Marina Dock Age, March 2002

Sources of Marina Information
by Ron Stone

In my last column, “The Compelling Need for Educating Government,” I discussed the need to inform government regulators about marina issues to avoid ill-advised regulation. The object of this follow-up is to inform marina operators where they can get the information to help educate their legislators and administrative regulators.

In many countries, associations of marinas and yacht harbors bring together operators to share information and experience. The association or federation is able to collect and evaluate facts and figures about the marina industry as a whole, and to communicate this data to government authorities.

Thus, marina operators need not be alone in fighting their battles with government. There is plenty of good counsel available from fellow operators, developers, and consultants. With this article, readers will have an easier time finding it and getting the tools he or she needs to educate government to the economic importance and environmental compatibility of marinas.  

Drawing from the experience of other countries is invaluable when making a case for change in longstanding regulations or arguing for the status quo.

Readers who would like more in depth information available from these various national and regional marina organizations can find many on the Internet linked to the ICOMIA Marinas Committee’s web site, www.internationalmarinaconference.com or
www.icomiamarinascommittee.com.  

For your added information, following are some particulars about some well known marina organizations:

Marina Operators Association of America (MOAA) was organized in the 1980s, and has more than 800 members nationwide. MOAA provides legislative and regulatory support, conveys timely industry information, advice and direction, and offers members money-saving programs. Among its publications are the newsletter MOAA Messages; a quarterly report of the latest developments in marina construction, expansion, and reconfiguration around the nation; a group insurance plan; and boating safety and clean marina information. MOAA is an affiliate of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, as well as a member of ICOMIA’s Marinas Committee.  

Contact:
Marina Operators Association of America
1819 L Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, D.C.20036
Telephone: 202/721-1630; Fax: 202/721-1635
E-mail: jfrye@nmma.org Continue »