NACO is a national association of charterboat owners and operators that was formed in 1991. Representing thousands of individuals all across the United States, our membership includes marine charters who provide fishing, sailing, diving, eco-tours, and other excursion vessels who carry passengers for hire. As the premiere Association that represents charter boat interests, our objective is to improve the professional charter boat operator's bottom line and to provide a strong voice in Washington, DC.
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USCG Report to Congressional Members on Blended Fuels
Section 620 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 directed the Coast Guard to submit a survey of published data and reports pertaining to the use, safety and performance of blended fuels in marine applications.
The conclusion stated, "Although much information has been published regarding “ethanol in Marine applications a few studies with any scientific rigidity have been conducted to date. The four studies have mixed results, but raise concerns regarding the use of ethanol in marine engines leading to a conclusion that more testing is necessary. Because tests were performed on new engines they did not resolve concerns regarding the legacy fleet of older boats. "
To read the report click here: http://www.nmma.org/assets/cabinets/Cabinet213/USCGSurveyReportonBlendedFuels.pdf
Congress Examines Maritime Regulatory Impacts
LoBiondo Holds Hearing to Examine Impact of Coast Guard and EPA Regulations on Job Growth in the Maritime Sector
The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), held a hearing on Thursday, April 26th, to review the status of regulations by the United States Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and how such regulations impact the maritime industry.
The following is the statement of Chairman LoBiondo:
Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee Meeting
The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (MMMAC) will meet on May 8-9, 2012 to discuss matters relating to medical certification determinations for issuance of merchant mariner credentials, medical standards and guidelines for physical qualifications of operators of commercial vessels, medical examiner education, and medical research. The meeting will be open to the public.
DATES: MMMAC will meet on Tuesday, May 8, and Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please note that the meeting may close early if the committee has completed its business.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the National Maritime Center (NMC), 3rd floor conference room, 100 Forbes Drive, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25404.
For agenda and information you need to attend:
NACO Comments on Preliminary Settlement To Judge Barbier on Gulf Oil Spill
Attorneys met with Judge Barbier this week to seek approval of a preliminary agreement reached between BP and the Plaintiff’s attorneys.
The parties proposed the following timetable
• Notice to be sent out by May 3, 2012
• Motion papers in support of settlement to be filed by August 13, 2012
• Objections to be filed by August 31, 2012
• Opt-Out period to be closed by October 1, 2012
• Reply submissions to be filed by October 22, 2012
• Fairness hearing to be set and commenced on or about November 8, 2012
To read letter click here
