Congress
Insights from the 50th International Congress of Maritime Museums
For many, the ocean is life. It provides transportation, work, commerce, food, recreation—tales as old as time and shared by people across the globe. These stories are lived day to day, passed down between generations, and shared with the public through various media. Maritime museums assume responsibility to share these histories while honoring the communities shaped ocean exploration and commerce. In a decade where ocean health and climatic events have become a primary focus…
New US Law Requires Use of Engine Cut-off Switches
Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller.
US Flag Registry Now a Reality for Large Yachts
With the stroke of President Trump's pen on Monday, August 13, 2018, U.S. yacht owners are now able to fly an American flag and register their yachts - over 300 GT - in the United States.This new legislation modernizes outdated laws and brings the United States in line with current times, according to a yachting trade association. "This has been a significant issue that the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) has spent nearly a decade working to correct," said Kate Pearson, USSA Chair and vice president of business development of Safe Harbor Marinas.
AMI Welcomes Affiliate Partnership with WMA
The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) has welcomed the Wisconsin Marine Association (WMA) as its newest membership partner. Now all WMA marina members will receive the additional benefit of being members of AMI in conjunction with their WMA membership. This means WMA members will now have access to all AMI services, products and benefits in addition to those they already receive from WMA. The WMA was launched in March 2009 with the planning and support of several WI marina operators, the Wisconsin Harbor Towns Association, and funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration's Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.
ABC Draws 35 Industry Organizations as Co-hosts
The 2016 American Boating Congress (ABC) will be co-hosted by 35 industry organizations, working together to create a dynamic and engaging program that meets the needs of the entire recreational boating industry. Now in its fourth year, the ABC co-host program brings together organizations across all industry segments to strengthen recreational boating’s collective advocacy impact. These organizations have committed their time and resources in order to develop an event that will create a louder voice for recreational boating on Capitol Hill. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 9-11, 2016.
More Coverage Expected from New Federal Regs
Legislation passed on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 by the U.S. House of Representatives will bring a benefit to improve insurance coverage at lower cost to companies and their workers in the recreational boating industry, said the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), a trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and growing marine business jobs. H.R. 3896 achieved this by amending the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act to provide a simplified definition of recreational vessels for purposes of the Act. The legislation was spearheaded and introduced last January by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz of Florida.
American Boating Congress Draws 36 Co-hosts
Partnerships showcase growing industry-wide commitment advocacy, unity on Capitol Hill. In 2013, the American Boating Congress (ABC) was co-hosted by 31 industry organizations who worked together to create a dynamic and engaging program, that met the needs of the entire recreational boating industry. This year, driven by 2013’s success, 36 industry partners have agreed to co-host ABC, answering the call to strengthen the industry’s collective advocacy impact. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 5-7, 2014.
NMMA Unveils New Grassroots Advocacy Tool, Boating United
New website facilitates communication to Members of Congress and real time updates on legislation affecting the boating industry. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced a new grassroots advocacy platform – Boating United – for NMMA members, business owners, industry stakeholders and all who hope to ensure that their voice is heard on Capitol Hill on behalf of recreational boating. Boating United is an online community for marine manufacturers, boating businesses, enthusiasts and supporters.
Norma Trease on the Repeal of the Spanish Matriculation Tax
On Thursday, October 17, 2013, the Spanish Congress of Deputies has approved the bill that modification of the current exemption foreseen in the Spanish Excise Duties Law (Law 38/1992) for vessels really and exclusively dedicated to the charter activity, eliminating the mention to the maximum length of 15 meters for these vessels. After this approval the bill has to be published in the Spanish for Official Bulletin of the State, the official gazette of the Government of Spain in order to be mandatory. This is expected to happen in one week time.
Senators Murray, Cantwell Introduce American Port Legislation
U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell introduced today The Maritime Goods Movement Act for the 21st Century, new legislation that would support the American trade economy and significantly strengthen American ports. The legislation would replace the outdated Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT), which is designed to fund the operation and maintenance of American ports, but currently incentivizes shippers to bypass American ports and move U.S. bound goods through Canada and Mexico instead.
NMMA Release Economic Impact Report at American Boating Congress
On May 8-9, 2013 the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) will release updated economic impact data for the recreational boating industry during the American Boating Congress. The update reflects 2012 data across the United States and has been formatted as an infographic reflecting data in a highly visual way. In 2013 NMMA’s Center of Knowledge contracted with the Recreational Marine Research Center at Michigan State University to update the 2008 Economic Value of Recreational Boating at the State and Congressional District Level.
American Boating Congress Brings Industry Leaders to D.C.
The 2013 American Boating Congress (ABC) announced its lineup of speakers, featuring a group of policy specialists and industry authorities, as well as legislative and regulatory officials including Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). NMMA President, Thom Dammrich says, “We are delighted to welcome this broad spectrum of industry advocates, policy experts and legislative decision-makers to the 2013 American Boating Congress. Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI): Currently serving his 8th term as a Member of Congress, Rep.
Non-composite Composite Decking: Really?
NyloBoard's Dr. Shae Brown shares global insights on emerging technologies for decking materials. NyloDeck manufactured by NyloBoard is called the “non-composite” composite decking material because it contains no wood or PVC and is not a cap stock product. Its material composition uses recycled carpet fiber and VOC-free resins to create exceptionally strong, durable and eco-friendly deck boards that are impervious to moisture, mold, mildew and termites, and will not swell or rot.
U.S. Recreational Boating Industry Gathers in Washington, D.C.
Employees from across all sectors of the U.S. recreational boating industry are gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC today and tomorrow for the annual American Boating Congress (ABC) to advocate on behalf of the industry’s 350,000 workers and 82 million boaters. With the unofficial start to boating season just under a month away on Memorial Day weekend, ABC gives members of the U.S. recreational boating industry a timely platform to meet with legislators and other decision makers on Capitol Hill, hear from prominent economic and political speakers and participate all while meeting with colleagues from around the country.
Maitland Pinpoints Global Shipping's Woes, Solutions
Clay Maitland is a ubiquitous figure in the global shipping circuit, never shy to share his accrued maritime experience of more than 40 years, ask the tough questions or supply the blunt opinion. Set to celebrate his 70th birthday later this year but not slowing a step, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News caught up with Maitland in his Manhattan office late last month. Most anyone who has seen Clay Maitland address a crowd; watched him grill a conference panel; or taken him one-on-one in conversation to discuss some nuance of the industry…
WISTA Conference Focuses on Shipping’s Challenges
The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) conference program scheduled to be held in Paris October 3-5 will focus on issues facing shipping today. In addition to hosting its annual meeting and conference, WISTA has also created a new feature, the “Women’s Sea Congress” which will address women for innovation and modernity in shipping and the maritime economy. This annual gathering of WISTA members is augmented by industry leaders who participate in the three day event as both speakers and delegates, as the event is open to the maritime community.
