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"WE'RE HERE FROM THE GOVERNMENT: WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU"

This issue of MMTA ENews will focus on recent actions and issues coming out of Washington DC that may impact our industry.

N.E. Marine Trades Association Environmental Task Force Update

Since late 2006 volunteers from the MMTA have participated in a new working group called the New England Marine Trades Environmental Task Force.  Comprised of members from each of the New England State Marine Trade Associations, the NEMTA Task Force seeks to engage and communicate with EPA-Region 1 in order to accurately interpret and clarify various federal environmental regulations as they pertain to marinas and boatyards. In doing so, the Task Force intends to pass along clear, concise information to its respective members and encourage increased environmental regulatory compliance. Formed shortly after two Rhode Island facilities were cited with initially six-figure fines by the EPA for non compliance in the areas of reporting, Clean Water Act violations and RCRA, this group of volunteers is regularly communicating with EPA officials and requesting regulatory clarity, explanations and advice.

On Thursday, June 6th the New England Marine Trades Association, hosted its Annual Meeting in Waltham, Massachusetts.  MMTA was represented by Director & Education Committee chairman, Ed Lofgren and Executive Director, Leona Roach.  Susan Studlien, EPA's Director of the Office of Environmental Stewardship was a special guest at the meeting along with Larry Wells, from EPA Region 1's Marina Compliance Assistance team.  Ms. Studlien is the new leader of the Assistance and Enforcement arm of the EPA having come on board earlier this year. See MMTA ENews January 24 for more information on Studlien and Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq. summary report on EPA enforcement activity in the Marina sector.  http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2007/2007_january24_news.html

Conversations at the NEMTA June 6 meeting were cordial, open, and productive.  While it is clear that EPA Region 1 will continue to closely monitor the marina industry, they are simultaneously committed to continuing their assistance efforts to increase levels of compliance in the marine industry.  EPA acknowledged that the "performance in the sector has significantly improved" but that they are "still monitoring the sector, for sure."  

While MMTA through the NEMTA Task Force benefits from a productive and open dialogue with state and federal environmental regulators, no one should assume that there is any grace period for achieving full environmental regulatory compliance.  EPA will continue to issue Notices of Violation and take enforcement actions where necessary particularly in the areas of Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation Recovery Act violations related to Pressure washing, Stormwater and Hazardous Waste management. New England marinas, boatyards and builders have already been confronted with initially six figure fines for RCRA and CWA violations. (See article below from the Providence Journal).  While penalties were ultimately adjusted downward, the fines were substantial and mandatory mitigation measures expensive. 

MMTA members are urged to proceed as quickly as possible with the planning and implementation of their environmental compliance plans, especially (but not exclusively) as they pertain to RCRA and CWA compliance efforts.  We cannot stress enough the importance of enhancing compliance with applicable environmental regulations in business operations. 

Below are a few resource links available to aid in understanding and compliance with the myriad of federal and state regulations that pertain to the marine industry. 

Dos and Don'ts For Visits By Regulators, Prepared By Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq for MMTA.  http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl 

Presentations from spring 2007 MA Marina Industry Compliance Assistance Workshops may be found at: www.boatma.com/czmworkshops

EPA Region 1 - New England's Marina Website: http://www.epa.gov/NE/marinas/index.html
Use this site as your first stop for quick and easy access to environmental information for New England's marinas and links to state, federal, and non-government sources with a range of compliance assistance, pollution prevention, and other information. Remember to always check state and local requirements, which may be more stringent than federal requirements. For further assistance many contact names are listed in the links throughout the site. If you can't find an appropriate contact please call EPA New England's Marina Assistance Team at (617) 918-1836.

Marina Environmental Management Plan Workbook: http://www.epa.gov/NE/marinas/pdfs/MarinaEMPJuly05.pdf
Who is This Workbook For? Produced by EPA Region 1 this workbook targets marina, boatyard and yacht club owners and managers committed to improving environmental management in their boating business operations. By using this document, you will learn how to plan and implement controls and actions for effective management of your environmental responsibilities.

The Federal Storm Water Permit: A Fact Sheet for New England Marinas: http://www.epa.gov/Region1/marinas/pdfs/CMEMarineOwnerFactsheet.pdf 

MA Clean Marina Guide: http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/guide/macleanmarinaguide.htm 
Marinas, yacht clubs, and boatyards provide critical services to the boating public - maintaining, mooring, fueling, storing, and launching vessels of all kinds. While modern facilities and efficient service are essential, clean water is a key attribute of successful boating-based businesses, drawing boaters to the coast and keeping them coming back year after year. The Massachusetts Clean Marina Guide is designed as a reference for owners and operators of marine boating facilities, collectively referred to throughout this document as "marinas." It provides information on cost-effective strategies and practices aimed at reducing marina and boating impacts on the coastal environment. To order a hardcopy of the handbook, please e-mail czm@state.ma.us with your name and mailing address or call the CZM Information Line at (617) 626-1212.  Note: The pressure washing information contained in the Massachusetts Clean Marina Guide (Section 4-1) has been updated. Please review this updated section before installing new pressure washing Best Management Practices. For more information about pressure washing practices, go to CZM's Pressure Washing Information page, or contact CZM's Robin Lacey.

Office of Technical Assistance for Toxics Use Reduction (OTA): A non-regulatory agency within the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs that provides free, confidential, on-site technical and compliance consultations to manufacturers, businesses and institutions. http://www.mass.gov/envir/ota/

UPDATE:  For those of you who heard Larry Wells' presentation on the Marine Industry Virtual Trade Show during this Spring's Marine Industry Compliance Assistance workshops, this website should be coming online soon.  The EPA Virtual Trade Show will be a clearinghouse to vendors and suppliers who offer marine industry environmental compliance solutions, such as pressure wash water treatment systems, industrial waste management and the like.  While EPA does not bless nor endorse any specific product or system, they do offer, through the Virtual Trade Show, a central source to find information on system solution providers and equipment vendors.  

To facilitate an exchange of information and experiences with compliance solutions, MMTA will soon distribute a survey to members asking for comments on various pressure wash systems that are in operation.  Please consider being a resource of information for fellow members.  Keep an eye out for this questionnaire in the coming weeks. 

EPA Region 1 - New England's Marina Website Click Here

NAVIGATING NEW RULES

The Article Below Appeared in the May 9 issue of the Providence Journal and was written by Journal Environment Writer, Peter B. Lord.  

When a crew at Point Judith Marina power-washed the bottom of a 50-foot boat last week, they also turned on a pump that collected everything that washed off the boat's blue bottom and ran it through a filter similar to what many people use on their kitchen faucets. None of the wastewater seeped into nearby Point Judith Pond. After it was filtered, the remaining water was set aside for use on the next boat.

Around the corner, the marina owner put a padlock on his Dumpster. If boat owners want to sand and paint their boats, they have to use vacuums and tarps. And when they are done, they will have to pack up their dirty brushes, masking tape and pails and take them home for disposal. Just to be sure the customers understand the many changes this year, each one is asked to sign a 22-point memo outlining stringent new work conditions. Each memo bears a warning that violators could be fined $200.

Across Rhode Island, the owners of tens of thousands of boats who are preparing for the spring ritual of sanding, painting and cleaning their boats at marinas are being surprised with letters and contracts advising them of strict new reforms to the pre-launching routines. For years, the owners of some 300 marinas in Rhode Island have been upgrading their environmental and safety standards through voluntary compliance with best management practices trade manuals and state and federal regulatory programs. But last year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in New England decided to launch inspections and penalties. The fines the agency announced last July did not make big news, but they seared through the boating industry. The EPA said it was seeking up to $32,500 per day for hazardous waste violations and up to $137,500 for Clean Water Act violations at Conanicut Marine Services on Jamestown. It reached agreement with New England Boatworks Inc. in Portsmouth on a $52,300 fine for high concentrations of lead in the soil and failure to develop plans for preventing stormwater pollution and fuel spills. It also imposed $3,000 penalties for Promet Marine Services in Providence and Alden Yachts in Portsmouth, for failing to prepare oil spill prevention plans. The EPA has worked for several years to improve environmental practices at marinas throughout New England, according to spokeswoman Sheryl Rosner. It launched the enforcement actions, she said, because without them, the new standards "wouldn't have any teeth." "We can't be everywhere all the time," she said, "so we target some companies."

About 44,000 boats are registered in Rhode Island and an estimated 20,000 additional boats are brought in from out of state. The EPA has used similar methods on other industries.

In the 1980s, the EPA threatened some of Rhode Island's bigger electroplaters — sources of major heavy metal pollution of Narragansett Bay — with multimillion dollar fines. Some small companies closed down rather than invest in equipment to remove metals from their wastes. But several years later, the EPA said 90 percent of the industry was in compliance and the flow of metals into the Bay had decreased tenfold. More recently, the EPA launched similar campaigns against auto body shops, university laboratories and public works garages. Now it is focusing on marinas, which produce water pollutants ranging from the oil and gas in boat engines to biocides in anti-fouling paints used on boat hulls. But there is one big difference. For marinas, it is not enough to train their own employees. Marinas can get into big trouble if their customers, the boat owners, mishandle paint, oil or sanding debris. "There's an interesting dynamic with marinas," says Rosner. "They are ultimately responsible for the boat owners, who are their guests. I think it's up to the marinas to communicate." They are trying to do just that.

Casey's Boat Hauling and Storage in Newport recently mailed a notice to its customers and subcontractors listing 11 changes in work rules. It warns, "Please understand that although these new rules may be an inconvenience, not following them will be very expensive for those who don't. The fines are in the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS.  Brewer Cove Haven Marina in Barrington mailed a two-page letter to its customers last month that didn't mention potential fines but did stress, "We have some important issues that need to be addressed."  Point Judith Marina went a step further and mailed its customers a 22-item listing of "Best Management Practices." The marina requires its customers to sign and date the practices before working on their boats. "Essentially, the marinas are running scared," said Don Vivenzio, the owner of Point Judith Marina. It's fine to have laws to prevent pollution, he said, but not to come down with such huge fines. He said he spent $25,000 last year to get in compliance with the rules, yet still feels like "we're standing in front of a shotgun." One of the ironies, he said, is that if boat owners take their paint cans home, they can discard them with household garbage. But if the marina collects them, they are considered a hazardous waste.

The day marina workers were power-washing one boat, Anne Skorupski, the office manager and dock master, rushed out to check on a young man who was hosing down the upper deck of his vessel.  When she returned, she said she had to make sure he was aware of the new rules, and that he was using biodegradable cleaning materials. "We've worked so hard with our staff, but now we have to work with our customers," said Skorupski. She pointed to a row of binders that outlined plans and regulations for hazardous wastes, storm water runoff, fires, hurricanes, pool safety, spill controls and water pollution. "We have to know all of this," she said. Out back, a locked shed contains tanks and barrels prominently labeled for used oil, used antifreeze, empty aerosol cans and oily rags. Another area is set aside for gasoline filters. The marina has found contractors who will pick up all the materials above. But it can't find anyone interested in empty paint cans, so it instructs its customers to take them home. Despite all those efforts, Skorupski said the staff arrived at work on a Monday morning and found a big pail of used oil left in front of the locked shed. What happens, she said, if an EPA inspector shows up at the same time? 

The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, which represents the boat yards, has complained to the state's congressional delegation about the severity of the fines. Last week some testified before an ombudsman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. This week, several members are visiting the delegation in Washington, D.C. Michael Keyworth, general manager of the Brewer marina in Barrington and legislative chairman of the trade association, said they are asking for federal money to be set aside to help the marinas equip to meet the new standards. His company operates 21 marinas, so the costs are high. Keyworth said the trade group met with EPA Regional Director Robert Varney last year and argued the marinas have been the good guys. They supported the state's no discharge zones. They recycled 94,000 pounds of shrink wrap last year. They sponsored workshops for local marinas. Keyworth said Varney responded that the marinas weren't doing enough. "This is all a pain in the neck," Keyworth said. "But we've got to do it."

EPA PROPOSES RULE FOR MARINE ENGINES & BOAT EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS

Think this doesn't apply to you?  Think again.  A review of the economic impact analysis that was submitted by the EPA suggests price increases will be necessary to pay for the engineering and upgrades to marine engines to be compliant.  The effect on this single EPA rule making may raise engine prices modestly over the long term and sharply in the short term.  Builders, dealers and boat owners should be aware that this regulatory action will have lasting and profound impacts on the industry.  For more information below you will find a excerpts from the EPA website and a recent NMMA press release. 

From EPA:
In April 2007, EPA proposed a new emission control program that would reduce hydrocarbon emissions from small spark-ignition engines by about 35 percent.  The new exhaust emissions standards would begin in 2011 or 2012, depending on the size of the engine.  The proposal also includes new standards to reduce evaporative emissions from these fuel systems. General information for consumers, boaters, and other users of outboard motors and personal watercraft that use gasoline engines, or "spark-ignition" (SI) engines may be 
found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/marinesi.htm

From NMMA:
On April 17, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a proposed rule that, once finalized, will result in the largest regulatory action in the history of the recreational marine industry. The EPA rule, titled "Control of Emissions from Non-road Spark Ignition Engines and Equipment," impacts boatbuilders, gasoline engine manufacturers (both outboard and inboard/sterndrive) and manufacturers of marine generators. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is encouraging its members to submit comments to EPA on its 
proposal by the August 3 deadline.

The effects of EPA's latest proposal are two-fold, requiring spark ignited (gas) marine engine manufacturers to meet new emission standards beginning in 2009 and boatbuilders to reduce evaporative emissions from boat fuel systems. Under the proposal, outboard and PWC engines will have to be certified to the same stringent exhaust emission standards as will be required by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2008. For sterndrive and inboard engines, the EPA rule proposes catalyst-based exhaust emission standards apply beginning in 2009. Boat builders will be required to change their fuel systems with requirements for fuel hose, plastic fuel tanks and controlling emissions from the fuel tank vent.

"This is by far the most comprehensive rulemaking ever imposed on the recreational marine industry," says Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. "It's not just an engine rule; this proposal directly affects boat builders as well as engine manufacturers and will change the way builders design a boat's fuel system. The entire industry needs to be aware of this ruling and prepare to meet all necessary requirements under the new EPA guidelines."

For General information for consumers, boaters, and other users of outboard motors and personal watercraft that use gasoline engines, or "spark-ignition" (SI) engines Click Here

AMERICAN BOATING CONGRESS WRAP UP

In May MMTA Vice President Tina Marie Giambro of Port O' Call Productions represented MMTA at the American Boating Congress in Washington DC.  Ms. Giambro and MMTA's "Man in Washington" Larry Innis met members of the Massachusetts delegation including staff from the offices of Senators Kennedy and Kerry and Representative Lynch.  In addition to the issues suggested for mention by NMMA, MMTA's Giambro also delivered a message to the delegation on the need for Federal Funds for Dredging of Smaller Harbors, the need to relieve the Health Insurance Cost Burden on on small businesses and concerns about stepped up EPA environmental regulatory actions and six figure fines levied on the marine industry in New England. 

During the American Boating Congress NMMA facilitated discussion on a number of issues of importance to MMTA Members.  As you go about your business, speak with your colleagues, elected officials and customers, consider sharing the following "Talking Points" on Business Activity, Ballast Water & Ethanol that help to consicely outline the issues that negatively impact our industry.  

Business Activity Tax Reform (BATSA) 
Addressing the "Nexus" Battles

State and local taxing officials have become highly aggressive in applying broad "economic nexus" standards to collect business activity taxes from businesses that are based in  other states. These nexus rules are universally vague, complex, and they differ on a state-by-state basis, making it nearly impossible for our business to know with any certainty what our tax liability is. In addition to creating enormous economic inefficiencies that hurt the economy and reduce job creation, vague state tax nexus laws have caused widespread and costly litigation. We urge Congress to pass the bipartisan Business Activity Tax Simplification Act, which would establish clear and equitable jurisdictional standards consistent with constitutional principles. Left unchecked, this overzealous business activity taxation will have a chilling effect on the entire economy as tax burdens, compliance costs, litigation, and uncertainty escalate. BATSA offers a sensible solution to this problem by modernizing state business tax laws by codifying the majority view among state courts and tribunals that the Constitution requires a business to have a physical, "bricks and mortar" presence in a state before that business can be subjected to a state's business activity tax. BATSA is a sensible, much-needed bipartisan piece of legislation that would ensure tax fairness, grow the economy and create jobs.
 
Ballast Water Issue: 
Overboard Discharge Permits for Millions of Boaters?  Oh My!

As a result of overbroad language in a recent court decision dealing with ballast water from supertankers and cargo ships, EPA is moving to permit all 18 million recreational boats in the country for incidental discharges, such as bilge water or deck wash-down. For 34 years, an exemption has existed for incidental discharges from boats because it makes no sense to regulate them and because boat discharges are already highly regulated under federal and state law. Congress never intended to put day boaters in the same category as a mega-ton international supertanker when it crafted the Clean Water Act. This is why the EPA made the exemption for recreational boats in the first place, and why the EPA wants to keep that system in place now. If boaters are faced with an expensive, bureaucratic permitting process, people will simply choose not to go boating and fishing with their families, hurting a uniquely American manufacturing sector that contributes $37 billion and 343,000 jobs to the economy each year. Logistically, a national permitting system for recreational boats would be a nightmare. The Clean Water Act permitting system was designed for stationary, industrial-type facilities, not 18 million small, mobile non-point sources like boats.  Congress can fix this problem easily by taking the existing EPA regulatory exemption and writing it into law in the Clean Water Act.  It is imperative that Congress act quickly to codify the exemption and keep a 34-year strong, proven regulatory system in place. Making the exemption permanent will not hinder efforts to stop the introduction and spread of invasive species through commercial ballast water.

ETHANOL ETHANOL ETHANOL - Is E20 The Next Battlefront? 
Ethanol Blends over E10 Damage Boat Engines & Fuel Tanks

The marine industry supports efforts to reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil as well as policies to promote the development and consumption of renewable fuels.   However, our industry is deeply concerned that Congress's biofuels agenda does not fully consider the grave and well-documented human safety, environmental, and technology concerns associated with ethanol blends over 10 percent in recreational boat fuel tanks and engines. Any effort to incrementally increase the concentration of ethanol in gasoline will have catastrophic effects on boat engines and components that are designed, tested, and calibrated for E10.  Mid-grade ethanol fuel corrodes boat fuel tanks, causing leaks, fires and possibly explosions, reduces fuel efficiency and increases smog-forming pollution and other emissions that will harm air, water quality and habitat. Most importantly, a rapid and premature move to mid-grade ethanol poses an enormous safety risk for 72 million boaters.  The marine industry strongly urges Congress, at a minimum, to study the impacts of mid-grade blends on boat engines and fuel tanks as well as other small engine equipment (e.g. generators) before moving forward. Language in S. 987, the Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act, that would mandate a feasibility study of increased mid-grade ethanol fuel blends should be broadened to include the impacts on boats and other consumer products.

For more information on these or other issues from the 2007 American Boating Congress, visit www.nmma.org/abc 

TWICKING TIME BOMB? CAUGHT IN TWICSAND? MAYBE NOT!

An Update From USCG On The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the Recreational Boating Community Forwarded By MMTA Washington Lobbysit, Larry Innis:

The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, were a clear reminder to the people of the United States that we, as a nation, are not insulated from the political turmoil and extremist activities that can be found around the globe.  Those events were the catalyst for a hard look at the vulnerabilities this country faces in human and economic terms as a result of the capabilities and determination of terrorist groups.  Of the nationally vital infrastructures reviewed during this assessment, our maritime borders and facilities were identified as particularly susceptible to direct attack or indirect use as a means to smuggle persons or dangerous items into the country.  The Congress determined that some method was needed to confirm that persons working in transportation and, specifically, in port areas or aboard U.S. vessels did not pose a terrorist threat.  The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, was the result.

For private marinas and recreational boat operators who do not carry passengers or cargo for hire, the impact of this rule is negligible.  Nationwide, there are approximately 150 marinas identified as meeting the applicability standard in the security regulations and, of those, there are fewer than 45 that need to have a Facility Security Plan (FSP) on file with the Coast Guard.  These marinas must file an FSP because they perform marine transfers of fuel to vessels with a capacity of 250 barrels or more and/or accept vessels that carry passengers for hire and embark or disembark those passengers at the marina.  For persons working at one of the facilities required to have a FSP, a TWIC would be needed by, at most, the individual(s) who requires unescorted access to restricted areas (for example, fuel storage areas or the fuel dock) or who would be responsible for escorting or monitoring the movements of persons who do not hold TWICs while they are on the facility.  It was never intended that private individuals, not engaged in commercial maritime activities, would need a TWIC to move through a marina to their boat.

The TWIC program is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative with joint participation of the U. S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). As required by Congress, the TWIC will be issued to U.S. licensed or documented mariners meaning that all individuals issued a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner's document must be issued a biometric transportation security card.  A TWIC will also be needed by any person who requires unescorted access to the secure areas of regulated port facilities and regulated commercial vessels.  This would include steamship or stevedoring company employees, longshoremen, and others who need unescorted access on a regulated facility to perform their jobs.  Compliance with the TWIC requirements will be phased in for facilities by port based on the enrollment implementation schedule which will be determined as enrollment begins.  Professional mariners and commercial vessels need to comply with TWIC provisions by September 26th, 2008, 20 months after rule publication in the Federal Register.

COAST GUARD RE-ESTABLISHES STORM FLAG PROGRAM

The U.S. Coast Guard is re-establishing a Coastal Warning Display program at selected Coast Guard small boat stations throughout the country to warn the public of approaching storm conditions.

The re-establishment of this program, discontinued by the National Weather Service in 1989, re-enforces the Coast Guard's role as lifesavers and visually communicates that citizens should take personal responsibility for individual safety in the face of an approaching storm. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's "Population Trends Along the Coastal United States: 1980-2008," the narrow coastal fringe that makes up 17 percent of the nation's contiguous land area is home to more than half of its population. In 2003, approximately 153 million people (53 percent of the nation's population) lived in the 673 U.S. coastal counties, an increase of 33 million people since 1980.

Starting May 30, 2007, selected small boat stations will ONCE AGAIN hoist display flags to warn of small craft advisories, gale warnings, storm warnings and hurricane warnings.  Residents of coastal communities are urged to tune to National Weather Service radio broadcasts for the latest information when they observe a flag hoisted as part of this program.

What Is A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY?
An advisory issued by coastal and Great Lakes Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) for areas included in the Coastal Waters Forecast or Nearshore Marine Forecast (NSH) products.  Any vessel that may be adversely affected by Small Craft Advisory criteria should be considered a small craft. Other considerations include the experience of the vessel operator, and  the type, overall size, and sea worthiness of the vessel. There is no legal definition of "small craft".

What Conditions Precipitate A Small Craft Advisory in New England?
For Eastern (ME..SC, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario) - Sustained winds or frequent gusts ranging between 25 and 33 knots (except 20 to 25 knots, lower threshold area dependent, to 33 knots for harbors, bays, etc.) and/or seas or waves 5 to 7 feet and greater, area dependent.  "Frequent gusts"are typically long duration conditions (greater than 2 hours).

GALE WARNING: To indicate winds within the range 34 to 47 knots are forecast for the area.

STORM WARNING: To indicate winds 48 knots and above, no matter how high the speed, are forecast for the area. However, if the winds are associated with a tropical cyclone (hurricane), the STORM WARNING indicates that winds within the range 48-63 knots are forecast.

HURRICANE WARNING: Issued only in connection with a tropical cyclone (hurricane) to indicate that winds 64 knots and above are forecast for the area.

A "HURRICANE WATCH" is not a warning, rather it indicates that the hurricane is near enough that everyone in the area covered by the "Watch" should listen to their radios for subsequent advisories and be ready to take precautionary action in case hurricane warnings are issued.

A SPECIAL MARINE WARNING is issued whenever a severe local storm or strong wind of brief duration is imminent and is not covered by existing warnings or advisories. No visual displays will be used in connection with the Special Marine Warning Bulletin; boaters will be able to receive these special warnings by keeping tuned to a NOAA Weather Radio station or to Coast Guard and commercial radio stations that transmit marine weather information.

For a list of NWS Weather Offices by Region, Click Here

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

June 2 - 10, 2007
National Fishing & Boating Week
http://www.rbff.org/ 

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

Thursday, September 6th 2007
! Save The Date !
MMTA General Meeting & Social 
Location TBD

Friday, September 28th 2007
! Save The Date ! 
MMTA Annual Meeting Breakfast
Seaport World Trade Center
In Conjunction With the 8th Annual Boston International In Water Boat Show

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

Tuesday, January 29th 2008
! Save The Date !
MMTA 3rd Annual
Professional Development Conference   
Location To Be Determined

An All New MA Marine Trades Administrative Calendar May Be Accessed By Clicking Here

MMTA LINKS OF INTEREST

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
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

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: 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