The United States Department of Commerce has advanced the North Atlantic right whale (NARW) Vessel Strike Reduction Rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Proposed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the rule would restrict vessels greater than or equal to 35 feet (10.7 m) and less than 65 feet (19.8 m) [...]

Registration for the recreational boating industry’s annual advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, is now open. The American Boating Congress will return to Washington, D.C. from May 8-10, 2024, bringing together all segments of the recreational boating industry to share its collective voice on Capitol Hill and address pressing matters for the industry. This year’s [...]

On March 1, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized its Government and Business Impersonation Rule, which gives the agency more tools to combat scammers who impersonate businesses or government agencies. These types of scams are rapidly increasing and have impacted members of the recreational marine industry. The newly finalized regulations provide an opportunity for retribution. [...]

Veteran Australian fabricator David Elliott demonstrates his unique patterning techniques before a rapt audience. The 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference that took place Jan. 25-27 in St. Pete Beach, Fla., was bustling with energy, creativity and goodwill. With a total of 315 registrants, 65 first-time participants and 52 exhibitors, veterans and newcomers alike enjoyed the buzzing [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. The MFA is a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, formerly known as IFAI. Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the [...]

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the designation of 32 Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The designated COEs consist of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in [...]

The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show concluded its five-day run February 14-18 with an estimated 100,000 attendees. Hosted across six locations, attendees browsed and shopped more than 1,000 boats, marine products and the latest innovations. The show provided a platform for hundreds of debuts, including the world’s first prototype hydrogen-combustion outboard motor by Yamaha, [...]

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc.'s Monster Silk®, which is spun by lines of transgenic silkworms and composed of a combination of spider silk protein and silkworm silk protein. Image: Kraig Labs Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. announced that it has taken possession of a new recombinant spider silk production center in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. The new [...]

The Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), owner and producer of the annual Newport International Boat Show (NIBS), announced today that the show was acquired by South Florida Ventures. With a 53-year heritage, the Newport International Boat Show occupies more than 13 acres of historic downtown Newport, Rhode Island. With a lineup of more than 600 exhibitors [...]

Amy Bircher at IFAI Expo 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint nine individuals as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, including former Advanced Textiles Association chairman Amy Bircher. The advisory committee provides overall policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representative on matters in connection with [...]