ABANDONED VESSEL LEGISLATION PASSES MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE!

MMTA Government Relations and Legal Counsel Jamy Buchanan Madeja, Esq. reported on Wednesday, November 21st that An Act Relative To Abandoned Vessels (HB 4188) passed the MA House of Representatives.  It was then sent to the Massachusetts Senate after which it quickly moved out of the Senate Clerk's office to Senate Ways and Means. Great thanks are due to Senators Michael Morrissey and Bruce Tarr and their respective staffs and, of course to the AVLs lead sponsor, Representative Anthony J. Verga, who stated following passage, "We struggled to get this bill through the House and we still have a struggle before full passage, but at least we have removed one obstacle.  This is an important piece of legislation for the Commonwealth's marinas and who are striving to protect public and environmental safety at their properties."

While An Act Relative to Abandoned Vessels has a long way yet to go in the legislative process before it becomes law, it has now advanced farther and faster than it did in the previous (2005-06) session.  Many thanks are due to members of the Massachusetts Legislative Boating Caucus, MMTA members and staff who have and will continue to work diligently to advance this piece of legislation.  If you are interested learning more about the process of making law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, visit "Lawmaking in Massachusetts" at http://www.mass.gov/legis/lawmkng.htm

Click Here To Access The Text of An Act Relative To Abandoned Vessels (H 4188)

CONFERENCE NEWS & UPDATES

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those companies who have already made commitments to sponsor our January 29 Professional Development Conference, The  Business of Boating in Massachusetts.  

SPONSOR UPDATES

Sponsorships and contributions are essential to keeping the registration fees affordable for all members.  As an added benefit and expression of our thanks, each Sponsor will be provided a complimentary Banner Advertisement at BoatMA.com which will remain in rotation until 30 days after the conference.  If you know of a firm, vendor or industry friend who would like to become a sponsor, direct them to the Sponsor Package at: www.BoatMA.com/conference08  

The earlier Sponsors come on board, the sooner we can recognize their generous support by informing our members of their contributions. 

RAFFLE ITEMS WANTED & WELCOME

The 2008 Conference will include a raffle during lunch for the benefit of Marine Trades Education and Scholarships.  Do you have an item to donate to the raffle?  A hand held VHF?  A GPS? Dinner for Two A Your Marina Restaurant?  A gift Certificate For Services You Provide?  Some other item that would appeal to the marine trades audience?  Please let us know by sending an email to:  conference@BoatMA.com 

Please join us in thanking and patronizing our generous Sponsors (as of 11/23/2007)

PLATINUM SPONSORS

EBI CONSULTING   www.ebiconsulting.com 
KELLOGG MARINE   www.kelloggmarine.com 

GOLD SPONSORS

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY   www.bfit.edu
CAPE COD MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION   www.boatcapecod.org
CLE ENGINEERING   www.cleengineering.com
COMMODORE UNIFORM & CAPE COD WIND & WEATHER   www.commodoreuniform.com
GE COMMERCIAL DISTRIBUTION FINANCE   www.ge.com
DJ GUSTAFSON ASSOCIATES   www.djgcpa.com
NEW ENGLAND MARINE DOCUMENTATION   www.boatdoc.com
NORTH AMERICAN EXPOSITIONS   www.neboatshow.com

SILVER TABLE SPONSORS

ALKOTA CLEANING SYSTEMS   www.alkotacleaningsystems.com
AMTECH ASSOCIATION OF MARINE TECHNICIANS   www.am-tech.org 
EDSON CORPORATION   www.edsonintl.com
LEWIS MARINE SUPPLY   www.lewismarine.com

Click Here To Download A Conference Sponsor Package

WHAT IF YOU HAD A BOAT SHOW AND NO ONE CAME?

THE NEW DATES FOR THE 52nd NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW ARE 
JANUARY 12 -20, 2008 


The NEBS is one of the most important economic drivers of the recreational boat business in New England and a mainstay of new leads and sales for MMTA members.  Overall nearly 50% of all annual sales activity can be traced back to a show contact.  With all members seeking to maximize each and every show opportunity, it is crucial that we each publicize the show and call attention to the new NEBS dates, January 12 -20, 2008.  MMTA encourages every member of our industry, whether exhibiting or not, to advertise the show and the date change in order to make the most out of this show and the ripple effect it generates.  Because the show will not be held during the "traditional" February school vacation, it is imperative that we all inform our customers, prospects and the general public of the change of dates. 

To make it easy for you, MMTA has established a web link where you (or your webmaster) may access the "code" to create a NE Boat Show banner ad highlighting the 2008 dates at your own website.  The link to access the code is  http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/nebsbanners.html 

Please, visit the above link, add the NE Boat Show banner to your website.  Make sure that your customers and prospects don't miss the show!  Also, why not include a Boat Show date change reminder with your Fall invoices or holiday mailings to your customers.  Together we can generate the interest and sales activity making the most of this essential winter recreational boating sales opportunity.

Click here to get the NE Boat Show Banner Code for your website

ANGELA'S TIP ON HEALTH CARE REFORM REPORTING:

The Commonwealth has placed a significant burden on small businesses (with over 11 employees) by requiring a report on company compliance with the new health law by November 15, 2007.  The reporting requirements are very time consuming for will require substantial time from small firms who do not have full time Human Resources staff.  

Angela's suggestion:  If you use a Payroll Service, ask for their assistance in compiling the requested data:  they likely have all the information automated and may be able to (for a small fee - it cost us $25), provide most of the required response with some input from you.  This will save you HOURS OF WORK!

Many thanks to Angela Lofgren of 3A Marine Service who no provided this tip to fellow MMTA members. 

Click Here For More Information on Health Care in Massachusetts

ECONOMICS 101 - MarinaEconomics.com – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

ATTENTION MARINAS, BOATYARDS, WATERFRONT ACCESS PROVIDERS:

PLEASE visit www.marinaeconomics.com today.  This extremely valuable tool is designed for you to use in advocating for your own marine business.  When you are communicating with regulators, town officials, agencies or permitting authorities, you will have an economic report on the contribution that your individual business makes to the community.  You will be VERY surprised what an impact your business has.  ALSO, please consider sharing your completed report with MMTA so that we can capture more accurately the combined economic impact of all recreational marine facilities in the Commonwealth.  If you are willing to share your data in confidence, please email or fax a completed version to:  Leona.Roach@BoatMA.com or via fax to 781.846.0207.

MarinaEconomics.com web-based models allows users to estimate boater spending and the associated economic impacts in terms of jobs, sales, income, and value added associated with the ownership (e.g., craft spending) and use (e.g., trip spending) of different sizes and types of recreational boats. Economic impacts may be estimated for a marina, groups of marinas (eg, in a harbor), a boat access/ launch site, or for all registered power boats and sail boats in a designated region.

Click Here To Get Started On Your Own Economic Impact Report

SO HOW IS BUSINESS?

CONSIDER THIS "STATE OF THE INDUSTRY MESSAGE" FROM NMMA



Indicators are pointing to 2007 as a year of transition for the boating industry

• 2006 and 2007 are poised to be transition years for the boating industry, as the downturn in the housing market and higher interest rates weakened consumer confidence and undermined demand for big-ticket purchases.
• Boats less than 30 feet are expected to see the largest dip in sales as buyers in this category are more likely to be impacted by soft economic conditions with larger boats and yachts faring much better.
• The Federal Reserve's recent decision to lower its benchmark interest rate by half a point to 4.75 is a move in the right direction; and should position the boating industry for growth in 2008.
• In the second quarter of 2007, new boat sales declined 8 percent on a rolling 12-month basis.  
• The slump in boat demand, primarily traditional powerboats, is directly correlated to consumer confidence.

While we have received some positive reports from particular regions, we anticipate 2007 to be another down year.

• A recent consumer study by RBC Capital Markets found 80 percent of people plan to purchase a recreational product at some point in the future.
• The data also suggest Gen Xers, the oldest of which are just entering the 40- to 49-year-old "sweet spot" for recreational product purchases, appear to have a higher level of interest in future purchases and greater urgency to buy compared to Baby Boomers.
As part of a five-year sales cycle, 2007 is expected to be a year of flat or moderate declines with recovery likely in 2008 and 2009.
• The Recreational Marine Index helps demonstrate the industry's five year sales cycle which tends to peak in years ending in five and zero and usually contains two "down" years and three "up" years within each cycle (the most recent cycle was made up of three down years and two up years).
• 2006 was a "down" year with the decline of traditional powerboat unit sales (nearly five percent).
• The previous five-year cycle saw a decline in traditional powerboat unit sales in 2001, 2002 and 2003 before rising in 2004 and 2005.
• We expect 2007 to be soft year, however, if the industry sales cycle holds true, it points to a return to growth in 2008 and in 2009.

NMMA's fall boat shows attendance was strong heading into the winter buying season.

• Three of the four NMMA fall boat shows – Tampa Boat Show, Toronto In-Water Boat Show and Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show – all experience an increase in attendance compared to 2006 figures.
• The Tampa and Toronto shows saw attendance increases of five and seven percent respectively, while Norwalk's attendance was up an impressive 22 percent over 2006 (and 13 percent over the three-year average).

The recreational boating industry may begin to see a positive impact in sales as early as 2008 as a result of its Grow Boating Initiative and Discover Boating campaign.
 
• 2008 will be the third year of the national integrated marketing campaign, Discover Boating, and the year the industry may begin to feel its impact in growing sales and helping to ensure that future cycles produce higher highs and higher lows. 
• The industry is on the brink of a surge in innovation, making boating easier.
• New propulsion and steering systems, such as Volvo's IPS and Mercury's Zeus, promise to generate even greater interest in boating as boating becomes easier. 
 
There was a purchasing trend toward larger, better equipped, more efficient boats/engines in 2006 and 2007

• Boaters continued to purchase slightly larger, better equipped boats in 2006, increasing the average powerboat price by two percent compared to 2005.
• Dollar sales of new boats increased two percent to $11.5 billion over 2005, while units were down more than five percent.
• Registrations for boats larger than 26 feet increased more than two percent in 2005.
• More than 9,000 new recreational documented vessels, typically boats larger than 26 feet, were added to the fleet in 2006, an increase of five percent from the previous year.
• The outboard engine market saw dollar sales increase nearly seven percent in 2006, while units fell three percent. Engine prices have increased an average of six percent over the past nine years; rising nearly seven percent in 2006 from 2005.due to advanced technologies that reduce emissions and are more fuel efficient.

2006 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract
Recreational boating is a major consumer goods industry generating $39.5 billion in sales and services during 2006, an increase of six percent from 2005.

• New boat and motor sales reached $15.1 billion, a 3% increase from $14.7 billion in 2005.
• Average price of a new boat in 2006 was $13,035.
• Average price of a new outboard boat, motor, trailer package was $26,085.
• Florida ranks number one in total expenditures for new powerboats, motors, trailers and accessories followed by California, Texas, North Carolina and New York respectively.
• Aftermarket accessory sales fell an estimated five percent to nearly $2.8 billion vs. 2005. However, aftermarket accessories sales have more than doubled in the last nine years, from $1.2 billion in 1997 to $2.8 billion in 2006. 

Despite a decrease in traditional new powerboat sales, more Americans went boating and studies have show participation precedes purchase.

• Participation increased an estimated 1.3 million in 2006 to nearly 73 million (from 71.3 million). 
• Nearly one-third of U.S. adults went boating in 2006, up two percent from the previous year.
With more Americans on the water, the number of recreational boats in use increased
• The number of boats in use increased slightly to nearly 18 million in 2006, an increase of nearly 60,000 from 2005.
• There were 13 percent more boats on the water in 2006 than there were in 1989.
 
For the first time since 2001, boat registrations increased slightly to 13 million in 2005

• The Great Lakes region had the most registered boats with 3.4 million, representing more than a quarter (27 percent) of registered boats in 2005.
• Three out of four current boat owners have an average household income under $100,000.
• Nearly 69 percent of boat owners were married and the median age was 45 – 49 years.
• Boat owners spent an average of 31 days on the water in 2006. 
12,000 marinas account for the 875,000 slips available for U.S. boat owners
• There were approximately 12,073 marinas in operation in the U.S. in 2006, accounting for nearly 875,000 total slips throughout the U.S. The average marina had 72 slips.
• Nearly 1,500 boat builders support more than 116,000 employees in the U.S.

Click Here For More Information On Industry Challenges & Opportunities

MMTA SIGNS ONTO BOAT BLUE COALITION

In early November MA Marine Trades Association signed on to a letter from the Boat Blue Coalition to the US Congressional Boating Caucus in support of H.R 2550 The Recreational Boating Act of 2007 which would re-instate a longstanding exemption for recreational vessel's from the EPA's NPDES permit requirements.  Below is the text of the letter and the signatories MMTA joined in voicing our support.

November 9, 2007

Dear House Boating Caucus Member:

The undersigned organizations are writing to strongly encourage you, as a member of the Congressional Boating Caucus, to cosponsor H.R. 2550, "the Recreational Boating Act of 2007," which will preserve recreational boating, sportfishing, and an array of water-based recreation that is currently being threatened by unnecessary federal regulation resulting from a recent court decision in California.

House Boating Caucus Co-Chairs Gene Taylor and Candice Miller introduced H.R. 2550, "the Recreational Boating Act of 2007," last May. Since that time, the legislation has garnered 45 bipartisan cosponsors who understand that a longstanding, commonsense exemption from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for non-harmful, incidental discharges associated with the normal operation of a recreational boat should remain in place.

If Congress does not act soon, the 18 million recreational boats in operation nationwide will be required to obtain a NPDES Permit from the EPA and individual States by September 2008. This requirement emerged from a court decision to require Clean Water Act regulation of ballast water, but it extended to all vessel discharges. H.R. 2550's restoration of the exemption for incidental discharges other than ballast water would have no effect on existing, separate regulations that prohibit the discharge of oil, hazardous pollutants, untreated sewage, and garbage and debris.

About 73 million Americans—one-third of all adults—went boating in 2006. There are nearly 18 million recreational boats in operation across the nation, and spending on new boat sales and services topped $39.5 billion in 2006 alone. Many of these boaters are also sport anglers and hunters, a 34-million strong demographic that has an annual national economic impact of $76 billion. Hunters and anglers spent $11 billion on boat fuel, boats and related equipment last year, and the $40 billion sportfishing industry supports more than one million U.S. jobs. Recreational boating supports 855,000 jobs nationwide.

Requiring a federal, Clean Water Act permit for all 18 million recreational boats currently in operation for non-harmful, water-based discharges such as deck run-off, engine cooling water, and uncontaminated bilge water would cause severe economic hardship for these industries and significantly drive down participation in outdoor recreation, all while having no real environmental benefit. There are significant barriers—economic and cultural—to participation in outdoor recreation now. Adding a federal permitting requirement, which could cost several hundred dollars per boat, will substantially exacerbate these perceived disincentives.

H.R. 2550 has strong bipartisan support and is a sensible legislative remedy to restore the longstanding incidental discharge exemption that has been in place for 34 years. In addition to the 45 cosponsors in the House, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Barbara Boxer has publicly pledged to exempt recreational boaters and anglers from this onerous permitting scheme.

Passage of a legislative remedy to restore this longstanding, commonsense exemption is the most significant legislative issue facing recreational boating. We strongly urge you to cosponsor H.R. 2550, "the Recreational Boating Act of 2007,"and advocate for its expeditious passage in the Congress well in advance of the September 2008 permitting deadline.

We appreciate your consideration of our views on this important legislation. For more information, please contact Dylan Jones (djones@nmma.org; (202) 737-9776) or Mathew Dunn (mdunn@nmma.org; (202)-737-9760).

Sincerely,
American Recreation Coalition, American Sportfishing Association, American Watercraft Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Association of Marina Industries, Berkley Conservation Institute, Blue Ribbon Coalition, Boat Owners Association of the United States, California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, Chicago Yachting Association, Coastal Conservation Association,  Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Connecticut Marine Trade Association, C-PORT, National Association for the Marine Assistance Industry, Federation of Fly Fishers, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Maine Marine Trade Association, Marine Industries Association of Florida, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Marine Retailers Association of America, Marine Trades Association of Maryland, Marine Trade Association of New Jersey, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Michigan Boating Industries Association, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, National Boating Federation, National Marine Manufacturers Association, New York Marine Trade Association, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Personal Watercraft Industry Association, Pure Fishing, Recreational Boaters of California, Southern California Marine Association, Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association, USA Water Ski

Click Here To Learn More About the Boat Blue Coalition

NEWS FROM NMMA'S WASHINGTON OFFICE

Congressional Action Benefits Boaters and Marine Industry.  Here are two important, recent developments on Capitol Hill that positively impact the recreational marine industry and boaters alike:

1. CONGRESS OVERRIDES PRESIDENTIAL VETO ON WRDA
Last week, Congress handed President Bush the first veto override of his presidency, passing an important water infrastructure funding bill that will benefit coastal communities and the nation's 73 million boaters. The bill, known as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), authorizes an estimated $23 billion in funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and support the country's waterways, locks, navigation and flood control projects.

NMMA worked closely with lawmakers to shape the legislation to promote boating, water access, navigational dredging and waterway infrastructure.

2. HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES COMPROMISE ON LACEY ACT
The U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee voted November 7 to approve H.R. 1479, the Legal Timber Protection Act, after an "innocent owner" provision was included to protect U.S. small businesses and manufacturers from misdirected enforcement burdens of foreign timber laws.

NMMA lobbied Congress to include the "innocent owner" provision that addresses these concerns by providing forfeiture liability protection for small businesses and manufacturers that have practiced due diligence in procuring wood products in the supply chain.

Click Here To Learn More About NMMAs Legislative Advocacy

WATER ACCESS ALLIANCE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

The Water Access Alliance is seeking several more industry volunteers to serve on its Marketing Working Group. The group needs 10 to 12 industry volunteers who have experience with creating and maintaining a brand name, both within an industry and for consumers. Expertise in only one of these areas (industry or consumer) is necessary.  Interested individuals should contact Brooke Fishel at (202) 737-9774; bfishel@nmma.org for additional information.

Click Here To Learn More About The Water Access Alliance

EXCERPTS FROM NOVEMBER CZM NEWSLETTER

Coastlines 2007 Now Online - The 2007 edition of Coastlines, CZM's annual magazine, is now available in print and online. This edition focuses on coastal recreation in Massachusetts. From beach combing to fly fishing, articles offer personal accounts and tips for getting started. Check out the Coastlines 2007 website, or for a printed copy, email your request to czm@state.ma.us.

Coastal Management Newsletter - The October edition of NOAA's Coastal Programs Division's National Coastal Management Program News features a piece on Massachusetts's Low Impact Development (LID) Working Group and includes stories about boating access in Florida and a special section on marine debris.

Grants/Funding Opportunities

Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants - CZM is seeking proposals for the Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program (CPR). For Fiscal Year 2008, the CPR program will provide up to $400,000 to municipalities located in the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to assess and remediate stormwater pollution from paved surfaces and to design, install, or upgrade boat pumpout facilities. Up to $125,000 may be requested, and a 25% match of the total project cost is required. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), visit the Comm-PASS website and search for solicitation number "ENV 08 CZM 02." (You do not have to log in to use the search function.) For more information, contact Jay Baker at jason.baker@state.ma.us. Applications are due by November 20, and projects must be completed by June 30, 2008. See the EOEEA Press Release (PDF, 41 KB).

Cape Cod Bay NDA

Since the spring of 2006, representatives from CZM, the town of Barnstable, the Center for Coastal Studies, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Massachusetts Bays Program, and Nantucket Soundkeeper have worked together to designate Cape Cod Bay as a federal No Discharge Area (NDA), prohibiting the discharge of all boat sewage. This work group is looking to designate all of the waters of Cape Cod Bay as an NDA, which includes all state waters from Provincetown to Plymouth, encompassing 11 towns. The work group has collected data on vessel use and pumpout facilities and is currently analyzing the data to determine what additional pumpout facilities are needed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for NDA designation. This winter, the work group will assist towns that need additional pumpouts to secure grant funds for this equipment. A formal application should be submitted to EPA next spring, with designation expected next fall or spring 2009.

Click Here To Access The Current Edition of CZMail

DON'T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!

December 11 - 14, 2007  
ABYC - Electrical Certification
Newport, RI 
http://www.abycinc.org/calendar/index.cfm

December 15 - 16, 2007 
AMTECH 4 Stroke Outboard Systems
Warwick, RI
http://www.am-tech.org/parseqs.asp?Function=DisplayFAQ&iFAQ=11&Ctemplate=tmp_Chapter.asp&qTemplate=tmp_Qusetion_OneLine.asp&fTemplate=tmp_FAQ_Header.asp

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

January 19 - 22, 2007 
International Marina and Boatyard Conference
Atlanta, Georgia
https://www.marinaassociation.org/imbc/

January 26 - 27, 2008
Marine Refrigeration & A/C 
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
With Instructor:  Scott Sargent, World Wide Enterprises 
 http://www.maritime.edu/l2.cfm?page=123

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

February 2 - 3, 2008
AMTECH - Computers and Introduction to Engine Diagnostics
Harwich, MA
http://www.am-tech.org/parseqs.asp?Function=DisplayFAQ&iFAQ=11&Ctemplate=tmp_Chapter.asp&qTemplate=tmp_Qusetion_OneLine.asp&fTemplate=tmp_FAQ_Header.asp

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

February 18 - 20, 2008
Conference On Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
http://www.comitt.org

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

LINKS OF INTEREST

Photo Credit: © Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006















MARINE TRADES LINKS

2007 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
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

Click Here For MMTA Members Only Content