ATTENTION DEALERS, MARINA-BOATYARD OPERATORS

An Open Letter Sent To New England Boaters From The US EPA's Robert Varney

In June, US EPA's Region 1 Administrator, Robert Varney, issued a letter to Boaters in the New England states asking for their help protecting our waterways and informing them that they need to partner with marinas and boatyards to advance best management practices.  The letter goes on to describe EPA's assistance and enforcement efforts in the marina sector and encouraged boaters to 1. Talk to your marina about Best Management Practices for boaters; 2. Familiarize yourself with marina policies on do-it-yourself work and waste disposal; 3. Utilize your marina's supportive services such as used oil receptacles, recycling containers, and special storage areas for old batteries; and, 4. Explore how you can eliminate or reduce the use of products with toxic chemicals.

All MMTA members are urged to download a copy of the Varney letter together with the Providence Journal article and consider posting it at their facilities and sending a copy to boat owning customers.  Doing so will be an important reminder to your staff and your customers of the seriousness and substantial consequences of not being compliant.  To download your copy of the complete Varney letter and the Providence Journal article, click here:  http://www.boatma.com/pdf/Regulatory/EPA%20to%20Boaters%202007%20JUN%2018.pdf

MA CZM Clean Marina Guide - Pressure Washing Section Updated

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, see the information below, or contact CZM's Robin Lacey at robin.lacey@state.ma.us.

Link To CZM's New Hull Maintenance & Cleaning Section Of MA Clean Marina Guide:  http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/guide/pdf/cmg_chapter_4-1.pdf

Link To CZM's Pressure Washing Information: 
http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/pressurewashing/index.htm


MMTA Pressure Wash Water Recovery System Survey On the Way

Click Here to download the Marina Environmental Compliance Assistance Workshop Presentations

LOCAL NEWS AND NOTES

New Trailering Guide Available Online
New Trailering Guide from the editors of Boating World magazine has been posted at boatma.com/pdf.  This publication provided to MMTA by member Andy Stone of C & E Distribution contains lots of tips, tricks and tutorials for both the novice and experienced trailer boat owner.  Sections include: Matching It Up, Hitches, Safety, Maintenance, Advance Prep, Launching and Quick Solutions.  To download your copy, click here: http://www.boatma.com/pdf/Forms%20and%20Applications/Trailering%20Guide%202007.pdf 

Mercury University Discontinues Dealer Training On The Cape
Mercury University has discontinued its dealer technical training courses at the Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich.  A local and convenient source for marine dealer education for over 5 years, Mercury Marine cited facility limitations, low enrollment and financial constraints" as contributing factors in their decision.  Mercury Marine's Director of Field Service Development and Operations, Brad Weber, added that "Mercury University will continue to offer assistance with instructor training and curriculum development in support of the marine program at CCRTHS."  For more information on alternative training locations, contact Mercury University. 

The Landing School launches New Composite Program
The Landing School's new Composites program promises an unequaled education in modern composite boatbuilding. The program teaches students to understand complex materials and processes, along with a hands-on approach to skill development. A well-designed balance between composite theory and practical exercises in fabrication will equip program graduates to excel in a global era of composite boat building.  For more information on the Landing School's new Composite Program which begins in September 2007, contact Glen Shivel at 207-985-7976 or visit the Landing School's website by clicking here:  http://www.thelandingschool.org/composites/index.html

BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

Federal funding aimed at helping towns facilities of public accomodation meet the needs of recreational boaters is available. Specifically, the funds come from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service via the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Several coastal towns are already participating in this program, entitled: The "Boating Infrastructure Grant (B.I.G). B.I.G. is designed to help towns provide docking and other facilities for transient (10 days or less) non-trailerable boats, both power and sail, measuring 26' and over.

For more information on the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) Click Here:

CLEAN VESSEL ACT PROGRAM

The Massachusetts Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program is administered by Marine Fisheries and has been underway since 1994. Funding is provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sportfish Restoration Program. Since the CVA program's inception, Massachusetts' harbors have put more pumpout boats in service than any other state. This extensive coverage, coupled with the many shoreside stations placed in service, provide the infrastructure needed to achieve and maintain the goal of designation of the Commonwealth's coastal waters as a federal No- Discharge Area.

For more information on the Clean Vessel Act Program (CVA) click here:

COAST GUARD TO SPLIT UP?

According to TradeWinds, a shipping industry news magazine, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) may soon be split into two U.S. maritime bodies under legislation to be introduced by next week.

Legislative and lobbying sources tell TradeWinds that a brand-new smaller federal agency is likely to be formed to take over most of the parts of the USCG that international and domestic ship owners meet in the course of their business. Sources in Washington have also told NASBLA that recreational boating safety could be moved out of the Coast Guard as a part of this reorganization.

This proposal will leave the USCG more nearly a pure security organization, in line with the many new domestic security mandates it has been handed since the terrorist attacks of 2001 and with its move shortly thereafter out of the U.S. Department of Transportation and into the new Department of Homeland Security.  Lobbyists give the soon-to-be-unveiled proposals a good chance of passing during the present session of Congress.  James Oberstar of Minnesota, the Democrats' chairman of the House committee on transport and infrastructure and representative of a Great Lakes state, is said to be in favor of the plan. Great Lakes shipping interests are said to be especially in favor of a change and have been frustrated among other things by the regular military rotations of USCG personnel, which have impeded the development of specific competence in regulating and inspecting the Lakes industry.  Source NASBLA Newsletter June 2007

HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY MICHAEL CHERTOFF SUMMIT REMARKS

At the recently concluded invitation-only Small Vessel Security Summit hosted by the USCG, Secretary of Homeland Security, the Honorable Michael Chertoff delivered remarks to the summit participants relative to securing our nations' waterways and ports from the potential of a small vessel attack. 

The full text of Secretary Cherrtoff's remarks may be found by clicking here:

DEVELOPING REC VESSEL DISCHARGE PERMIT PROGRAM

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking information as it considers how to develop a water permit program for pollutant discharges incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels and recreational boats. Discharges may include ballast water, bilge water, deck runoff and gray water.

As a result of a court ruling currently under appeal, vessel owners or operators whose discharges previously have been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements will require a permit on Sept. 30, 2008. In developing this program, EPA will seek to ensure that control technologies or management practices enhance environmental protection and are practical to implement.

Approximately 143,000 commercial vessels and potentially more than 13 million state-registered recreational boats and more than 25 different types of vessel discharges could be affected. The exemption from permitting requirements has been in place for more than 30 years. The changes are the result of a recent U.S. district court ruling that found EPA exceeded its authority by excluding discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel from existing permitting requirements. The agency is appealing that ruling.

"While EPA's position is that an exemption from Clean Water Act permitting is proper, we also share concerns about the significant impacts of aquatic invasive species," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "We will continue working with other federal agencies to identify the most effective, protective, and practical strategies for controlling invasive species from ballast water under existing laws."

EPA is seeking public comments and data to help the agency develop a permitting framework that recognizes various vessel characteristics and types of discharges. Specifically, EPA needs information about vessel identification and operations, owner notification, discharge impacts, pollution control equipment and practices, and commercial and recreational vessel traffic patterns.  Comments and data are due within 45 days of publication of the notice. Submit comments to ow-docket@epa.gov by August 6. Be sure to reference Docket ID No. OW-2007-0483. Source:  US EPA & MA CZM

Documents related to the rulemaking petition and the court ruling may be found by clicking here

LEGISLATION TO EXEMPT REC VESSELS FROM DISCHARGE PERMIT PROGRAM?

While the EPA is required to move forward in the process of implementing a permit to be issued to 13 million recreational boaters, there are two federal legislative vehicles on the move that would, if passed, exempt recreational boats and their incidental discharges (deck runoff, gray water etc) from federal regulations.  The first is House Resolution 2250 and the second is HR2830 also known as the US Coast Guard reauthorization bill.

MMTA recently commented in support of House Resolution 2830 and sent a letter to Massachusetts Congressman Michael Capuano of the 8th Congressional District who is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which will mark up the Bill this week.

To read, MMTA's comment on this legislation click here

NATIONAL DREDGING POLICY UNDER REVIEW

On behalf of the National Dredging Team, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comment on the National Dredging Policy and the National Dredging Team's 2003 Action Agenda for Dredged Material Management.

The National Dredging Policy was developed by a Federal Interagency Working Group, which was convened by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the early 1990s to investigate and recommend methods to improve the dredging review process. The Group identified the need for a unified national dredging policy to guide in the development of recommendations and to focus Federal agency commitments. The findings and principles described in the National Dredging Policy have been embraced by the Group's participating agencies.

The National Dredging Team (NDT), a Federal interagency group co-chaired by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), published its Dredged Material Management: Action Agenda for the Next Decade in 2003. This Action Agenda lays out 22 recommended actions to guide the National Dredging Team and support implementation of the National Dredging Policy. At the request of the Cabinet-level Committee on the Marine Transportation System, the NDT is currently reviewing the National Dredging Policy, as well as the NDT's Action Agenda, to reaffirm their adequacy in support of the U.S. Marine Transportation System. Comments must be received on or before August 6, 2007. Source:  EPA 

For more information on the National Dredging Team Click Here

LOCAL HELP NEEDED WITH FISHING LINE RECYCLING PROGRAM

Establishing a Nationwide Monofilament Recycling Program

Thanks to a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water hopes to reduce the amount of monofilament fishing line in the water by enlisting individuals or local fishing and boating groups to install, monitor and periodically empty recycling bins and return their contents to a recycler.

"Discarded fishing line can last for hundreds of years, harming marine life and damaging boat propulsion systems," said BoatU.S.  Foundation Environmental Program Director Susan Shingledecker. "We're looking to provide groups who have access to popular fishing spots, launch ramps or marinas, a free pre-made PVC mononofilament bin and signage suitable for mounting outdoors. In return, all we ask is that you agree to keep an eye on the bin, keep track of how many containers get filled and when full, return the collected line to the recycler, Berkley Conservation."

There are a limited number of bins, and bin locations will be determined by geographic area and demonstrated demand for monofilament recycling. Source:  Boat US Foundation

For more information on BoatUS' Monofilament Recycling, Click Here

WAGE SURVEY AVAILABLE

In April/May 2007, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust completed a Wage and Benefits Survey of its member firms in the Commonwealth.  MMTA members in good standing may request a copy of the Wage Survey Summary that includes comparisons by job title to select survey findings from the ABBRA New England survey (www.abbra.org).  To request your copy of the 2007 MA Marine Trades Wage Survey, click on the link at the end of this article and write "Wage Survey" in the subject line.  An electronic copy (pdf) will promptly be emailed to you.

Click Here To Request A Copy of the Wage Survey: Write Wage Survey In the Subject Line

MARINE TRADES PLANNING CALENDAR

MMTA has created a 2007/2008 Administrative Calendar which includes events, both local and national which are of interest to MMTA members.  Wondering when the 2007 Boston In Water Show is?  The new dates for 2008 New England Boat Show?  How about the 2008 MMTA Professional Development conference or the September Member Meeting and Social?  It's all posted here, download your copy today.

Click Here for the All NEW Marine Trades Calendar

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW MA HEALTH CARE REFORM LAW?

Health Care Reform Employer Deadline is July 1

By July 1, 2007, all Massachusetts residents age 18 and over are required to have health insurance and all Massachusetts employers with 11 or more full-time-equivalent employees in Massachusetts must adopt and maintain a Section 125 Plan.  The Commonwealth Connector is an independent authority created under the 2006 Health Care Reform Law. The Connector's mission is to serve individuals and employers in Massachusetts by increasing access to health insurance.

Click Here to learn more about the law, its requirements and how to get insurance

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Wednesday, July 11, 2007
FREE Mobile Wash Water Recovery System Demonstration
At 10 AM at A to Z Boatworks in Scituate On the North River
Call 781 871 8286 or visit http://www.pressurewasherwarehouse.net/ For More Info

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

Friday, September 28th 2007
MMTA Annual Meeting Breakfast
Seaport World Trade Center
In Conjunction With the 9th Annual Boston International In Water Boat Show

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

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

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

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
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