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March ENewsletter 2020

March ENewsletter 2020

                                                                                                           March 2020 

From the Helm

Dear MRA Members and Friends;

To all of us who are in this together in the marina industry,

Having been around for a while, at 63, I can say with confidence we will get thru these times. Let's focus in on how we will survive the times and come out of it, because we will. I don't think it takes a lot of imagination to understand what this summer might look like when the stay at home directive is lifted. As my son said to me recently, dad I am just looking to get out and being free again. Let's be prepared to accommodate.

In the meantime, it's is clear we need to adhere to the directives of our government who have more information than we do and we need to abide by their recommendations.

We are sending out this week a resource guide to the recent paycheck protection program from the feds that came out this last Friday. Take advantage of it is real and easy to apply for.

In the meantime, embrace your family, and smile to your neighbor.

Don't hesitate to contact us, we are here for you.

Scott Robertson

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

 

California Boating Congress Convenes Ad Hoc Legislative Review Phone Conference

With the cancellation of the 2020 California Boating Congress due to the ensuing COVID 19 crisis, the Marine Recreation Association called together other marine industry partners for an ad hoc phone conference with Platinum Advisors, the MRA legislative lobbyists, to review pending legislation in the California Congress on March 30th.

Representatives from the MRA Board of Directors, NMMA, CAHMPC, CYBA, RBOC and other marine industry interests participated in the phone conference that was led by Beau Biller, Lobbyist at Platinum Advisers, and reviewed four pending Measures.

AB 2809 was introduced February 20, 2020, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources March 12, 2020. This bill is aimed at controlling some of the regulatory excesses that BCDC has exercised in the past, and would require that the San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission create and implement procedures to provide managerial review of staff decisions in enforcement, timelines for resolving enforcement cases, and a penalty matrix for assessing fines and civil penalties. A general consensus of agreement and support for this measure was expressed by the group.

SB 883 was introduced January 23, 2020, and would revise the definition of a for-hire vessel to include a vessel propelled by machinery carrying one or more passengers for hire to be operated by an operator with a valid license. Current law defines a for-hire vessel to include those carrying 3 passengers or more. Some ambiguities exist in the wording of this measure and it was recommended that these be clarified by Platinum Advisers before any support or opposition is expressed. Hearings for this bill have been postponed for the time being.

SB 904 supplements current law generally requiring all undocumented vessels using the waterways of the state to be currently registered in California and properly numbered. This bill would additionally require law enforcement citing a person for various violations, including the failure to properly number the vessel as specified, to prepare a notice to the violator to correct the violation and deliver proof of the correction to the issuing agency in lieu of arrest, unless a disqualifying condition exists. This bill was introduced February 3, 2020 and referred to the Transportation Committee on February 12, 2020, and generally supported in the meeting.

SB 1080 This bill supplants current law, allowing a properly licensed person to bring ashore a fish taken in California inland waters in a condition such that its size or weight cannot be determined if the fish is cleaned at the end of a fishing trip while still on the water and temporarily berthed or landed on a dock or other permanent structure. Current law makes it unlawful to possess or bring ashore any fish in a condition that its weight or size cannot be determined. Introduced February 19, 2020, hearings have been postponed for the time being. This Measure was generally supported in the meeting.

Additional information on these and other pending legislation in California can be accessed at www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

How to Add Fresh Content to Your Company's Facebook Page

If your company is struggling to add fresh content to your Facebook page, MRA can help. You can share MRA's Facebook content directly to your Facebook Business Page to be top-of-mind to your followers.

If you're an admin to your company's Facebook Business Page, you can find a post on the MRA page, like and comment on it, and then share it right from your mobile phone with the Facebook app.

See how easy it is!

                                                                                                

                                                                                                        

Division of Boating and Waterways Offers $3.75 Million in Grants to Enhance Public Safety and Protect California's Waterways

The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on California's waterways, and protect them from abandoned and unwanted vessels. The application period for the grant programs, Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) and Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE), is open from March 16 through April 30, 2020. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and participate in an applicant workshop.

"With more than four million motorized and non-motorized recreational boaters on California's waterways, it is important to support local public entities in enhancing public safety and protecting the environment," said Ramona Fernandez, DBW's Acting Deputy Director. "Together we can provide more positive experiences to the recreational boating community."

In 2019, DBW awarded 16 BSEE grants totaling $1.1 million and 30 SAVE grants totaling $2.6 million. This year, a total of $3.75 million in grant funding is available to eligible applicants.

Below are descriptions of the grant programs and available funding:

BSEE Grant Program
Up to $1 million is available to local government agencies that can demonstrate a need for patrol boats, engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, and patrol and diving equipment. These competitive grants are to augment existing local resources and not to fully fund boating safety and enforcement patrol units. The U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Program provides BSEE grant funding.

SAVE Grant Program
Up to $2.75 million is available to local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict vessels on coastal and inland waterways. Grant funding comes from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund. DBW awards grants on a competitive basis to eligible public agencies based on demonstrated need.

Applications for both grant programs must be submitted to DBW through its Online Grant Application System (OLGA). Prior to applying, the division encourages new applicants to view a 45-minute webinar that provides detailed instructions on creating an account in OLGA as well as navigating the application system. Additionally, DBW is hosting a 2-hour workshop for each grant program to help applicants write competitive applications.

Below is detailed information on the workshops:

BSEE Workshop
* Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020
* Time: 10 a.m. - noon

* Location: DBW Headquarters, One Capitol Mall, Ste 500, Sacramento, CA 95814

* RSVP: Johanna Naughton: Via email or (916) 327-1826

SAVE Workshop
* Date: Thursday, April 2, 2020
* Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

* Location: DBW Headquarters, One Capitol Mall, Ste 500, Sacramento, CA 95814

* RSVP: Ron Kent: Via email
 or (916) 327-1825

The workshops can also be accessed via teleconference and will be recorded for those unable to participate in the live presentations. Please see contacts above for any questions.

Once grant applications have been reviewed and scored, DBW will send out notice of award letters via OLGA. DBW anticipates that awards will be announced by August 2020.

Detailed information, including previous grantee recipients, is available on the DBW website.

                                                                                                

                                                                                                        

Does Your Town, Marina or Boat Club Want Visiting Boaters?
Boating Infrastructure Grants Help Fund Transient Vessel Docks, Moorings and Guest Facilities

5 tips from BoatUS on how to get your share of BIG funds

Recreational boaters like to go places, but to welcome them and take advantage of the spending they bring, you need safe dockage for the day or night. The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program funnels federal taxes paid by recreational boaters on the sale of motorboat and small engine fuel back to the states to attract visiting boaters. For FY 2021, there will be approximately $20 million in funds available to local governments, port agencies, public and private marinas, and boat clubs. However, before applying for a grant, you need to know how the program works. BoatUS has five tips that can increase the chances that your organization will get the BIG funds it needs. 
  1. BIG is a commitment. First championed through Congress by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) in 1998, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) manages the BIG program and it is administered through state boating, parks and conservation agencies. Start by learning which agency in your state administers the funds. Remember that the grant is awarded to the state-designated agency, which needs to ensure that the funds are spent properly according to federal regulations. That includes a commitment to maintain the transient access for its useful life as defined in the grant documents. During this period, these regulations require prior authorization from both the state agency and FWS before selling or transferring ownership of a BIG-funded facility, and it must continue to be maintained under the terms of the program by the new owner until the end of the infrastructure's useful life.  
  2. Public access must be maintained. During that useful life period, reasonable public access at a BIG-funded facility must be maintained, along with BIG program signage indicating the funding source for the transient dockage. Facilities must be open during boating season - closing to the public for private events or not allowing tie-ups isn't permitted. Any transient dockage fees charged to boaters cannot vary significantly from the prevailing local rate.
  3. There's a "target" audience. The matching grant program, which offers both noncompetitive (Tier 1) and competitive (Tier 2) funding streams, requires a minimum of 25% of funding to come from state, local or private sources. Towns, public and private marinas, boat clubs, and conservation agencies can use BIG funds to welcome passing boaters for the day or up to 15 days in port with the key point being that facilities must target transient (traveling) recreational (noncommercial) vessels 26 feet in length and larger, or what is generally considered to be a nontrailerable boat. If you're thinking of applying to use BIG funds to only offer more seasonal boat slips, fuhgeddaboutit.
  4. Sharing is OK - just not too much. In addition to providing safe, protected harborage, BIG dollars can be used to install conveniences such as restrooms, bathing facilities, fuel docks, electricity, water and sewage utilities, laundries, and recycling and pumpout stations. There are also some limited funds for dredging. It's OK if some of these amenities are utilized or shared by nontransient boaters or full-time marina customers, but your BIG funding application will be reduced proportionately or, in the case of competitive Tier 2 grants, may not be awarded if it doesn't focus enough on the needs of visiting boaters.

Start now for 2021 funds. Since inception, more than $235 million has been provided for BIG projects, funding more than 6,000 transient berths across the U.S. The program has a recurring annual application deadline, typically in the late summer to early fall, varying by state. BoatUS encourages applicants to start now if you're interested in applying for FY 2021 funds (to be disbursed in 2021). Visit 
www.fws.gov/wsfrprograms/Subpages/GrantPrograms/BIG/BIG.htm to learn more. In addition, the States Organization for Boating Access offers a free downloadable publication, An Applicant's Guide to the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation's largest organization of recreational boaters with more than a half-million members. We are the boat owners' voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn't end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program offers policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

Virtual Trainings Now Available (April and May): Become a Partner Dockwalker, Connect and Learn From Home!

Become a 2020 Partner Dockwalker by taking one of our Video conference trainings! 

As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, and with social/ physical distancing in mind, we are planning to offer

virtual Dockwalker trainings using the Zoom video conferencing system. This is a great alternative to an in-person training and in the best interest of everyone considering the current situation. Through the Zoom video conferencing system you will be able to see the instructor live and ask questions! Do not worry it is a very simple system and we are here to help walk you through it! Remember if you were trained 3 years ago, it is time to get recertified.

We will be offering the following virtual Dockwalker trainings :
Northern CA:
Saturday, April 4th from 9:45 am to 12:45 pm
Saturday, April 18th from 9:45 am to 12:45 pm
Saturday, M
ay 2nd from 9:45 am to 12:45 pm
 

Southern CA:
Saturday, April 25th from 9:45 am to 12:45 pm
Saturday, May 9th from 9:45 am to 12:45 pm
 

* You will only need a computer with internet access and either a phone to call in or the computer's speaker and microphone.
* You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom video conference meeting. You will be prompted to download the software, once you received the link from us.

* What we need from you:
1. Please register to one of the virtual trainings mentioned above by emailing Vivian Matuk at vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov and let us know to which training you want to register. Please include your name, organization (if applicable), address and phone number.
2. Once we receive your registration, we will be sending you the Zoom invite information link and easy to follow instructions and some additional files.

Thank you for cooperation and we are looking forward to hearing from you.

Vivian Matuk (California State Parks and California Coastal Commission); Vicki Gambale, Georgia Tunioli (The Bay Foundation) 

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Dockwalkers are trained to engage members of the public and the boating community to adopt clean boating practices. Dockwalkers share clean boating information with boaters and distribute educational 2020 California Boater Kits, while visiting marinas, launch ramps, marine supply stores, boat shows and special events (i.e. regattas, opening days, among others). "Dockwalker" is only a general term because you are not limited to "walking the docks" in order to talk to boaters about safety and clean boating practices. Remember safety and the environment go hand in hand.
 

Dockwalking is a fantastic way to interact with boaters to help keep California's marinas, waterways, and ocean clean and healthy. The training provides an overview of potential sources of boat pollution, federal and state laws, environmentally-sound boating practices, information on how to conduct Dockwalking, and an overview of the educational materials Dockwalkers will distribute. 

Since 2000, more than a 1,000 Dockwalkers have taught 10,000 boaters about oil, fuel, sewage, trash and marine debris prevention. Participation in the program, including the training sessions, qualifies as community service. 

If you are already a trained Dockwalker and were trained more than three years ago, please join us this year for a refresher class. 

Anyone from 15 to 100 years young with an interest in water quality and sharing clean boating information (regardless of your background) can become a Dockwalker! 

This program provides tons of benefits to:
Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Marinas, Harbors and Yacht Club Operators and Staff
United States Power Squadrons

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

 For the Marina Bulletin Board

Here's the BoatUS Spring Commissioning Checklist
That's Helping Recreational Boaters Prep for the Summer Boating Season

New videos show you how 

Getting the boat ready for the summer boating season is an exciting time for America's nearly 12 million recreational boaters. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has a Spring Commissioning Checklist to help boaters start the season right, along with a new YouTube Spring Fitting Out video library that shows you how to do some basic tasks, from changing the outdrive oil or fixing broken trailer lights to replacing zincs or changing a propeller.

Before You Launch

  1. Inspect and replace hose clamps as necessary. Double clamp fuel lines and exhaust hoses with marine-rated stainless steel hose clamps. While not technically required, it's a wise move to double clamp whenever possible on all hoses - especially those below the waterline.
  2. Inspect all hoses for stiffness, rot, leaks and cracking, and replace any that are faulty. Make sure they fit snugly.
  3. Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure.
  4. Grip the prop (on inboard drive systems) and try moving the shaft up and down and side to side. If it's loose and can be wiggled, the cutless bearing may need to be replaced.
  5. Check the rudderstock to ensure it hasn't been bent. Operate the wheel or tiller to ensure the steering works correctly.
  6. Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
  7. Make sure your engine intake sea strainer (if equipped) is not cracked or bent from ice and is free of corrosion, clean and properly secured.
  8. With inboards, check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for correct adjustment. A stuffing box should leak no more than two drops each minute when the prop shaft is turning.
  9. Inspect, lubricate and exercise seacocks.
  10. Use a garden hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.
  11. Inspect and test the bilge pump and float switch to make sure they're both working properly.
  12. Check stove and remote LPG tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.
  13. Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafe and wear.
  14. If equipped, ensure that the stern drain plug is installed.
  15. After the boat is launched, be sure to check all thru-hulls for leaks.

Engines and Fuel Systems

  1. Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks, and make sure all lines are well supported with noncombustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
  2. Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Ensure portable tanks and lines are completely drained of stale fuel before filling with fresh fuel. Clean or replace fuel filters and/or fuel-water separators if not done before winterization.
  3. Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifolds for corrosion (for inboard-powered and inboard/outboard boats).
  4. Charge battery.
  5. Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Use a wire brush to clean battery terminals, and top up cells with distilled water (if applicable).
  6. Inspect the bilge blower hose for leaks and run the blower to confirm correct operation.

Engine Outdrives and Outboards

  1. Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds) and replace if suspect.
  2. Check power steering and power trim oil levels.
  3. Replace anodes/zincs that are more than half wasted.
  4. Inspect the outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable must be replaced.
  5. Inspect lower unit oil level and top up as necessary.

Sailboat Rigging

  1. Inspect swage fittings for cracks and heavy rust (some discoloration is acceptable). Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for "fishhooks" and rust.
  2. Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape but don't wrap airtight.
  3. If you suspect the core around a chainplate is damp, remove the chainplate to inspect and make repairs.

Trailers

  1. Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure; don't forget the spare.
  2. Inspect wheel bearings and repack as necessary.
  3. Test all lights and replace any broken bulbs or lenses.
  4. Inspect winch to make sure it's working properly. Inspect hitch chains.
  5. Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.
  6. Inspect brakes and brake fluid reservoir.

Safety

  1. Check expiration dates on flares.
  2. Inspect fire extinguishers. Replace if more than 12 years old or if age is unknown. More than 40 million Kidde extinguishers with plastic handles were recalled on Nov. 2, 2017.
  3. Ensure you have properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids. Check inflatable life jacket cylinders and dissolvable "pill" bobbins in auto-inflating models.
  4. Test smoke, carbon monoxide, fume and bilge alarms.
  5. Check running lights for operation and spare bulb inventory.
  6. Update paper charts and chartplotter software.
  7. Replenish first-aid kit items that may have been used last season or are expired.
  8. Check the operation of VHF radio(s) and that the MMSI number is correctly programmed in. (BoatUS members can obtain a free MMSI number at BoatUS.com/MMSI.)
  9. Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Find out more at SafetySeal.net.

For the Dock

  1. In addition to checking its entire length for wear or abrasions, check both ends of the shore power cable connections for burns, which indicate the cable and/or boat's shore power inlet or the dock's receptacle must be replaced.
  2. Test ground-fault protection on your boat and private dock, and know how to prevent Electric Shock Drowning.

The Paperwork

  1. Make sure your boat registration is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
  2. Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. BoatUS provides free quotes at BoatUS.com/Insurance. Provide a copy to your marina or club.
  3. Ensure your BoatUS Membership is in good standing. Login to BoatUS.com/Account to check your Membership status or join at BoatUS.com/Membership.
  4. Download the free BoatUS App (BoatUS.com/App) to make it easy to summon on-water assistance and speed response times.  

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation's largest organization of recreational boaters with more than a half-million members. We are the boat owners' voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn't end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program offers policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

 Trade Member Highlights

Golden Boat Lifts Wins Innovation Award for Dock Stabilizer 

Golden Boat Lifts, the global market leader in aluminum boat lifts, won an Innovation Award for its Golden Dock Stabilizer, presented by the NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI) at the 2020 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. The product stabilizes wobbly floating docks and minimizes heaving, movement and lifting due to wind and wave action. It won in the Docking & Fendering Equipment category.

Selected by a panel of seven BWI judges, the Golden Dock Stabilizer was recognized as an exceptionally groundbreaking marine product. Said judge Ed Sherman, it's "a wonderful solution to the age-old problem of a wobbly dock." Unlike traditional pile hoops, the Golden solution only moves vertically. Because tolerances are tighter between the device and piling, the system provides greater rigidity over the run of the dock. 

Made in the USA and built to ISO 9001:2015 standards, the frame and protective cowling of the Golden Dock Stabilizer are made from welded 6061-T6 marine-grade aluminum. Assembled with 300-series stainless steel hardware, the rollers are UHMW polyethylene and placed at multiple levels within the device. It's designed to accommodate any pile diameter and each can be adjusted to assist in leveling the dock. 

"We're pleased to be honored with this award," said Bill Golden, president and CEO of Golden Boat Lifts, Golden Marine Systems and

Golden Manufacturing. "This is a serious game-changer for any floating dock, whether it's private or public, recreational or commercial." The Golden Dock Stabilizer works equally well with wave attenuators. 

Contact Golden Boat Lifts, 17611 East St, North Fort Myers, FL 33917. 888-909-5438 or 239-337-4141. sales@goldenboatlifts.com; www.goldenboatlifts.com.

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

 Construction Corner

International Marine Floatation Systems, Inc. Replaces of 1000 feet of Concrete Breakwater for Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle 

International Marine Floatation Systems, Inc. in February 2020 completed replacing 1,000ft (305m) of floating concrete breakwater for the largest private marina on the West Coast of US, Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle, Washington. All 7 pieces where built in the IMFS yard in Delta, B.C. Canada and transported 2 pieces at a time by tug 32 hours voyage from Delta to Seattle. The new structural floating concrete breakwater replaces concrete POD type system which was designed 1990 with a wood wave fence underwater structure to act as a wave attenuator or breakwater, but the maintenance cost year after year of maintaining the underwater wood system became too much of a financial burden. IMFS was approached by the General Manager of the marina Dwight Jones to design/engineer and supply a breakwater system that would have no maintenance below the waterline, incorporate the existing 38ft finger slips on one side and accommodate the 300ft (90.4m) superyachts on the outside of the breakwater.

The new 1000ft concrete breakwater built by IMFS in their Delta yard was designed in 7 structural pieces ranging in length from 102ft (31m) to 160ft (49m) by 14ft (4.26m) wide, the largest pieces weighed 1 million pounds. Each of the 7 pieces where designed to maximize depth but also follow the ground contour condition of the site as it sloped from shoreline to deeper water, to achieve this the breakwater design depths varied from 6ft (1.8m) to 10ft (3m). The 7 structural pieces where connected with IMFS rubber block connection pocket which was designed to allow for the rubber blocks & 2.5 inch swage cable to be replaced without concerns of electrical & water cables being interrupted.

IMFS worked together with Bryan White of Amo Construction who removed the old system and installed the new breakwater on the existing 17 mooring piles and remove and reconnect 27 existing concrete fingers. The connection to the new concrete breakwater of both the piles and fingers had to be very exact for all the components to fit back together, there was little room for error, and the Amo & IMFS team worked incredibly well to secure the marina and complete the installation prior to the harsh winter storms with everything going back together as it should.

IMFS would like to thank Dwight Jones of Elliott Bay Marina & Bryan White of Amo Construction, All-Span Engineering Ltd. For engineering the new breakwater, along with Bill Gerken of Moffatt & Nichol Engineers who facilitated site engineering & permits for the project.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Welcome New Members

With Marine Recreation Association being the largest professional organization of marina, boatyard, hospitality, and other marine industry owners and operators located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia, our mission is to provide a united voice in representing the interests of the boating industry, and to help educate and inform in all areas of recreational boating. MRA would like to welcome the following companies to our association: 

Ventura Port District

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

The Last Word  

To all of our MRA Members and Future Members;

My hopes are that you and your family are all safe and staying healthy! What a crazy time we are dealing with right now. I never thought I would live in a time that a virus would have such an impact on our country. 

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the 5th Annual California Boating Congress has been canceled for 2020 but will return in 2021. Once the dates are set, we will start posting the information. 

COVID-19 also stalled our regional training seminars for this spring and summer. We still plan on having more but will need to play the wait and see game for now. 

The 49th Annual MRA Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held September 28 - 30, 2020 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The board has worked diligently on a program that is sure to enlighten and educate attendees. Our goal is to have the information up on the website sometime in April. As soon as it is up, we will send you a notification. Stay tuned! 

To our trade members, please send me your press releases on new products or services you might have. The Trade Member Highlight section is a free opportunity to advertise them! I am reaching out to all of you and asking you to send me a press release when you have a new product or service that you would like for us to highlight. There will be one each month and will be placed according to submission date. This is one more way for us to promote your support and dedication to the association. We would also like to be included in your list of press release recipients. 

As the association continues to grow, we will be welcoming our new members who join in each issue. If you know any of the new members listed in this issue, please welcome them aboard! 

Many times the contact name for membership changes during the year and unless it is around renewal time, we may not be aware of the change. Please take a look at your profile and make sure to let us know if there are any changes in contact names, addresses, phone and fax numbers or email addresses so we can have the most up-to-date information for you. Also, if you do not have at least 1 logo and 1 photo (of your marina or product) please email them to mra@marina.org so they can be uploaded. You can now also add a YouTube video if you have one. 

Thank you, 

Mariann Timms
Operations Administrator
Email: timms@marina.org

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

Featured Articles

* From the Helm

* California Boating Congress
* Regional Training Seminar Are you Safe or Sunk?
* Regional Training Navigating Rough Waters
* Boating United Take Action
* Maritime Weather Survey
* Free Oil Spill Response Communication Workshops for Marinas and Yacht Clubs

* Become a Partner Dockwalker in 2020 to help keep California's Waterways Clean

* Free Workshop on Aquatic Invasive Species for California Waterways

* Construction Corner
* Trade Member Highlights 
* Welcome New Members
* The Last Word

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 March 31, 2020