LAST CALL: SEPTEMBER 6TH MEMBER SOCIAL & NOMINATING MEETING

You've had a busy summer and fall will be here before you know it.  Come and join us for a fun evening at Marina Bay.  Meet some new folks, catch up with others.  The final catering count is due – so don't miss it – RSVP today! 

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 From 6 PM TO 9 PM
$35 Per Person Donation Includes
Dinner, Libations, Parking, Lovely View and the Guitar of Greg Paul
 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. Demonstration begins Thursday at 5:30 PM in the Marina Bay Travelift area behind the Marina Office. 

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 TO THE SEP 6 MEETING & SOCIAL

NEWS FROM NMMA

EPA FLOODED WITH COMMENTS AFTER ANNOUNCING BALLAST WATER BOAT PERMITTING SCHEME

NMMA thanks all of its members and the boating community who took the time recently to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency's request for information on developing a new permit program for vessels under the Clean Water Act stemming from the September 2006 U.S. District Court ruling that will now require permits for recreational boat engine cooling water, gray water, bilge water, and common deck runoff. EPA has told NMMA that they have received nearly 1,200 comments, the majority of which were submitted by affected industries or boaters.

At the behest of NMMA, legislation has been introduced in Congress to enshrine into law the exemption for recreational boaters that the court struck down. The legislation, H.R. 2550, the Recreational Boating Act of 2007, is responsible, straight forward legislation that would make the permitting exemption for recreational boats permanent without hampering efforts to address commercial shipping ballast water discharges that introduce aquatic invasive species into U.S. waters.

US HOUSE PASSES ENERGY BILL

In a rare Saturday session hours before it adjourned for the August recess the House of Representatives approved comprehensive energy legislation, H.R. 3221. The final version of the legislation included an amendment NMMA had sought related to mid-grade ethanol fuel blends. The amendment would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take the necessary steps to ensure that gasoline mixed with higher blends of ethanol (e.g. E-20) is not introduced into commerce unless the agency determines that the fuel will not damage recreational marine engines and boat components or contribute to air pollution.

Currently under the Clean Air Act, a state's petition to EPA for a waiver to introduce a new fuel is deemed automatically granted if EPA does not act on the petition within 180 days of its submission, "even in the absence of EPA action, public comment, or consideration of the petition's merits." This bipartisan good-government modification was originally offered as an amendment to the bill on June 28 by Representatives John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) and Charlie Melancon (D-La.) and it passed unanimously in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
H.R. 3221 also includes NMMA-backed language requiring EPA to conduct a comprehensive study of the implications of mid-level ethanol blends on recreational marine engines, recreational boats, and boating equipment. NMMA worked with BoatU.S. and a coalition of other organizations on this matter to protect the interests of boat manufacturers, the boating consumer, and the environment.

Click Here To Visit NMMA's Grassroots Website BoatBlue

NEW DOCUMENTATION RULE ISSUED BY USCG

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has streamlined its Vessel Documentation regulations to make it easier to submit copies of certain documents. The USCG has issued a direct final rule that will eliminate the requirement to provide certain original documents, such as bills of sale and mortgages, to the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) and eliminate the additional fee for filing by facsimile. The rule will come into effect on October 31, unless adverse comments are received before October 1.

Please click here for more information on New USCG Doc Rule:

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR MARINA OF THE YEAR

Marina Dock Age is searching for the best marina in the country for our 2007 Marina of the Year award. The award will go to the marina that rates highest in terms of:

Environmental responsibility - Customer satisfaction - Commitment to employees and the community

Past Marina Of The Year Winners Include: 

2006 : Port of Edmonds (Edmonds, Wash)
2005 : Charleston City Marina (Charleston, South Carolina)
2004 : MacRay Harbor (Lake St. Clair,Michigan)
2003 : Port Annapolis, Maryland and Harbour Town (Dania Beach, Florida)
2002 : Strong's Marine (Long Island, NY)
2001 : Halifax Harbor Marina (Daytona Bch, FL) and Osprey Marina (Myrtle Bch, SC)
2000 : Dog River Marina Complex (Mobile, Ala)
1999 : Lamb's Yacht Center (Jacksonville, FL)
1998 : Haven Harbour (Rock Hall, Md.)   


NOW IT'S NEW ENGLAND'S TURN:  Entries must be received by December 1, 2006.

Click Here To Nominate A Marina Of The Year

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH! 

Submitted From the Mizzen Mast…By Captain Jenny Flint

Each year on Talk Like a Pirate Day, everyone talks as if they were a pirate. It's the only day you can talk like a pirate and not be totally insane.  For instance, instead of saying something like this:

The committee has decided to reallocate your time to the filing group. We look forward to the exciting new synergies between these departments.

You would say this:

AYE MATEY, THOSE SCALAWAGS IN THEIR FINE BREECHES WANT YE' TO MOVE O'ER WITH THE SCURVY DOGS YONDER. IF YE' DON'T COME BACK WITH SOME FINE BOOTY, WE BE KEELHAULIN' YOU NEXT MORN!

While not as popular as Christmas or Arbor Day (yet), Talk Like a Pirate Day is a recognized and heartily celebrated international holiday. On September 19th, people awake transformed: their voices deeper, their usual pedestrian walk replaced by a seaman's swagger, and whenever they speak, they speak with the voice of a pirate.

If you're not ready yet, you can learn more about this international holiday at: The Talk Like A Pirate Day website at which you can Practice Pirate Phrases, Use The Pirate Talk Translator, Discover YOUR Pirate Name and find local Talk Like A Pirate Day events.  After All you don't want to be handed the BlackSpot* when the holiday is over!

PS:  *A pirate is presented with a "black spot" to officially pronounce a verdict of guilt or judgment. It consists of a circular piece of black paper or card placed in the hand of the accused. Also, a black circle may be drawn on the paper or cloth. It was a source of much fear because it meant the pirate will be executed. Captain Jack Sparrow received a form of the black spot on his hand from Davey Jones but it's more like a shellfish attached to his hand.

Click Here Talk Like A Pirate!

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 accommodate 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 
Boating Infrastructure Grant Application Deadline
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/projectbig.htm#big

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