Advocacy Report
By: MIASF Staff
Date posted: Nov 05, 2021 Fri
The New River Crossing Stakeholder meeting will be held on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Broward County Governmental Center (115 S. Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL). Those planning to attend can RSVP by email or phone: agonzalez@mrgmiami.com or 786-280-6645 or by clicking here.
It is critical that marine businesses and the boating public that rely on the ease of navigation on the New River learn about the alternatives that will permit train and vessel traffic to share this valuable resource. The publicly preferred option is an important step in the process and key to funding.
NO build is NOT an option!
One of the highlights of FLIBS this year was the 189’ Feadship on display proudly boasting a US Flag. The ability to register a recreational vessel over 300GT under a US Flag was burdensome and, until recently, trapped in a commercial classification because of its size. In 2018, the President signed an amendment that reversed a 1920 law defining a yacht by size. The specific regulations are still under development by the US Coast Guard; however, the amendment permits flagging in the meantime if the vessel is MCA-compliant.
The U.S. and EU have an agreement to remove retaliatory tariffs on American boats entering Europe. The United States and European Union (EU) announced last week the parties had struck a deal to remove steel and aluminum tariffs, resulting in the full removal of the 25 percent retaliatory tariffs imposed on American-made boats and engines entering the EU.
In other international business news, The White House has announced that it will open its land borders with Canada and Mexico to fully vaccinated travelers starting on Nov. 8, simultaneously lifting one of the United States’ most far-reaching, pandemic-era travel restrictions and creating a new vetting process for entry. The 18-month ban on visitors from the European Union, China, Iran, South Africa, Brazil, and India, is also lifted if they can show proof of vaccination and a negative coronavirus test. While this action did not happen soon enough for FLIBS there were still many international visitors that were granted exemptions to travel or chose to quarantine in a neutral country before travelling to the US to enjoy the show.
The FLIBS annual US Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) panel was held on Saturday of the show. The takeaway from USCG was the failure to file ANOA’s continues to be the biggest challenge in compliance for the yachting community and illegal charters has national attention, enforcement actions will continue together with education. CBP understands the challenges crew face in the ability to get appointments at US Consulates to apply for a B1 visa. Crew wishing to enter the US on their vessel without a visa are encouraged to contact Port Everglade’s CBP in advance of arrival to discuss options. With the borders opening we are hopeful the consulates will follow suit.
This year MIASF and Informa has engaged Thomas Murray and Associates to conduct the economic impact of the 62nd annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. In the coming weeks exhibitors will receive a survey which is confidential and returned directly to Thomas Murray and Associates. Please respond, these studies are so valuable when we lobby for the marine industry on any issue of concern. The good news is the unofficial “how did you do?” poll is indicating that the industry is strong and will exceed the 2019 numbers.