Blogs

Pennsylvania names new Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Matsko posted 5 days ago
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Pennsylvania names new Boating Law Administrator The   National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)   is pleased to welcome back Laurel Anders, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Pennsylvania. Laurel earned a BS degree in Environmental Education at Slippery Rock University and began her career with the   Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC)   in 1994 as a seasonal field employee in the Commission’s education program. She was subsequently promoted to Aquatic Resources Program Specialist and then to Strategic Initiatives and Projects Coordinator. From 2010 to 2015, she was the Director of the Bureau ...
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Certified Marine Technicians Increase Exponentially with Online Learning

By Taylor Matsko posted 12 days ago
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Certified Marine Technicians Increase Exponentially with Online Learning On the anniversary of its first online certification course, ABYC reports over 1,000 new certified marine technicians. [ANNAPOLIS, MD] – On March 31, 2020, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that provides standards-based technical education for the marine industry, hosted its first interactive online education course in response to the COVID pandemic. Exactly one year later, 1,100 students have passed online courses to earn their professional-level ABYC certification. Additionally, 54 marine technicians have become ABYC Master Technicians, ...
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Between the Waves Podcast: Golden Nuggets of the National Defense Bill of 2021

By Taylor Matsko posted 26 days ago
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Between the Waves Podcast Golden Nuggets of the National Defense Bill of 2021, Episode 18 *This is a transcript of the " Golden Nuggets of the National Defense Bill of 2021 " episode of NASBLA's Podcast, Between the Waves, from March 15, 2021. It was December 23, 2020, and the headline read, “Trump Vetoes the National Defense Bill, but Congress Has the Votes to Override It”. Little did our community of boating professionals know at the time, the large impacts such a bill would have for us moving forward. On today's episode we will discuss some of the hidden gems of the National Defense Bill that have a direct impact on the recreational boating safety ...
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ABYC Foundation Announces Virtual Educator Training Conference, Training the Trainers of the Future Marine Workforce

By Taylor Matsko posted 26 days ago
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ABYC Foundation Announces Virtual Educator Training Conference, Training the Trainers of the Future Marine Workforce [ANNAPOLIS, MD] – The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation announced their second Educator Training Conference to be held July 20-22, 2021, in a virtual format. The “train-the-trainer” event is designed for high school and post-secondary instructors and administrators who are currently teaching or considering teaching marine service technology in their schools. “We were blown away by the sellout participation at our first educator training conference in 2019, and the industry’s support,” said Margaret Podlich, ABYC Foundation ...
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Basic Boating Knowledge Standards - Public Review Period Open Through March 1, 2021

By Taylor Matsko posted 02-23-2021
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Basic Boating Knowledge Standards - Public Review Period Open Through March 1, 2021 National Boating Education Standards Panel Chair Amanda Perez announces the opening of a third Public Review period for the following five draft Basic Boating Knowledge standards: NASBLA 100-20XX: Basic Boating Knowledge - Core, NASBLA 101-20XX: Basic Boating Knowledge - Plus Human-Propelled, NASBLA 102-20XX: Basic Boating Knowledge - Plus Sailing, NASBLA 103-20XX: Basic Boating Knowledge - Plus Power, and NASBLA 103.1-20XX: Supplement: Basic Boating Knowledge - Plus Water-Jet Propelled. Registered users can visit EZ-ESP to download draft documents for ...
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Between the Waves Podcast: Oxygen - The Wonder Drug

By Taylor Matsko posted 02-10-2021
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Between the Waves Podcast Oxygen - The Wonder Drug, Episode 17 *This is a transcript of the "Oxygen - The Wonder Drug" episode of NASBLA's Podcast, Between the Waves, from January 25, 2021.  The call came in like a poaching in progress call. It was my boss. “Get down to the Speaker's office right now. He wants to speak with us about oxygen.” “Well, boss, I'm on my way. You better add two hydrogen to that, or it's not my shop. Just kidding, I’m in route.” Moving through the bustling halls and up to the officer guarding the back elevator that heads directly up to the Speaker's office, behind the House chambers, my head was swirling as to why the Texas ...
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Let’s Talk Fireboats

By Taylor Matsko posted 02-10-2021
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Let’s Talk Fireboats By Captain Pete Louzao As you may know, in 2020, the maritime environment has seen an increase in marine-related recreational and commercial mishaps. What do we do? Just what we always do in the Fire Service: Examine, look at lessons learned, plan, train, equip, and evaluate. In this article, we will discuss where to start and some things to think about. If your area of operations borders the waterfront, you need a plan. Do you have one? These plans typically are written for a specific port area by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Commander. A USCG Commander in Miami recently said, “Major marine firefighting incidents will likely require ...
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NASBLA releases its 2020 Annual Report

By Taylor Matsko posted 02-09-2021
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NASBLA releases its 2020 Annual Report The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) , a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety, has released its 2020 Annual Report . The report covers a wide range of achievements by NASBLA and its members, stemming from NASBLA policy committees, grant projects, annual events, national awards and more. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. “Like our member agencies and other able partners in boating safety and maritime security nationwide, NASBLA pressed on in the face ...
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NASBLA recognizes Assistant Commander Cody Jones for service as Chairman

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-20-2021
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January 14, 2021 Colonel Chad Jones Law Enforcement Division Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 4200 Smith School Road Austin TX 78744 Dear Col. Jones, On behalf of the membership of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), I am writing to thank you and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the outstanding leadership demonstrated by Assistant Commander Cody Jones during his recent term as Chairman of the NASBLA Executive Board during 2019-2020. As the association’s first-ever Chairman of the Board (formerly NASBLA President), Asst. Commander Jones set a high bar for all those who will follow in his footsteps. Taking over ...
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NASBLA recognizes the winner of the 2020 Dr. L. Daniel Maxim Award for Distinguished Service

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-20-2021
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NASBLA recognizes the winner of the 2020 Dr. L. Daniel Maxim Award for Distinguished Service *This is a transcript of the “ Pete Chisholm recognized as the winner of the 2020 Dr. L Daniel Maxim Award for Distinguished Service" video from the virtual recognition ceremony on Wednesday, December 16 th , 2020. DARREN RIDER: Hello everyone! We hope you are staying safe and healthy during these times. As many of you know, NASBLA typically recognizes all of our award winners in-person at the Annual Conference. However, this year the Annual Conference was held virtually, so we were only able to recognize some of these winners during the short awards ceremony ...
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Alex Otte named MADD National President

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-13-2021
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Alex Otte named MADD National President The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is excited to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2021, Alex Otte was promoted to the National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). As President, Otte will serve as national spokesperson and chief advocate for MADD, whose mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Prior to being selected to serve in this position, Otte worked as a Research Associate after joining NASBLA in 2018. Otte was the lead researcher and writer for NASBLA’s Boating Under ...
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Boater Education Moves to Law Enforcement, Kim Sorensen Hired as New Manager

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-12-2021
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Boater Education Moves to Law Enforcement, Kim Sorensen Hired as New Manager AUSTIN, TX – When long-time Boater Education Manager Tim Spice hung up his sun-shading hat last August, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Executive Office, the Communications Division and the Law Enforcement Division, began a full review of the state’s Boater Education program to determine what’s best for its future. After an in-depth review of the National Recreational Boating Safety Grant requirements, state statutes, business needs, constituent needs and national best practices, it was determined that the program would be most effective ...
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New Year Sale: 50% off Certified Recreational Boating Professional application fee

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-12-2021
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New Year Sale: 50% off Certified Recreational Boating Professional application fee To kick off 2021, NASBLA is offering a 50% discount on all   Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP)   certification applications through   March 31, 2021 . Your application and acceptance based on that application is valid for 12 months. You must begin the CRBP assessments within 12 months of completing your application. The CRBP certification is a voluntary credential for recreational boating professionals developed by NASBLA. The credential is broad-based and addresses boating professionals’ knowledge, performance and career achievements in the identified ...
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Cpl. Stacey Mosher recognized as the 2020 NASBLA Boating Safety Award Winner

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-11-2021
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Cpl. Stacey Mosher recognized as the 2020 NASBLA Boating Safety Award Winner *This is a transcript of the "NASBLA recognizes the 2020 Boating Safety Award winner " video from the virtual recognition ceremony on Wednesday, December 16 th , 2020. DARREN RIDER: Welcome to another NASBLA Virtual Awards recognition ceremony! I am grateful for the opportunity to present one of the 2020 NASBLA awards today. This year, the 2020 NASBLA Annual Conference was held virtually from September 28 th – 30 th . During the virtual event, NASBLA did not have the chance to fully recognize all of this year’s award winners. Therefore, we have gathered here today to show our ...
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LT Derek Wallin Honored with NASBLA Chair Award

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-05-2021
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LT Derek Wallin Honored with NASBLA Chair Award On December 15, 2020, in Washington D.C., National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Chair Cody Jones presented its premiere Chair of the Organization award to the U.S. Coast Guard’s LT Derek Wallin. NASBLA created the prestigious award to recognize one individual who engaged in dedicated service and contributions to the greater NASBLA community. In its ceremony, NASBLA thanked LT Wallin specifically for his commitment during his four years as the Coast Guard’s Field Representative to the Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program Advisory Board, as well as his leadership in helping ...
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Cold Weather Boating Safety Tips

By Taylor Matsko posted 01-04-2021
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Cold Weather Boating Safety Tips Sea Tow Foundation’s Reminder to Boaters During Colder Months SOUTHOLD, N.Y. – Did you know that your chances of dying from going overboard are five times greater in winter months than in the summer? The Sea Tow Foundation – a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and awareness of safe boating practices – is reminding boaters of the importance of boating safely in cold weather.  This safety information is especially important for hunters, paddlers and all other recreational boaters in areas where the water and/or air temperature is colder during the winter months. One of the most pertinent cold ...
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Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Large Category, Top Agency Award Winner

By Taylor Matsko posted 12-15-2020
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DECEMBER 15, 2020: Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Large Category, Top Agency Award Winner *This is a transcript of the "Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Large Category Top Agency Award winner" video from the virtual recognition ceremony on Tuesday, December 8 th , 2020. DARREN RIDER: Hello everyone! We hope you are all staying safe and healthy during these times. I feel honored to have the opportunity today to share some of the achievements of one of the 2020 Operation Dry Water Award winners. Since the 2020 NASBLA Annual Conference was held virtually this year, we were unable to recognize all of the award winners.  So, today, we ...
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2020 Operation Dry Water Medium Category, Top Agency Award Winner Recognized

By Taylor Matsko posted 12-15-2020
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DECEMBER 15, 2020: 2020 Operation Dry Water Medium Category, Top Agency Award Winner Recognized *This is a transcript of the "2020 Operation Dry Water Medium Category, Top Agency Award Winner Recognized" video from the virtual recognition ceremony on Thursday, November 19 th , 2020. DARREN RIDER: Hello everyone! I hope you are having a great week and that you and your families are staying safe and healthy. I would like to welcome you back to another NASBLA Virtual Awards recognition ceremony! As many of you know, the Operation Dry Water campaign typically recognizes all of its award winners in-person at the NASBLA Annual Conference. Unfortunately, ...
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Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Top Agency, Small Category

By Taylor Matsko posted 12-15-2020
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DECEMBER 15, 2020: Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Top Agency, Small Category *This is a transcript of the "Operation Dry Water recognizes the 2020 Small Category, Top Agency Award winner" video from the virtual recognition ceremony on Tuesday, December 1 st , 2020. DARREN RIDER: Welcome back to another NASBLA Virtual Awards recognition ceremony! I am grateful for the opportunity to present one of the 2020 Operation Dry Water awards today.  As many of you all know, the Operation Dry Water campaign typically recognizes all of its award winners in-person at the NASBLA Annual Conference. Unfortunately, we were not able to do so this ...
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Over 1,100 first responders trained in 2020 by NASBLA BOAT Program

By Taylor Matsko posted 12-14-2020
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Over 1,100 first responders trained in 2020 by NASBLA BOAT Program As the end of 2020 quickly approaches, the NASBLA Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program reflects on some of the challenges and successes of this difficult year. Considering the obstacles associated with course delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BOAT Program worked tirelessly to reschedule and deliver safe and effective courses to its students. The goal of the BOAT Program remained the same – to deliver a national standard of training, qualification, credentialing and typing to marine law enforcement and emergency first responders. In March, the BOAT Program decided to postpone ...
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