Blogs

Garner Award presented for Sophia's Law

By Hannah Helsby posted 9 days ago
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Garner Award presented to Minnesota Legislators for Sophia's Law The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) presents Minnesota legislators, Senator Melisa Franzen & Representative Jerry Hertaus the 2017 NASBLA Garner Leadership Award for Sophia’s Law . Established in tribute of William B. Garner, who successfully marshalled the nation's first boat operator licensing law through state legislature, the Garner Award is presented to those men and women whose outstanding effort and achievement have elevated state or federal policy interventions to heights not previously attained.   After the tragic loss of a seven-year-old ...
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BOAT Program attends NEMA Meeting

By Hannah Helsby posted 16 days ago
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NASBLA BOAT Program attends National Emergency Management Association Meeting   John Fetterman, NASBLA Deputy Executive Director and Dave Considine, BOAT Program Director attended the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) annual forum and addressed members of the NEMA’s Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Committee. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is the framework for activating mutual aid assistance between states and the federal government, at times when the response of appropriate resources is critical. The NASBLA BOAT Program presentation outlined the association’s capabilities of delivering a single ...
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NASBLA's third National Education Standard approved

By Hannah Helsby posted 16 days ago
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NASBLA Receives Approval for New Human Propelled National American Standard NASBLA has received approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) of its third American National Standard.  ANSI/NASBLA 101-2017 Basic Boating Knowledge - Human-Propelled   is recognized as a American National Standard as of September 28, 2017.  All three American National Standard s are available for free download on the National Education Standards webpage . ANSI recognition finalizes work on this standard which began in September 2013.  The standard underwent eight (8) public reviews during which the National Boating ...
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Nation's Toughest Carbon Monoxide Law - Sophia's Law

By Hannah Helsby posted 23 days ago
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Nation's Toughest Carbon Monoxide Law - Sophia's Law Minnesota is the first state to protect boaters from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by requiring CO detectors and warning stickers on motorboats. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and extremely toxic gas, which can be fatal without warning. The new carbon monoxide law, Sophia'a Law, is named for a 7-year-old girl who tragically lost her life to carbon monoxide poisoning while boating.  Stan Linnell, Boating Law Administrator and  Lisa Dugan, Recreation Safety Outreach Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources made a presentation on Sophia's Law at the 2017 NASBLA ...
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New Program Manager for Officer Water Survival course

By Hannah Helsby posted 24 days ago
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Eric Reed will serve as new Program Manager for BOAT Program's Officer Water Survival course NASBLA and the BOAT Program would like to thank Rodger Norcross for his outstanding contributions to NASBLA, the BOAT Program, and specifically the Officer Water Survival (OWS) course. Rodger has been serving as the Program Manager for the Officer Water Survival course for many years, but has decided to retire from this position as of last week. Rodger's role as Program Manager, Lead Instructor and Subject Matter Expert will be sorely missed at NASBLA. His leadership has been instrumental in the building and success of the OWS Program, and has directly improved ...
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RADM Nadeau thanks NASBLA and the states

By Hannah Helsby posted 30 days ago
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RADM Nadeau thanks NASBLA and the states RADM John P. Nadeau provided the keynote U.S. Coast Guard presentation at the 58th Annual NASBLA Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota on Sunday, September 10th. RADM Nadeau and other U.S. Coast Guard representatives from the Boating Safety Division attended the annual conference and met with boating law administrators and recreational boating safety advocates from multiple states and territories. Following the conference, RADM Nadeau thanked NASBLA and the States for their work in recreational boating safety. "Many thanks to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) for inviting ...
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Guess elected NASBLA president

By Hannah Helsby posted 09-18-2017
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Guess elected president of national boating safety and security organization During its 58th annual meeting, held in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 10-13, 2017, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) elected Tom Guess, Virginia’s boating law administrator, as president of the nonprofit organization for the 2017-2018 year. He succeeds Stephanie Weatherington, Arkansas’ boating law administrator. Tom Guess serves as the Legislative and Policy Manager, and the State Boating Law Administrator for the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries. Tom manages the agency's legislative efforts including coordination with the Executive ...
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Boating Safety Tips For Labor Day Weekend

By Hannah Helsby posted 08-30-2017
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Boating Safety Tips For Labor Day Weekend #SafeBoatingTips The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators would like to remind boaters of a few boating safety tips to keep in mind as boaters across the country prepare to head out on the water for one of the last major boating weekends of the year. Boat Sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in boater fatalities. Do not bring or consume alcohol or drugs while on the water. Vision, balance and reaction times are negatively affected. Wear A Life Jacket. Everyone on board should be wearing a life jacket at all times, not stowed away ...
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Leaders in recreational boating safety meet in Rapid City to discuss emerging issues and trends

By Hannah Helsby posted 08-28-2017
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August 28, 2017 – (Lexington, KY) The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) will be holding their 58 th Annual Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota beginning September 10th. The annual conference will bring together representatives from all U.S. states and territories to discuss the latest in recreational boating safety and maritime law enforcement. Individuals from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the nonprofit community and leaders in technology, training, education and boat manufacturing will be in attendance. Throughout the 3-day conference, attendees will learn about and share emerging trends, technology ...
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Commission recognizes lifesaving actions by Alley, Campbell

By Ron Sarver posted 07-31-2017
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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission has recognized Conservation Officer Jerrod Alley and Boating Educator Zachary Campbell for their lifesaving efforts on Lake Cumberland during a storm in May. The Commission acted on a motion at its July meeting by Ninth District Commission Member Dr. Karl Clinard to recognize and award certificates of recognition to Alley and Campbell that stated the two “went above and beyond the call of duty when they risked their own lives to save the lives of others.” Their lifesaving efforts occurred May 27 when, after seeking shelter at Conley Bottom Marina from a violent storm, they learned of a family ...
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NASBLA Announces Interactivity Option for Basic Boating Education Courses Seeking Approval

By Hannah Helsby posted 07-26-2017
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NASBLA Announces Interactivity Option for Basic Boating Education Courses Seeking Approval The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) announces the availability of the NASBLA Basic Boating Education Course Approval Policy Section 9.3A Interactivity Rubric and worksheets. This optional process is a result of changes enacted by the NASBLA membership during its 2016 Annual meeting. The Section 9.3A Interactivity Option takes effect on January 1, 2018. Course providers may begin submitting courses for review using this option on October 1, 2017.  The Interactivity Rubric, and supporting documents, can be accessed by selecting ...
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On-Water Skills Training Course Verification

By Ron Sarver posted 05-31-2017
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The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) announces a new course verification opportunity for providers of on-water skills training for recreational power or human-propelled boating courses. Successful completion will include the award of a uniquely numbered verified course mark indicating, “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” Recognized by the American National Standards Institute as American National Standards, both the On-Water Power and On-Water Human-Propelled standards identify fundamental skills that entry ...
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Waterways Management the focus of recommendation report from National Transportation Safety Board

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 9, 2017) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a recommendation report examining Waterways Management and the increase in encounters between commercial and recreational vessels in the nation’s navigable waters. The NTSB visited multiple major ports around the country where they conducted interviews of local waterways users. As a result of this analysis, the NTSB has made the following recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard; 1. Establish a process whereby, at regular intervals, all harbor safety committees identify the safety risks posed by the interaction of commercial and recreational vessels in their ...
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National Association of State Boating Law Administrators names Communications Director

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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Lexington, KENTUCKY (01/12/2017) – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has named Hannah Helsby as Communications Director for the association. Hannah joined NASBLA in 2012 when she was hired as a Project Associate. Her first major project was to assist in the continued growth and development of NASBLA’s highly successful national campaign, Operation Dry Water (ODW). Operation Dry Water is a year-round nationwide boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign, coordinated nationally by NASBLA. With a background in media and communications, and family ties to law enforcement, Hannah’s work with Operation Dry ...
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Change of Watch in NASBLA’s BOAT Program

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2016) - After seven years with National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) as the Director of the Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, Mark DuPont will be leaving NASBLA to pursue opportunities in the private sector in order to expand his skills, knowledge and maritime expertise. Although he is moving on from his role as NASBLA’s BOAT Program Director, he is not leaving the mission and purpose of the BOAT Program. Dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of America’s waterways for the last sixteen years, Mark will still be connected and involved as he looks to advocate for training goals and to establish ...
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Deputy Todd Baker recognized as regional boating officer of the year

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2016) – During its 57th annual meeting, held in Seattle Wash., Sept. 11-14, 2016, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recognized Deputy Todd Baker with the Clark County (Wash.) Sheriff's Office as the regional Boating Officer of the Year, as selected by the Western States Boating Administrators Association First launched in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. Deputy Todd Baker has served ...
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Conservation warden recognized as regional boating officer of the year

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2016) – During its 57th annual meeting, held in Seattle Wash., Sept. 11-14, 2016, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recognized Conservation Warden Darren Kuhn with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as the regional Boating Officer of the Year, as selected by the Northern Caucus States. First launched in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. Conservation Warden Darren Kuhn is ...
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Florida officer named national boating officer of the year

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2016) – During its 57th annual meeting, held in Seattle Wash., Sept. 11-14, 2016, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) presented its prestigious national Boating Officer of the Year Award to Officer Jarrod Molnar Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission First launched in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. Officer Jarrod Molnar has worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ...
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Ohio specialist recognized as regional boating educator of the year

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2016) – During its 57th annual meeting, held in Seattle Wash., Sept. 11-14, 2016, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recognized Officer Sarah Genzman with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as the regional Boating Educator of the Year, as selected by the Southern Caucus States. Generously sponsored by BoaterExam.com, the Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who go above to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting. Officer Sarah Genzman is a State Watercraft Officer Education ...
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Sgt. Jim Shelton recognized as regional boating educator of the year

By Hannah Helsby posted 05-02-2017
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SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 14, 2016) – During its 57th annual meeting, held in Seattle Wash., Sept. 11-14, 2016, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recognized Sgt. Jim Shelton with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division as the regional Boating Educator of the Year, as selected by the Southern Caucus States. Generously sponsored by BoaterExam.com, the Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who go above to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting. Sgt. Jim Shelton has been ...
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