Government Affairs

BoatUS Government Affairs advocates on behalf of recreational boat owners on Capitol Hill and before the federal agencies in Washington. These articles capture the advocacy work our team conducts, and brings attention to new boating and fishing laws on the horizon that could affect all boaters.

For Safer Waters, We Need Smarter Boaters

As more states establish mandatory boater education laws, BoatU.S. continues to urge all 50 states to establish boater education certification programs for skippers

Driving Change For Boaters On A Local Level

The BoatU.S. Action Center website is a DIY guide to help members break through government bureaucracy to tackle problems on local waters

Alternative Marine Fuels

A new range of ethanol-free fuels, tested by the NMMA with good results, may reduce your boat’s emissions. Let’s look a little deeper.

A Whale Of A Fight

A $5 million appropriation for near real-time tracking of endangered North American right whales was the top priority a coalition of boating interests.

The Recreational Boaters of California: Advocates since 1968

California ranks 4th when it comes to registered boats among our 50 states. Luckily Golden State boaters have a strong voice thanks to their regional advocacy group, a BoatU.S. partner.

BoatUS Concerned About Potential AIS Tracking Of Recreational Boaters

This now-vital tool in marine safety and national security could someday be used to track recreational vessel location and speed. Is that OK?

Broward County Florida Anchoring Law Strikes Balance For Landowners And Cruisers

Much-needed anchoring rules will help address a transient layover problem at one popular Florida destination. BoatUS is pushing other municipalities to follow suit.

Expanding The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

BoatUS supports the nearly 1,000-square-mile expansion and revised management plan for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Slowing Down Sea Level Rise

Sea levels have been creeping up for decades, and the speed is now accelerating. All of us on the coasts need an action plan.