Recreational boating industry is critical partner in creating safe, secure U.S. waterways
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Announces Small Vessel Security Strategy at American Boating Congress.  Read press release.

Clean Marina Workshop Scheduled
If you have not already become a certified Michigan Clean Marina another workshop is coming your way.  Register today for the May 15th workshop hosted by Irish Boat Shop in Charlevoix, MI.  After the workshop stay for a "Clean Marina Social" sponsored by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and Irish Boat Shop.  Click here to register.

Legislative Alert - Help Stop Federal Boat Permitting
Senators Levin and Stabenow signed on as sponsors to stop the threat to Recreational Boating. The industry continues to work to get sponsors from other states.  Unless Congress acts soon, every recreational boater in the country will have to obtain a federal or state permit in order to operate their boat. This means yearly fees, bureaucratic red tape, confusing and potentially state-by-state regulations, citizen suits and $32,000 per day penalties for non-compliance.  Thank you to those who took the time to contact your U.S. Sentators.  Click here for more information.

RBFF Announces Re-Launch of the Take Me Fishing Campaign and Website

Grow Boating Update Available Online
If you missed this important update, it is now broken down by topic and posted at http://www.growboating.org/about/presentations/miami2008.aspx.   In total, the program is about 80 minutes, but you can break it up by topic and view it at your own pace. 

ACE Recreational Marine Insurance is Official Insurance Company of the Detroit Boat Show and Spring Boating Expo
The 50 year anniversary celebration of the Detroit Boat Show is and the 16th Annual Spring Boating Expo are proud to announce its Official Insurance Company as ACE Recreational Marine Insurance.  For more than two centuries, ACE Recreational Marine Insurance has been providing exceptional insurance coverage for yachts and boats of all sizes – from the largest to the smallest.  As the nation’s oldest marine insurance provider, ACE has been at the forefront of this industry since 1792, when our predecessor company wrote the very first marine policy issued in the United States.  Since then, ACE has offered clients unparalleled service, stability and industry knowledge.  Read more about ACE.

Boat Show Sponsor "Canadian Mist" Encourages the Appointment of Designated Boaters this Summer
Many boaters enjoyed some time at the Canadian Mist Lounge at the Detroit Boat Show this past February.  Canadian Mist reminds boaters that they should enjoy their summer boating but always designated a sober driver.  Click here for more information on Canadian Mist.

Get Ready to Set Sail for Shipwreck: Pirates & Treasure at the Detroit Science Center 
Get ready to embark on an amazing quest for deep-ocean treasure when Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK: Pirates & Treasure opened at the Detroit Science Center March 24, 2008.  Online tickets for this one-of-a-kind exhibition are on sale at www.detroitsciencecenter.org.   For more info on the exhibit click here.