The January 29, 2008 MMTA Conference, The Business of Boating in Massachusetts, is shaping up to be the largest and best attended Massachusetts Marine Industry Conference ever.  The curriculum has been expanded to FOUR tracks encompassing Operations, Administration, Customer Service and Sales- Marketing.  With 20 workshops to choose from plus the Marine Industry Best Practices Panel moderated by John Lockwood, this is a day NOT TO BE MISSED!

In addition to a who’s who of the regional marine industry, special invited guests for 2008 include:  Laurie Bert, Commissioner of MA DEP, Leslie Ann McGee, Director of MA CZM, MA Senate President Therese Murray and a long, long list of distinguished speakers from near and far. 

Space is limited to the first 300 registrations - Be sure to register today!  
Hundreds of your colleagues have already registered � Have You?
MMTA members save $25 per person if registered on or before December 31!

FROM THE DESK OF JAMY BUCHANAN MADEJA, ESQ.
Buchanan & Associates, MMTA Government Relations & Legal Counsel

The Coast Guard, in collaboration with NOAA, is conducting a Port Access Route Study (PARS) on the area east and south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to include the northern right whale habitat, mandatory ship reporting system area, and the Great South Channel including Georges Bank out to the exclusive economic zone boundary.

The area of study is bounded to the west by a line drawn at longitude 070° W; bounded to the north by a line drawn at latitude 43°00� N; bounded to the east by the boundary of the exclusive economic zone; and bounded to the south by a line drawn at latitude 40° 30� N.

The purpose of the PARS is to analyze potential vessel routing measures that might help reduce ship strikes with the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale while minimizing any adverse effects on vessel operations. The recommendations of the study will inform the Coast Guard and may lead to appropriate international actions.

Public participation and comments are requested through the Federal Register/Vol. 72, No.222 dated Monday, November 19, 2007. Comments must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before January 18, 2008.

On November 14, 2007 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new rule clarifying the employer/employee responsibilities for payment of personal protective equipment (PPE). The final rule requires employers to pay for almost all personal protective equipment that is required by OSHA’s general industry, construction, and maritime standards. Employers already pay for approximately 95% of these types of PPE.

This action creates a clear and consistent policy across OSHA’s standards, reducing confusion about the items for which employers are required to pay, and it reduces workplace injury, illness, and death - OSHA estimates that the rule will result in 21,000 fewer injuries per year. The final rule does not create new requirements regarding what PPE employers must provide. It does not require payment for uniforms, items worn to keep clean or other items that are not PPE.

The final rule contains exceptions for certain ordinary protective equipment, such as safety-toe footwear, prescription safety eyewear, everyday clothing and weather-related gear, and logging boots. The final rule also clarifies OSHA’s intent regarding employee-owned PPE, and replacement PPE:

It provides that, if employees choose to use PPE they own, employers will not need to reimburse the employees for the PPE. The standard also makes clear that employers cannot require employees to provide their own PPE and the employee’s use of PPE they already own must be completely voluntary. Even when an employee provides his or her own PPE, the employer must ensure that the equipment is adequate to protect the employee from hazards at the workplace. It also requires that the employer pay for replacement PPE used to comply with OSHA standards. However, when an employee has lost or intentionally damaged PPE, the employer is not required to pay for its replacement.

The rule provides an enforcement deadline of six months from the date of publication to allow employers time to change their existing PPE payment policies to comply with the final rule.

This new tool was recently developed by EPAs Marina Assistance Team and Center for Environmental Industry and Technology.  It was designed to help marina owners identify technologies that can help them control boat pressure wash water. Companies who have their technologies listed have applied and met certain criteria which are noted on the website. Currently, there are five technology listings and in the upcoming weeks EPA anticipates adding more.

There is also important information on the website for viewers to note which include the following:

The technology descriptions contained on this site including, but not limited to, information on technology applications, performance, limitations, benefits and costs have been provided directly by the vendors. No attempt was made to examine, screen or verify company or technology information. Therefore, EPA has not confirmed the accuracy or legal adequacy of any disclosures, product performance or other information provided by the companies and used by EPA in this web site.

EPA has not evaluated the environmental compliance status or history of the companies that have technologies listed on CEIT. EPA has not evaluated or verified statements made on this site pertaining to compliance with federal, state or local regulations, standards, permits or other requirements. The inclusion of companies and their products in this database does not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by the EPA.

The new Boat Pressure Wash Control Technology Virtual Trade Show offers an important benefit for the marine industry by providing marina owners an opportunity to learn more about technologies for controlling pressure wash water. I encourage you to share this information with any marina environmental stakeholders. For more information please contact Larry Wells, Compliance Assistance Coordinator, US EPA New England Region at Phone: 617-918-1836 or by Email at Wells.Larry@epa.gov

At the recent Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) convention in Las Vegas, those in attendance at the Dealers Issues Forum on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, voted to send a letter to Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) concerning the model year introduction of boat product.

The purpose of this letter is to follow up on our discussions at the recent MRAA conference in Las Vegas regarding the need for our industry to move the model year away from the peak selling season of summer to a September 1 launch date.

At the dealer forum there was much discussion over movement of the model year and it was unanimous by all present that the September 1 date would make sense.  The dealer body in attendance represented most of the brands in the industry.  Bill McGill, Chairman of MarineMax, announced that Brunswick has also agreed with this change and I’m sure we will all remember that Irwin Jacobs of Genmar pushed for this change a few years ago, but he didn’t want to be the lone ranger without the support of others.

Added benefits of the movement of the model year, especially during these times, is that it will allow dealers to relieve their inventories and keep the dealers in their dealerships during the peak selling season rather than at dealer meetings.  This year is the best time to ensure the dealers financial strength by reducing the amount of non-current carryover.

We, the MRAA, and our dealer body membership are requesting that the NMMA support this movement by Brunswick and Genmar by requesting all of your member boat manufacturers to change the model year to September 1 for the 2009 model year line.

Sincerely,
Phil Keeter, MRAA President
Robert Soucy, MRAA Chairman

Major national marine industry issues were the topics of discussion at the recently held Advisory Council of Marine Associations meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Chief among them are the impacts to our industry from

1) EPA’s Mandate to Permit All Discharges from Recreational Boats and
2) The momentum in Washington DC to INCREASE the mandated levels of ethanol in the national gasoline supply to 20% (E20).  

Thanks to the Government Relations team at NMMA, below you will find a set of Talking Points on each of these issues of paramount and immediate concern to our industry.  Consider taking the time to become familiar with these complex issues and whenever possible educate others including regulators and your elected officials of the very real impacts that these issues will have on all of us who derive our living from the marine industry. 

EPA BOAT PERMITTING ISSUE TALKING POINTS: BOATBLUE NEEDS YOU!

ISSUE BACKGROUND

In 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized that it would be costly and unnecessary to subject recreational boaters to the complex Clean Water Act permitting requirements designed for large point source polluters and issued a permitting exemption for various water based, non-polluting runoff deemed “normal to the operation of a vessel.”

In response to a suit brought by environmental groups, a U.S. District Court issued a ruling in Sept. 2006 that nullified this EPA regulation exemption. The court ruling was guided by the larger issue of stopping the continued introduction of foreign aquatic invasive species into U.S. waters by commercial shipping through ballast water discharges from supertankers and cargo ships. Large ocean-going ships use ballast water for stability, taking on water to weigh the vessel down. It’s estimated that some 10,000 invasive species travel the oceans this way.

The court struck down the EPA exemption for ballast water, ruling that the EPA had over stepped its authority under the Clean Water Act. 

Unfortunately for recreational boaters, the exemption also covered such things as engine cooling water, uncontaminated bilge water, gray water, and even common deck runoff that occur during the normal operation of recreational boats, even washing one’s deck. 

The court has directed the EPA to rewrite the regulation by September 2008, and this will mean a new, complex, and onerous, Big Government permitting scheme will be placed upon the nation’s estimated 18 million boats, including fees and possible inspections.

EPA began its formal rulemaking in June. NMMA filed comments, as did 1,700 interested stakeholders, including many individual boaters and marine companies.

HR 2550 / S. 2067, THE RECREATIONAL BOATING ACT OF 2007

This situation clearly presents a problem for the 73 million avid boaters in this country, who ironically enough do not have ballast water tanks on their boats (some ski boats do�about 1% of the boats in operation). Representatives Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi) and Candice Miller (R-Michigan) introduced straight forward, simple legislation that would take this commonsense regulation that was struck down and enshrine it into law for recreational boaters.  Their bill is H.R. 2550, the Recreational Boating Act of 2007. This bill, however, has NOT been considered or reported out of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.  Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) introduced a companion bill in the Senate, S. 2067, which is identical to the House bill.

This simple legislation maintains the 34-year exemption for engine cooling water, bilge water, gray water, and deck runoff that does not contain pollutants for recreational boats.

This legislation is essential to prevent the NPDES permitting of every recreational boat in nationwide, which could break the back of the boating industry by radically driving down sales and participation. These bills have no effect on current regulations of boat sewage, oil, garbage, debris, or other polluting discharges.

H.R. 2550/S. 2067 have bipartisan support.  The House bill has nearly 50 bipartisan co-sponsors, while the Senate bill has 9 co-sponsors.

In September, working with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) publicly pledged to exempt recreational boaters from NPDES permitting prior to the deadline.

Unfortunately, recreational boating is being caught up in a jurisdictional turf battle between Senate Committees, and in a debate between the maritime industry (big ships) and environmental groups, which is stalling progress on our legislation.

Despite progress, the boating industry and recreational boaters must remain unified and vocal. We must actively advocate for the expeditious passage of legislation to restore the longstanding exemption for recreational boaters.

Call and write your Members of Congress urging them to co-sponsor these bills. Tell them how important your business is to their state or district. Drive your employees, colleagues and customers to www.boatblue.org to write their elected officials.

Join the Boat Blue Coalition, led by NMMA, which now consists of 40 organizations advocating for Congressional action.

MID-GRADE ETHANOL FUEL ISSUE TALKING POINTS

President Bush and the Congress are increasingly pushing for higher levels of renewable fuel to be part of the gasoline supply.  In order to meet these new mandates, NMMA believes states, EPA and DOE will move toward higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, such as E-20. Currently, the maximum amount of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline for use in conventional vehicles (as opposed to flex fuel vehicles is 10% (E10) under EPA regulations.

Section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act prohibits the introduction into commerce of a fuel or fuel additive unless that fuel or fuel additive is “substantially similar” to fuels or fuel additives in use today. Under 211(f), a state must petition EPA for a waiver for a new fuel and EPA must certify that the new blend will not harm existing vehicle emissions control devices. Minnesota is expected to petition EPA for a waiver to allow the sale of E-20 in its state within the coming days.

However, here is the PROBLEM: the CAA also says that if EPA does not act on such a petition within 180 days, the petition is deemed approved.  EPA used this "default approval" process in the mid-1980s to approve E10.

For marine and other gasoline-powered engines, higher concentrations of ethanol in fuel pose serious problems, including:

1.  Performance issues, such as drivability (i.e. starting, stalling, fuel vapor lock);
2.  Increased water absorption and phase separation of gasoline and water while in tank;
3.  Fuel tank corrosion, leading to oil/fuel leaks;
4.  Increased emissions, because the ignition of E20 creates a higher temperature than straight gasoline or E10;
5.  Damage valves and push rods, due to carbon build up;
6.  Damage to rubber fuel lines and gaskets;
7.  Safety concerns for marine engines, especially those engines that go offshore.

All non-road open loop gasoline engines will be impacted, including lawn mowers, chainsaws, autos, snowmobiles, ATVs, and generators.

Due to these concerns, NMMA sought and achieved an Amendment, sponsored by Reps. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) to the House Energy Bill.  The Amendment was approved by a voice vote and has bipartisan support in the House.  Specifically, the Shadegg-Melancon Amendment, along with other NMMA sought language in the Energy Bill, would:

1.  Require an EPA study on safety, emissions and operability of mid-level ethanol fuels on marine engines and boat equipment; and,

2.  Include a good-government, “sunshine” provision to require that when EPA considers a new fuel waiver that it accepts public comment on a Section 211(f)(4) petition and take affirmative final action within 270 days before approving or denying a petition.

NMMA’s amendment ensures that EPA does not approve mid-level ethanol blends “in the dark of night,” and that it fully examines how such fuel will impact the marine industry and boating consumers.

The Energy Bill Signed into law in December, 2007 included the NMMA amemdment!

WATERFRONT ACCESS BILL NEEDS CONGRESSIONAL CO-SPONSORS
H.R. 3223, the “Keep our Waterfronts Working” Act

Increasingly, recreational boat marinas and launch ramps, repair yards, commercial fish docks, bait shops and other water-dependent businesses are being pushed off the waterfront as a result of residential development pressures, skyrocketing tax burdens and shortsighted planning. But a bill now in Congress, H.R. 3223, would provide federal funding to coastal and Great Lakes states to help preserve and expand water access and protect working waterfronts.

Introduced in June by Rep. Thomas Allen (D-ME) and co-sponsored by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) H.R. 3223, the “Keep our Waterfronts Working Act” would provide matching grants through state coastal zone management programs to support “water-dependent commercial activities.” Local governments could use grant funds to purchase a threatened marina outright, or a non-profit entity could obtain a grant to buy development rights in order to keep a working boatyard, public marina, fish wharf or crab wholesaler in business, rather than sell out to a residential developer.

Boat Owners Association of The United States, (BoatU.S.) is urging recreational boaters as well as any citizen with a desire to keep waterfront access available for water-dependent businesses to contact their member of Congress and urge them to co-sponsor the bill.

To be eligible, a state would have to develop a working waterfront plan and appoint an advisory committee to oversee the program. Grants made under the proposed legislation must “provide for expansion or improvement of public access to coastal waters.” Purchases made through the Grant program would require 25% of the total budget to come from non-federal funds. The Act would provide $25 million, $50 million and $75 million to the states over three successive years.

The bill reflects a number of key concepts explored during last July’s “Working Waterways and Waterfronts Symposium” that was co-sponsored by BoatU.S. and Virginia Sea Grant to address the loss of recreational boating access.

“This legislation will place decision-making much closer to the people and businesses that depend on our waterfronts,” said BoatU.S. Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs Ryck Lydecker. For more information or for help emailing a letter to your member of Congress go to http://www.BoatUS.com/gov/workingwaterfronts/

TOP TEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE BETTER BOATERS IN 2008 

1. Take a boating safety course. The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has a free on online course that can be taken in the comfort of your own home at http://www.BoatUS.org/onlinecourse If classroom instruction is more your style, find out what courses are being offered near you at http://www.BoatUS.org/courseline

2. If you trailer your boat, know your state’s trailering laws and learn what you need to do to stay safe on the highway by going to http://www.BoatUS.com/trailerlaws

3. Lend a hand to your fellow boater by sharing your knowledge and participating in the discussions taking place on the online message boards at http://my.BoatUS.com/forum or, try the boat groups at http://www.BoatUS.com/boatgroups

4. If you live in the hurricane belt, make a hurricane plan for your boat and your club by visiting http://www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes You’ll find a free, downloadable hurricane preparation worksheet, guide and sample marina and club hurricane plans.

5. Brush up on the waterway rules of the road by viewing animated depictions of boats avoiding collisions, safely passing each other, and operating in narrow channels at the BoatU.S. Foundation’s free online “Toolbox” at http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/toolbox

6. If you are a female boater or angler, consider attending a women-only boating, sailing or fishing seminar in 2008. Go to http://www.BoatUS.com/women for more information.

7. Learn the key legal differences between on-the-water towing services and salvage operations by visiting http://www.BoatUS.com/salvage it could save you a lot of aggravation and money.

8. Register your Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio and take a free online tutorial at http://www.BoatUS.com/mmsi this could greatly help potential rescuers pinpoint your location.

9. Get informed about how you can help stop the spread of invasive species by going to http://www.BoatUS.com/InvasiveSpecies

10. Make sure you sign up for the free BoatU.S. National Recall Alert Registry at http://www.BoatAmerica.org/recall this gives boat builders a way to contact you in case a safety defect is discovered that affects your boat.

SHARE THIS TIP WITH YOUR TRAILER BOAT ANGLERS! OFFER FISHING CHARTER SERVICES?  BE SURE TO ENROLL!

SEEK OUT YOUR NEXT ANGLING ADVENTURE WITH NEW FISHING GUIDE AND CHARTER LOCATOR AT BOATUSANGLER.COM

Planning your next fishing adventure just got a little easier with a new Fishing Guide and Charter Locator at BoatUSAngler.com. The Web site is the online home of BoatU.S. Angler, a membership program that offers services, fishing tips and safety information just for trailer boat anglers.  Anglers can easily search by region, state or even by species. Included with each fishing guide or charter company listing is full contact information and links to their Web sites. Many listings also have detailed descriptions on their business and the types of species available, boats and equipment being used, professional credentials, or other relevant local information.

Included at the Web site’s “How-To” section is the feature, Hiring a Fishing Guide or Charter, written by BoatU.S. Angler Fishing Pro and Guide Steve Chaconas.  The Fishing Guide & Charter Locator also includes an informal rating system that allows customers to share their experience online. “It’s always good to know what your peers have to say about their fishing experience,” added Pellerin. The Guide & Charter Locator is available free to any angler at http://www.BoatUSAngler.com Fishing guides that offer BoatU.S. member discounts are also included.

Guides or charter operators wishing to be included on the Locator may send their information to info@BoatUS.com. Anglers who have fished with a guide but don’t see their name may also add it by clicking on the “Suggest a Guide or Charter” button at the bottom of every listings page.

E PROFITABILITY:  DEVELOPING THE RIGHT APPROACH TO YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS

Boat Trader and Boating Industry magazine have created an e-White paper to share expert advice on subjects ranging from how to convert a web lead into a walk-in customer to strategies for increasing online sales. 

Highlights Include: 
How to convert a Web lead into a walk-in customer
5 keys to better online customer service
7 strategies for increasing online sales
Managing your 24-hour showroom
Tips for a steady supply of leads
When opportunity knocks
What is eMarketing?

Boat Trader is pleased to partner with Boating Industry magazine and sponsor this e-White Paper, developed to share expert advice, tips and best practices from some of the industry’s leading companies.

Congratulations to MMTA member George Gallup, Gallup Yacht Surveying of Lynn, who was recently elected to the position of Executive Vice President of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, an international organization dedicated to enhancing the profession of marine surveying through communication, cooperation and education.

See All The New Jobs Available And Credentials Of Job Seekers: 

Marine Trades Jobs Available - http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl

Marine Trades Jobs Wanted - http://www.boatma.com/jobswanted/bbs.pl

MMTA members have been offered an opportunity by the Providence Bruins.  If you are interested in a group rate to a Providence Bruins game (nice way to thank the crew!) here are the details: 

Your group will receive tickets for only $12 per ticket
Half of the home games feature fantastic giveaways and promotions
There is no minimum number of tickets you need to purchase to receive this special price
Your group will be seated all together in a great seating location
As an added bonus your group will be announced on our center-ice video scoreboard
For more information or to order tickets call Patrick Baker at 401-273-5000 ext. 17 or contact him via e-mail at pat.baker@providencebruins.com

Wondering what to include in your new boat owner welcome package this spring?  Why not include a copy of Boating Basics from Boater 101 for only $12.95?  Think your customers already know everything?  Maybe they do, but they could gift it along to someone else thinking about becoming a boater! 

EPCRA

Tier II reporting requirements. Subject facilities are required to submit annual chemical inventory reports for Calendar Year 2007 by March 1, 2008. For more information on EPCRA Tier 2 reporting, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/tier2.htm

January 12 - 20, 2008
New England Boat Show
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
http://newenglandboatshow.com

January 19-22, 2008
International Marina & Boatyard Conference, Atlanta, GA
https://www.marinaassociation.org/imbc/

Tuesday, January 29th 2008
The Business Of Boating In Massachusetts
MMTA 3rd Annual Professional Development Conference
Marriott Hotel - Quincy, MA
http://www.boatma.com/conference08

January 29 � February 1, 2008
ABYC Electrical Certification
Mystic, CT
http://www.abycinc.org/calendar/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=255

February 8 - 10, 2008
Cape Cod Boat Builder's Show
Four Points Sheraton - Hyannis, MA
http://boatcapecod.org

January - March 2008  
OSHA Courses
EBI Consulting 2008 Burlington, MA
40-Hour HAZPOWER Certification
8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher
CPR & First Aid 
http://www.ebiconsulting.com/environmental-health-safety/health-safety-training.aspx 

February 18-20, 2008
Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training [COMITT]
Fort Lauderdale, FL
http://www.abycinc.org/comitt2008/ 

March � April 2008
Marine Dealer Certification Regional Launch Workshops

March 4, Raleigh, NC
March 25, St. Louis, MO
April 2, Providence/Warwick, RI
April 30, Phoenix, AZ

http://www.DealerCertification.org

April 27-29, 2008
American Boating Congress [ABC]
Washington, DC
https://www.nmma.org/government/abc/

May 25-28, 2008
International Marina Conference [IMC]
Ostend, Belgium
http://www.imc2008.com/

June 14 - 15, 2008
Cape Cod Life Boat & Recreation Expo
Hyannis Harbor, MA
www.capecodlife.com

July 16-18, 2008
Marine Aftermarket Accessories Tradeshow [MAATS]
Las Vegas, NV
http://www.maats.net/

October 6-8, 2008
International BoatBuilder’s’ Exhibition & Conference [IBEX]
Miami, FL
http://www.ibexshow.com/

November 17 � 19, 2008
Marine Retailer’s Association of America Annual Convention [MRAA]
Las Vegas, NV
http://www.mraa.com

May 2009
Volvo Ocean Race
Only US Port of Call
Boston Harbor, MA
www.volvooceanrace.org

MARINE TRADES LINKS

MA Shrinkwrap Recycling Program: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/index.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
Boating Safety Education Providers & Courses: http://www.boatma.com/learntoboatsafely.html
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 STATES 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

NATIONAL MARINE INDUSTRY LINKS

ABBRA: American Boat Builders & Repairers 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
COMITT: Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training  www.comitt.org
DISCOVER BOATING: www.discoverboating.com
GROW BOATING Rising Tide Campaign: www.growboating.org
MITEC: Marine Industry Technical Education Council   www.boatingcareerinfo.org
MRAA: Marine Retailers Association of America: www.mraa.com
NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association: www.nmma.org