ABANDONED VESSEL LEGISLATION UPDATE

Abandoned Vessel Legislation Update From The Desk of Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq.

"I'm delighted to report that on July 16th the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture voted supportively on House Bill 3781 An Act Relative to Abandoned Vessels sponsored by Boating Caucus Chairman, Representative Anthony Verga.  The committee voted immediately upon close of the public hearing at which MMTA testified. Thanks are due to all the members and board and staff who put so much time into last year's hearing and testimony, which caused us to be so well received this year (that and the support of the 50+ member Legislative Boating Caucus!).
 
The bill now goes through a series of other committees, such as Steering & Policy and Ways & Means, then to full House vote, then over to the Senate.  Chairman Verga has been working with us on the best way to get it through the House. We are optimistic in terms of time and substance.  We also have some support lined up in the Senate to help. However, we know less about how the bill will be received there, with relatively new Senate leadership in place." 
 
MMTA has submitted written and oral testimony on 27 House and Senate Bills this summer including, most recently, those on Ocean Protection, Invasive Species management, Coastal Infrastructure Repairs, Moorings Administration and Abandoned Vessels.  For additional information on MMTA Government Relations efforts, contact Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq. at 617-227-8410 or via email at jmadeja@buchananassociates.com

Click Here To Read Other MMTA Legislative Comments

NEW RULES FROM MassDEP

New Promulgated Regulations: 310 CMR 30.000 Hazardous Waste Manifest Regulations

MassDEP has adopted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new manifest regulations (which went into effect on September 5, 2006). The new 6-part form standardizes content. Previously, manifest forms varied from state-to-state and were a source of confusion to generators. This new requirement, which is already in effect at the federal level, simplifies and standardizes the manifest requirements for all affected parties. Also, the regulations reduce the number of manifest forms from three to one.

These regulations will affect businesses that generate hazardous waste, licensed hazardous waste transporters, and hazardous waste Treatment, Storage or Disposal Facilities. Compliance with MassDEP's manifest regulations, particularly for interstate shipments, should improve because manifest forms from every state are now identical.  Date of Promulgation: June 29, 2007.  Source:  DEP List server Email.

View Final MassDEP Regulations By Clicking Here

RECREATIONAL BOATING ACT OF 2007: HR 2250

A Message From The National Marine Manufacturer's Association's Mathew Dunn: 

The Environmental Protection Agency has formally begun developing a program that will require all boaters to get a Clean Water Act permit to use their boat.  EPA filed a Notice of Intent to develop a new regulation on June 21, 2007 and comments are due by August 6, 2007.  This rulemaking is the result of a recent federal district court decision which overturned a 34-year old regulation that exempted incidental discharges associated with the normal operation of a vessel (e.g. deck wash, uncontaminated bilge water, engine cooling water, etc.) from the Clean Water Act's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting scheme, which is generally used for stationary industrial facilities near a watershed. The court ordered EPA to implement this unprecedented new permitting scheme by Sept. 2008. 

Although the court's decision was attempting to deal with invasive species from commercial vessels such as supertankers and container ships, all recreational boaters have been swept up in its broad ruling which, if implemented, will have devastating consequences for our industry. It is time for the recreational boating community to make its views known to EPA and Congress on this matter. EPA is requesting comments from the marine industry, dealers, recreational boaters, suppliers and others impacted by the proposed new rule.

NMMA is working to enact legislation, H.R. 2550, the Recreational Boating Act of 2007, which would provide a legislative exemption for recreational boaters. We welcome any and all support from your organizations in generating support for this legislation on Capitol Hill. Please reference this legislation when you communicate with your Members of Congress.  

NMMA asks that all interested parties –dealers, boaters, suppliers and builders –

1)   File comments with EPA by the deadline, August 6, 2007;
 
2)   After you file your comments, send a letter to your Congressmen and Senators  stating  your concerns  with the EPA action and requesting they support H.R. 2550.  Please include your EPA filing with this letter.

3)  Please notify NMMA when you file your comments and with whom you have  communicated on Capitol Hill.    
 
Below you will find several links to the relevant information, including the EPA notice and an informational fact sheet describing how to file comments. NMMA stands ready to assist you with any questions, comments, concerns, and we look forward to working with all of you on this very urgent and serious matter. Please do not hesitate to get in touch at any time with me at 202-737-9760 or mdunn@nmma.org. In addition to the websites below, please feel free to utilize www.boatblue.org, which will function as a clearinghouse for information on this matter. 

To see all of the ballast water issue docs on the NMMA federal webpage go to:  http://www.nmma.org/government/federal/ 

Link to NMMA's preliminary comments:  http://www.nmma.org/lib/docs/nmma/gr/policy/NMMA_ltr_to_EPA_re_NPDES_NOI_7-2-07_FINAL.pdf 

Click Here To Visit BoatBlue & Support HR 2250

ETHANOL FUEL AMENDMENT PASSES HOUSE

Last week, NMMA's Government Relations team proved successful in its efforts to add an amendment to energy legislation before the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The amendment, sponsored by Reps. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) and Charlie Melancon (D-La.), requires Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials to take public comment and final action on a waiver petition from a state to require higher levels of ethanol in gasoline. It was passed unanimously.  Full study language for mid-level ethanol impacts on boat engines and equipment is also included in the legislation due to NMMA efforts.

The Shadegg-Melancon Amendment requires EPA to accept public comment and act on the petition within 270 days if the agency receives a petition for a waiver from a state to introduce a new fuel blend such as E-20. Under current statutes in the Clean Air Act, if EPA does not act within 180 days on such a waiver petition, it is automatically granted.

Research shows gasoline with blends of ethanol above 10 percent can cause catastrophic damage to marine equipment and pose significant safety, durability and environmental concerns. NMMA strongly believes any introduction of new fuels with higher blends of ethanol should be preceded by a thorough EPA review process to ensure manufacturers, consumers and the environmental safeties are protected.

Click Here For More NMMA Government Relations News

EVALUATE THE CLEAN VESSEL ACT

It seems highly likely that the entire Coastline of Massachusetts will soon be designated as a No Discharge Area.  If you have any doubt that the groudswell towards NDA's, read the article The Ocean As A Toilet in this month's Cape Cod Voice:  http://www.capecodvoice.com/CCV071907pg4.html  Already the coasts of NH, RI and CT are so designated.  A No Discharge Area (NDA) is an area of coastal or inland water where all discharges of boat sewage is prohibited, regardless of treatment. 

Currently several towns and cites that border Greater Boston Harbor are discussing plans to submit a region wide NDA application (encompassing Winthrop to Weymouth) to the EPA, the first step in obtaining an No Discharge Area designation. Since no town wants to be the "last town" to become an NDA (the assumption is boaters would flock to that town's water body to legally discharge), the regional approach is being considered. 

While MMTA, boaters and industry professionals strongly and enthusiastically support efforts to improve water quality through the designation of No Discharge Areas in the Commonwealth, we must remain ever vigilant about increasing the number of land based and vessel based pumpout services available and funding for new pumpouts paid for in part by the Clean Vessel Act. 

With the height of New England's tides and the freeze thaw cycle, pumpout equipment is particularly stressed and prone to unscheduled downtime under these conditions.  In an informal phone survey this past spring, vessel pumpout operators reported chronic equipment downtime and long wait times for pumpout service during peak season. 

MMTA therefore supports the proliferation of NDA's but will be persistent in efforts to secure additional Clean Vessel Act grants to the Commonwealth which fund vessel pump outs.  More information on Clean Vessel Act funding may be found at:  http://federalasst.fws.gov/cva/cva.html

The Federal regulations pertaining to NDA's are found at http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=862529346274+5+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

Click Here To EMail Your Thoughts on the Clean Vessel Act Program

MEMBER NEWS

PRESSURE WASH WATER RECOVERY DEMO CLEANS UP NORTH RIVER

During a heatwave on July 11 a dozen MMTA members turned out at Scituate's A to Z Boatworks for a Mobile Pressure Wash Water Recovery System Demonstration provided by Pressure Washer Warehouse of Hanover. 

Also present were Robin Lacey and Jay Baker of MA-CZM together with EPA Region 1's Larry Wells.  Many thanks to A to Z for hosting this demonstration and for finding two of the nastiest boat bottoms in the North River to clean!  Thanks also to Pressure Washer Warehouse and Alkota Cleaning Systems for their presentation, system demontration and complimentary refreshments.   


MMTA MEMBER NEW WAVE YACHTS NAMED DEALER OF THE YEAR

Sabre Yachts sailboat dealers from across the country spent time on land and at sea during their recent gathering in Marblehead for the Sabre sailing yachts dealer meeting.  During the two-day gathering dealers held a friendly match race event, in addition to taking care of business and celebrating the announcement of the 2006 Sabre Sailing Yacht Dealer of the Year and 2006 Broker of the Year awards. 

MMTA Member, New Wave Yachts of Manchester by the Sea was awarded 2006 Sabre Sailing Yacht Dealer of the Year.  The principals of the company are Bob "Bump" Wilcox and Parker Harrison.  Congratulations New Wave!

KUDOS TO MMTA FROM YARMOUTH REC

DEALERSHIP CERTIFICATION LAUNCHES ONLINE CAMPAIGN

In July the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program will launch its first-ever internet advertising and marketing campaign aimed at consumer audiences. The campaign is intended to raise consumer awareness of Dealership Certification and highlight the many benefits of doing business with a Marine Industry Certified Dealership.

Dealership Certification will be promoted on websites such as boats.com, BoatTrader.com and other similar sites. Banner ads on each of these sites will explain the added strengths of Certified Dealerships and link directly to the program's Consumer Bill of Rights. In addition to advertisements, Certified Dealerships will be individually recognized through logo placement, boat listings and various other means of identification.

To date, a total of 537 dealerships have enrolled in the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, 237 of which have completed the process and earned the official "Marine Industry Certified" designation.

For more information On Dealer Certification, Click Here:

EBI CONSULTING OFFERS SUMMER TRAINING

EBI Consulting is offering several training courses this season.  Below is a partial list of the training courses scheduled for the summer of 2007. 

OSHA Courses: 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification
$600 / 8 A.M.- 6 P.M.
August 16, 17, 23, 24, 2007 & September 6, 7, 13, 14, 2007

8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher Course
$190 / 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
August 15, 2007 & September 12, 2007

CPR & First Aid
$85 / 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
August 17, 2007 & September 7, 2007

For more information on EBI Training Click Here

NEWS FROM BOAT US

RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY NEVER BETTER

Contrary to what you may be hearing from U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials lately, recreational boating has never been safer.

According to the latest available statistics for 2004, more people died in bathtubs and swimming pools (847) than in recreational boats (676). Operating a boat is far safer than riding a bicycle, motorcycle or off-road vehicle. In fact, you have a much greater chance of perishing from a fall involving a bed, chair or furniture (838) or falling from a stairs or steps (1,588) than you do in falling from a boat.

"Recent calls by Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard officials that recreational boating would be safer if boaters were "certified" and required to show proof of identification is just not backed up by the facts," said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman. "The rate of recreational boating fatalities per 100,000 boats has been cut by 75 percent and the number of boating fatalities has been reduced by 58 percent since the implementation of the landmark Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971," Michelman noted.

Currently, Congress is considering Administration-backed legislation that could result in licensing boaters in the name of national security because the Coast Guard does not believe it has the authority to require a boat operator to produce identification absent probable cause. "Requiring millions of recreational boat owners to be licensed and tasking the already overburdened Coast Guard with implementing a duplicative system solely to identify those operating a boat will be costly to develop, take years to implement and will not result in a demonstrable improvement in national security," said BoatU.S. at a recent "summit" meeting held under Homeland Security Department auspices.

Instead, BoatU.S. believes a comprehensive waterway security program needs to be established. It would be far simpler and much less costly for the Coast Guard to ask Congress for the authority to require boat operators to produce the same identification now required to board a commercial airline flight. In addition, the Coast Guard should substantially expand its Waterway Watch program to enable thousands of recreational boaters to be the Coast Guard's eyes and ears on the waterways and, it should clearly mark security zones – both public and private – to ensure that boaters know where they can and can not go.  Source:  BoatUS


ONLINE BOAT LAUNCH RAMP LOCATOR

Over 25,000 Nationwide Locations Provided by BoatU.S.  Have a trailerable boat but want to explore new waterways?

Trailer boat cruisers, pontooners, water-skiers, and PWC owners don't have to settle for the same old water thanks to a free, online Boat Launch Ramp Locator at http://www.BoatUS.com/Trailerclub

The Ramp Locator offers over 25,000 locations to launch a boat including municipal or state boat ramps, marinas, boat clubs, private sites and other locations that offer trailer boat access. Now, planning a trip to a new lake, river, or bay can easily be done from the comfort of your own home.

Trailer boaters can take advantage of the Ramp Locator's detailed launch site descriptions including parking information, hours of operation, boat size or motor restrictions, water depths, docking facilities, camping information, local services available, and contact information including Web site links and phone numbers. Fishing tips and species information as well as information on water depths and stocking programs is also included.

If you know of a boat ramp location not listed, you can easily submit the information and get a free trailer ball hitch cover from the BoatU.S. Trailering Club. The Club offers 24/7 roadside and towing assistance for boat trailer breakdowns as well as tow vehicles, launch ramp fee rebates, and a subscription to BoatU.S. Trailering magazine with information on towing techniques, how-to, destinations and more. Go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Trailerclub or call 800-245-6923 for more information.

Access the BoatUS Launch Locator By Clicking Here

NATIONAL MARINA DAY UPDATE

24 DAYS TO GO TO NATIONAL MARINA DAY!

Now is the time to send your customers the Sample Letter to Customers, modified to meet the specifics of your marina's events.  Also, 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. 

2 Weeks Before National Marina Day: 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@comcast.net 

U.S. SENATE FOLLOWS HOUSE WITH 2007 NATIONAL MARINA DAY RESOLUTION

On June 20, 2007 a proclamation was passed in the United States Senate recognizing August 11, 2007 as National Marina Day across the country.  Senate Resolution 173 was sponsored by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).  The resolution supports the goals of National Marina Day, and urges America's marinas to continue to serve as environmentally friendly gateways to boating.  A similar measure introduced by Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), House Resolution 343, was passed by the United States House of Representatives on May 15.

 
RESOURCES TO HELP BOATERS KEEP OUR WATERWAYS "GREEN"!

One of the educational components of National Marina Day is environmental responsibility.  Marinas can help boaters keep our waterways clean and healthy for years to come! The NMD environmental committee has provided great resources and fun interactive projects that you can easily implement at your celebration. 

How Can Boaters Be Part of the Solution?   

Check Your Propeller.  A damage propeller will waste fuel.  Keep your propeller blades clean and in good condition.

Balance Your Load. Watch your Boat Weight.  The lighter your boat, the less horsepower required to propel it.

Plan Your Trip.  Any reduction in running time is better for the environment and is fuel and money saved.
Check the Tides and the Weather.  Do not boat against the tides; it takes more effort and fuel. Save fuel by work with the tides to your advantage. 

Take Shorter Cruises.  There are tons of beautiful areas you can visit without traveling hundreds of miles

Slow Down.  Travel at moderate and steady speeds is safer and will reduce fuel consumption.

Tune Up Your Engine.  Proper ignition timing and clean spark plugs will assure extra mileage and will help to reduce gas emissions. 

Whenever You Have To Stop, Turn Off The Engine.  A warm engine restarts easily.  Idling your engine for longer than a minute is worse for air quality than starting up the engine again.

Keep Your Hull Clean.  Perform regular hull maintenance to prevent hard marine growth and reduce underwater drag.  A rough hull can increase fuel consumption (and reacted pollution).

Check Your Car and trailer.  Keep your trailer and car tires properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.  Don't overload or use too small a trailer.

Click Here to Visit HQ for National Marina Day

NEW IRS SMALL BIZ NEWSLETTER

The Internal Revenue Service has created a free e-newsletter for small businesses that deliver tax information directly to the computers of small business owners, tax practitioners and accounting professionals.

Subscription information for IRS's e-News for Small Businesses is available by clicking here http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html

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

Saturday, September 15, 2007                   NEW CALENDAR ITEM!
COASTSWEEP 2007
The state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute of UMass Boston, will kickoff its 20th year on September 15. For details or to get involved with the cleanups see the COASTSWEEP website. 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