can become an NDA if a community or state believes that the waters are ecologically and recreationally important enough to deserve further protection than that provided by current Federal and State laws.

Federal Law prohibits the discharge of untreated sewage from vessels within all navigable waters of the U.S., including coastal waters (within three miles of shore). Boats with functioning Type I and Type II Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) may discharge treated effluent in coastal waters UNLESS they are in an NDA. A Type III MSD or "holding tank" is the only type that can be used legally within an NDA.

The CZM Website Linked below contains more information about:  NDA's in Massachusetts; What to Do When Boating in NDA Waters; NDA Enforcement & Authority; How an NDA Gets designated; CZM's Role & Why NDAs are Important...

Click Here To Learn More About NDA's in Massachusetts

CLEAN VESSEL ACT & NO DISCHARGE AREAS

The Massachusetts Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program has been administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries since 1994. It is built around two basic principles: making pumpouts both free and convenient. One of the first states to provide free pumpout facilities for recreational boaters through the Act, Massachusetts has put more pumpout boats in service than any other state. In 1998, in recognition of enlightened and innovative implementation of the CVA program, the States Organization for Boating Access awarded Massachusetts a "State CVA Excellence Award."

Use of our pumpouts benefits public health and the sensitive fisheries resources and habitats of the Commonwealth.  Passed by Congress to help reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges - CVA provides an opportunity for states to apply for funds (25% recipient/75% federal) for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of boat pumpout and waste reception facilities at both public and private marinas. For the 2007 Boater's Guide to Tides & Pumpout Facilities visit: http://www.mass.gov/czm/potoc.htm 

Click on the Link Below For More information on Massachusetts' Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program including specifics on:

Pumpout Stations                                             CVA Program Brochure 
CVA pumpout grant application                          CVA billing instructions 
CVA invoice checklist and submittal form            CVA pumpout log 
Daily narrative report & affidavit

Click Here to Link to DMF's Website on CVA

BIG APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program, begun in 2001, is a two – tiered program that is paid for with funds that come from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund and is administered through the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The funds result from a Federal excise tax on fishing equipment, trolling motors, import duties on boats and motorboat fuels.

The Sport Fish Restoration Account has financed many programs that have helped people enjoy our state's aquatic resources over the years. They include hundreds of publicly owned launch ramps and fishing piers and the Clean Vessel Act, which pays for pumpout boats and stations that provide free service and improved water quality. The latest effort, BIG, will facilitate boaters with larger, non-trailerable boats to travel from port to port in Commonwealth waters and find safe and reliable access to its historic, cultural, recreational and natural resources.

Tier I - An annual maximum of $100,000 is available to each applying state under the Tier I portion of the BIG Program. Tier I is designed for smaller projects that add transient boating infrastructure to an area and has the advantage of using a more streamlined regional approval process. Selected projects must still be authorized by USFWS. Awarded federal funds can be used to reimburse up to 75% of the approved project costs. The remaining "matching" funds must come from the grant recipient.

Tier II - The remainder of the Federal BIG Program annual funding is typically awarded to larger projects under Tier II. Tier II projects that qualify at the state level are then competitively judged at the national level. Top scoring projects are awarded and eligible for funding status by the USFWS. Please note that while both tiers of the BIG Program are very competitive; the level of national competition within Tier II is especially high. Successful projects are of a superior nature and are submitted with very thorough applications. To be competitive in Tier II, we recommend that even the best projects be submitted with a substantial percentage of matching dollars. Both Tier I and Tier II projects will have to go through all the standard permitting processes (federal, state, and local) that they would be obliged to do for any privately or locally funded project.

The next (FY 2008) application deadline is September 15, 2007

Click Here for Information on How to apply for a Boating Infrastructure Grant:

NATIONAL MARINA DAY WRAPS UP ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Marinas across the country joined together Saturday, August 11 to observe the sixth annual National Marina Day (NMD), a nationwide celebration produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) that celebrates the role America's marinas play as gateways to boating and stewards of the environment.  See future MMTA ENews for detailed reports from participating Massachusetts Marinas.  

NMD festivities this year included: Facility tours for local elected officials; environmental demonstrations; charity fundraisers; youth centered events; new boat demos; boating safety demonstrations; marina open houses; and speeches in support of boating and marinas by local candidates for office. In 2008, National Marina Day will be celebrated on August 9.

Click Here National Marina Day Information

TREASURE, TIDBITS & TIDINGS

SUPPORT THE OFFICIAL VESSEL OF THE COMMONWEALTH! HELP THE ERNESTINA SAIL AGAIN! 

MMTA received notice of a special event from a volunteer working to make the Schooner Ernestina fit for sailing once again.  The Schooner Ernestina, a 113- year old, 2-masted schooner is the Official Vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a National Historic Landmark.  To focus attention on Ernestina's refit needs, a special event will be on Saturday August 25, 2007 at the State Pier in New Bedford. 

There will be a commemorative ceremony featuring the Cape Verdean Consul General to the U.S., Congressman Barney Frank, State Senator Mark Montigny, State Rep. Antonio Cabral, and other distinguished guests, multi-cultural food, a Cape Verdean sea chantey chorus, onboard tours and special activities.

Date:                            Saturday, August 25, 2007
Event:                           Celebration of the Gifting of the Schooner Ernestina from the Republic of Cape Verde
Time:                            11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location:                      State Pier, Downtown New Bedford, MA.
Admission:                    FREE and open to the public
Contact:                        Schooner Ernestina Commission (T) 508-992-4900

CONFERENCE CREATIVITY WANTED!

At the direction of Conference Committee Chairman, Ed Lofgren, MMTA Staff and Volunteers will soon convene to plan the 2008 MMTA Professional Development Conference to be held Tuesday, January 29th at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy.  The date has been moved later in January to accomodate members schedules around the 2008 New England Boat Show which will be held January 12-20. 

MMTA and the '08 Conference Committee Welcomes YOUR Creativity and Ideas.  To make this year's program even better, we ask you to share your ideas for what you would like to learn more about.  Share with us what you liked from last year and how it may be improved. 

Do you know a terrific, affordable speaker? 
Do you have ideas for light lunch entertainment? 
A suggestion for someone we could approach to be a sponsor?  
Would you be willing to volunteer to participate in the planning of the conference? 
Would you serve as a Conference Ambassador? 

If so, by all means, send us your thoughts and suggestions by clicking on the link below.  This is YOUR conference: help us to make it the best it can be.

Click here to Volunteer or Send Conference Ideas

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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 -Waterfront Ballroom 0830 -1000 hrs
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
Marriott Hotel - Quincy MA

Click Here for the 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