US Federal Issues
Here you can find AMI's positions on legislative issues important to the marina and boatyard industry. Along with positions you can find resources to learn more about the issues. If you would like to comment on any issue below, please reach out to Eric Kretsch at EKretsch@MarinaAssociation.org.
In 2018, AMI seeks to:
1. Maintain and increase boating safety through required boater education
Every person operating a vessel should participate in mandatory education in the operation of a vessel; education requirements in one state should be recognized in other states, so that boat rental from state to state is streamlined.
2. Support policies that promote maritime career and technical education
AMI supports programs aimed at recruiting and educating the future workforce of the marine recreation industry, the federal government should support these programs as well.
Resources:
- The Workforce Crisis - Boating Industry
- Closing the Skills Gap and Boosting Competitiveness - LobbyIt Memo
3. Maintain a robust marine transportation infrastructure and boating access
The US transportation infrastructure network does not just include road and rail. The federal government should maintain and invest in blue infrastructure, including small ports and harbors, shallow draft channels, the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW), and Great Lakes.
4. Support marina industry involved updates to the National Electric Code (NFPA 70)
Customer, worker, and public safety is paramount at marina facilities; however, standards set in the National Electric Code need to be developed with industry help, so they are realistic to implement.
Resources:
- AMI comments on TIA 1348 submitted 12/15/2017
- Electric Shock Drowning - Navigating Changing Code Requirements 11/2017
- Has your state adopted the 2017 National Electric Code? See NFPA NEC adoption
- 2020 National Electric Code Cycle - NFPA
- Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association - http://www.electricshockdrowning.org/
5. Support standards that keep marina/boatyard workers safe, focusing on Education
Worker safety is important to marina operations, regulations should incorporate marina operations to reduce the cost of compliance and focus on worker education. Marinas and boatyards should be regulated separately from shipyards.