Boating Regulations

05/08/2007: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing to take comments on its proposed rule to make exhaust emission standards more stringent for locomotives and marine diesel engines. The proposal would significantly reduce harmful emissions of diesel particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from these engines. The proposal is part of EPA's ongoing National Clean Diesel Campaign to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines of all types.

WHO: Margo Oge, hearing officer and director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, and Cheryl Newton, deputy director of EPA Region 5's Air and Radiation Division.

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 10 a.m. The hearing will continue until everyone has had a chance to speak.

WHERE: Sheraton Gateway Suites Chicago O'Hare, 6501 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, Ill.

More information on the proposed regulation is at http://www.epa.gov/nonroad-diesel/.

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Source: EPA

Boat, engine manufacturers and dealers should note responsibilities under new requirements

CHICAGO, Monday, March 12, 2007 – Beginning January 1, 2008, the State of California will introduce a new, more stringent set of exhaust emission regulations for sterndrive and inboard (SD/I) gasoline marine engines, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is encouraging all parties in the SD/I distribution channel—including boatbuilders, engine manufacturers and boat and engine retailers—to understand their individual responsibilities and liabilities associated with the ruling.

“Unlike previously enacted outboard engine and personal watercraft emission regulations, which placed the compliance burden exclusively on marine engine manufacturers, the compliance burden and liability for the SD/I regulation will be shared between the dealer, boatbuilder and engine maker,” says John McKnight, NMMA director of Environmental Safety and Compliance. “That said, it’s critical each party understand its role and know the required steps in order to comply with the ruling.”

London, 13 March/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (073-07) issued by The Government News Network on 13 March 2007 -- The Dubai International Boat Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and will take place from 13 - 17 March 2007 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi.

The Dubai International Boat Show is the region's leading marine event because it brings together so many different exhibitors from across the world. MCA Executives will be on hand at the show to discuss construction, manning and safety issues relating to luxury yachts on the MCA stand. Yacht crews who will be in the area and who may be uncertain of correct certification are being encouraged to visit the Stand and discuss their concerns with an MCA Examiner who will be on hand.

Mike Sanderson, Head of Ensign, said before setting out for Dubai: "We are very keen to continue working in the Middle East region, where many interesting developments are taking place in Large Yacht activity. We will be inviting key players within the industry to a Reception being held during the Show. We are aware that many more charter vessels are moving into Middle Eastern waters from their traditional bases in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Rules of the Road: regulations enacted to prevent collisions between watercraft.

California Announces 15-Day Notice for Sterndrive Inboard Catalyst Rule

Rule includes low permeation fuel hose requirements for boatbuilders

CHICAGO, August 16, 2006 – The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued a 15-day notice for its sterndrive inboard catalyst rulemaking, allowing the public opportunity to comment on the proposal until August 28. The August 10th announcement for Spark Ignited (gas) Sterndrive rulemaking, once implemented, will set exhaust emission standards requiring after-treatment on engines affected by the rule. The nation’s largest recreational marine manufacturing trade association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), has provided extensive comment throughout the rulemaking process.

The CARB rulemaking is being finalized during the same time period as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB-funded salt water engine catalyst test program is being conducted by Southwest Research Institute. The CARB rule, as proposed, will go into effect unless the institute’s test program indicates safety or durability issues with sterndrive inboard catalyst engines when operated in salt water.

Coast Guard Issues Voluntary Guidance on Passenger Vessel Weight Standards

WASHINGTON (April 26, 2006) - The Coast Guard today announced voluntary guidance for determining the number of passengers that certain domestic vessels can safely carry.The notice, published in the Federal Register, recommends that owners and operators of small passenger vessels, including pontoon vessels, voluntarily implement measures to prevent operating in potentially overloaded conditions.

The Coast Guard requests public comments on the notice. Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before May 26, 2006. Comments should identify docket number USCG-200522732. To avoid duplication, please use only one of the following methods.

Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov

To view comments and documents, go to http://dms.dot.gov at any time, click on "Simple Search," enter the last five digits of the docket number (22732) for this rulemaking, and click on "Search."

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.