2010

Admiral Robert Papp to serve as the 24th Commandant of the Coast Guard, May 25, 2010

United States Power Squadrons - Sail & Power Boating - Report to NBF, March 27-28, 2010

NBF - Legislative Update - March, 2010

National Boating Federation - Legislative Update - April 21, 2010

Earl Waesche –Legislative Director

USCG - Safety Alert re DSC-equipped VHF Marine Radios

According to Bryant’s Maritime Consulting, the US Coast Guard issued a safety alert stating that an automatic channel switching feature found on certain models of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipped VHF marine radios may create an unintended hazard by automatically switching from a working channel to Channel 16 when the radio receives a DSC distress alert, distress alert acknowledgement, or other DSC call where a VHF channel number has been designated. The Coast Guard strongly recommends disabling the automatic channel switching feature when maintaining a listening watch, communicating on the designated bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone, or monitoring the vessel traffic services (VTS) channel. The Coast Guard also strongly recommends that radio operators and other users ensure that the radio is on the proper channel when communicating or maintaining a listening watch. Safety Alert 02-10 (4/13/10).

Federal Saltwater Fishing Registration

Legislation that took effect in January 2010 requires all saltwater fishermen to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service and have a registry card. This only applies in coastal states that do not require fishing licenses, which includes Maryland and Virginia. There is no cost for the Federal registry but there will be a charge in 2011. To take advantage of this, some states are considering requiring a fishing license so that they could benefit from any fees instead of the Federal Government. To register now, go to www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or call 1-888-674-7411.

Still No EPA Decision on Ethanol

The EPA has still not announced a decision on the petition by Growth Energy to increase ethanol content from E10 to E15. The decision has no doubt been delayed by petitions from interest groups for further testing and a large number of negative public comments. In the meantime, Growth Energy is running TV ads stating: “No beaches have closed due to ethanol spills.

2009

Representative Chellie Pingree (Maine) introduces H.R. 2548 -
the Keep Americas Waterfronts Working Act

The bill creates a grants program for states that have a working waterfront plan for recreational fishing, commercial fishing, boat building and other uses. It will allow states to determine which working waterfronts are at risk and which one should have priority for protection. As we all know many waterfront facilities are at risk and public access has been reduced or eliminated by declaration of eminent domain or other means.

NBF Legislative Director Earl M. Waesche wrote to the Honorable Chellie Pingree thanking her for her introduction and support of H.R. 2548. He stated that the public awareness and gravity of this situation was evident by the large attendance at the Boating Access Forum in May 2007 in Norfolk VA. There were many presentations giving examples of how marinas and recreational and commercial fishing facilities were eliminated by declarations of eminent domain or other means. The risk to our working waterfronts continues to this day although some municipalities have enacted rules or regulations which reduce the risk.

With our nation’s many miles of coastline, the importance of public access to these areas cannot be minimized. These waterways provide restaurants, repair facilities, dockage, etc. which all provide employment and contribute significantly to our economy.

The NBF believes your bill will be a great step forward in maintaining the many assets provided on our waterfronts for the boating community and the general public.

NMMA Continues Aggressive Push Back on Ethanol Lobby

As part of ongoing advocacy on ethanol, a coalition of groups including NMMA have launched a web site to encourage policymakers to follow the science and reject the hasty introduction of mid-level fuels like E15.  A joint project by thirteen organizations including NMMA and BoatUS, "http://www.followthescience.org/"www.FollowTheScience.org is a one-stop resource for those who want to learn more about the negative impact mid-level fuels can have on engines, the environment and food prices.

In conjunction with yesterday’s launch of HYPERLINK "http://www.followthescience.org/"www.FollowTheScience.org, NMMA legislative director Mat Dunn joined representatives from Environmental Working Group, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council for an ethanol briefing for Senate staffers on HYPERLINK "http://www.nmma.org/lib/docs/nmma/gr/policy/E15_Collins_Bill_revised_final_072309.pdf"S. 1666, the Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) recently joined Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and James Webb (D-Va.) in sponsorship of the bill. HYPERLINK "http://capwiz.com/nmma/issues/alert/?alertid=14148276"Click here to urge your Senator to sponsor S. 1666.