2021

How You Can Support IBWSS

For the first time in 24 years – registration for IBWSS is FREE! Free registration for IBWSS attendees makes this an excellent engagement opportunity for our sponsors and exhibitors! Support IBWSS by choosing one of our many sponsorship opportunities. All of the levels include recognition on the IBWSS website, social media, and the virtual conference app. Exhibitors can design their own virtual exhibit booth with product information, games, and more.  See you at the summit!

Don’t Mess With GPS

Several members of Congress, including Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), are actively pursuing legislative solutions to protect GPS. BoatUS Government Affairs is working with them and other members of Congress to make certain that boaters have a reliable navigation system.

Free Registration for IBWSS

Encourage others to register for the International Boating and Water Safety Summit, to be held virtually from May 17-19, 2021! This will be a virtual conference experience like no other. Register at www.IBWSS.org/register.

NSBC Member Connection E-Newsletter

News and updates about our programs, industry happenings, member spotlights and more from the National Safe Boating Council. In this issue sponsored by Walsh Marine: Captain Johnson to Retire from U.S. Coast Guard, 15% Off Walsh Marine Products, IBWSS Goes Virtual, Alex Otte Named MADD National President, Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971, New Admiral Club Members Exxel Outdoors and Quality Boats, Tower of the Year Recipient, 15% off NSBC Store, NSBC Training, 2021 National Safe Boating Week, and more.

Captain Johnson to Retire from U.S. Coast Guard

After a stellar career with the U.S. Coast Guard, Captain Scott Johnson is setting his sights on a well-deserved retirement and enjoying more time with his family. The recreational boating safety community will never forget Captain Johnson’s contributions to boating and water safety.

TowBoatUS Lake Allatoona, Georgia, Takes Tower of the Year Honors at Annual Conference

TowBoatUS Lake Allatoona, Georgia, owned by Capt. Chris Day, was awarded “Tower of the Year” at the annual gathering of the TowBoatUS fleet, which was held today virtually. The honor recognizes professionalism in providing recreational boaters with 24/7 on-water towing and assistance services. The award was bestowed on the company for its near-perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, high customer satisfaction and on-water towing case management.

U.S. Coast Guard Boarding Team Discovers 27 Bales of Cocaine

Two small boat teams from the USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) intercept a vessel on the Caribbean Sea that they suspect of engaging in illegal activity on Jan. 6, 2021. A Coast Guard boarding team found 27 bales of cocaine aboard, each weighing approximately 65 pounds.

Illegal Charters Abound

The Coast Guard terminated an illegal charter of the 63-foot yacht, Hello0000 near Miami Beach Marina. A Coast Guard Station Miami Beach 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement team conducted a boarding of the vessel with 11 people aboard: nine were passengers for hire, including two children, and two crew members operating as an illegal passenger-for-hire vessel.

Coast Guard Reminds Us of Hidden Cold Water Boating Dangers

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report of eight people aboard a recreational vessel who were unconscious near Garrison Bight. It was reported an exhaust fan in the bilge compartment allowed potential carbon monoxide to accumulate to high enough levels to impair the occupants.

In Loving Memory: Karen Angela Dunne-Maxim

Karen Angela Dunne-Maxim, 80, a former long-time resident of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday December 30, 2020 in Arlington, VA.