23-May-2007

USPS opposes vessel discharge
permits for recreational boats

USPS has issued a position statement opposing a recent federal court ruling in California that could open the door to mandatory discharge permits for all recreational boats nationwide.

Intended to halt the spread of destructive marine species that enter U.S. waters through seawater ballast systems in large oceangoing ships, the ruling orders the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a permit process for any vessel that discharges in U.S. waters by September 2008.

The USPS position statement urges the federal government to exempt recreational vessels from individual permitting requirements and recommends implementing nationwide environmentally responsible standards for the manufacture and operation of recreational vessels.

Click here to read the position statement.

Click here for more about the court’s decision and concerns surrounding water ballast discharge.

Flying high

C/C Ernie Marshburn, SN, at right, presents the Ship’s Bell Award to Capt. Larry Chambers, chief pilot for the Goodyear blimp Spirit of Innovation, in Pompano Beach, Fla.

Experience it all in Norfolk

Expo

When you visit Norfolk, Va., for the 2007 Governing Board Meeting from 5 to 9 Sept., be sure to take in Expo 2007, a mingling of minds designed to promote innovation. More

VIP seminars

Thanks to our government and boating industry partners, local experts and fellow members, you’ll have lots of choices during the VIP presentations on Thursday and Friday, 6–7 Sept., from 0900–1500. More

Norfolk GB dress code

Arrival to Thursday, 6 Sept.: USPS polo shirt, any color or other appropriate casual attire

Friday, 7 Sept.: White USPS polo shirt with USPS blazer or other appropriate attire

Saturday, 8 Sept. day: Uniform G or other appropriate attire
Saturday evening: Pirate dress or other appropriate attire

GB reimbursments & what you can do to help

Notice: Reimbursements for the 2007 Governing Board Meeting in Norfolk, Va., will be for three days only.

To combat spiraling travel costs, the Budget Committee considered eliminating, limiting or capping travel reimbursements. Instead, it chose to ask you to help control USPS reimbursement costs by shopping around for the cheapest airfare. More

One-second Survey

Will rising fuel prices affect the amount of boating you do this summer?

Yes

No

No, I don't use fuel

View Results

Public Opinion Survey

New pull-up display available

The U.S. Coast Guard has donated a new pull-up display banner to USPS for squadron and district use. The banner features the USPS and USCG logos and the words “Always Wear Your Life Jacket” accompanied by photos of different types of personal flotation devices.

Squadrons and districts can reserve the banner for use at boat shows or other activities by e-mailing Art Stevens or calling 888-367-8777 ext. 214. There is a $20 shipping and handling fee, and squadrons and districts are responsible for prompt return shipping.

Donate your boat

Enter the
Best of USPS
photo contest

E-mail us your winning shots in the following categories:

USPS Scenes, Safety is Fun, Our Watery World and My Pride and Joy.

Then visit usps.smugmug.com to give a thumbs up to your favorite photos.

If you have a trailerable boat or PWC you’d like to use as a tax write-off, you could help NASBLA improve accident investigation training.
More

Port captain FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a USPS port captain. For complete information, USPS members should check out the Port Captain’s Guide.

Chesapeake Bay cruise provides
education in school of hard knocks

A few years ago, my wife, Jackie, and I discovered that some vacations must be chalked up as learning experiences.

Back in September 2001, we were headed for Kent Island, Md., excited to be taking our first extended cruise aboard the MacGregor 26X we’d bought earlier that year. More

Free PWC videos available

Squadrons and districts can get a free copy of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association’s 2007 PWC renter orientation DVD by visiting www.pwia.org or e-mailing PWIA. These videos can be used during classes, boat shows and other boating safety events. More