Blogs

Boating Standards Panel Welcomes New Members

By Taylor Kirshe posted 3 days ago
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Boating Standards Panel Welcomes New Members The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the members of the National Boating Standards Panel (BSP) are pleased to welcome three new members to the BSP: Mike Folkerts, Lee Gatts, and Lt. Jason Luce. They officially joined the 15-member panel on January 1, 2025. Mike Folkerts joins the panel representing the Federal Boating Agency category. As the Recreational Boating Safety Specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska, Folkerts has a long history of involvement in boating safety and education throughout the region. He is widely recognized for his advocacy of voluntary ...
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Lt. Col. Matt Majors Attains Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification

By Taylor Kirshe posted 11 days ago
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Lt. Col. Matt Majors Attains Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification On November 20, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Majors, Boating Law Administrator for Tennessee, successfully passed the Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) exam and earned his CRBP certification. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is proud to recognize Lt. Col. Majors as one of the latest professionals to attain this prestigious credential. The CRBP certification, developed by NASBLA, is a voluntary credential designed for recreational boating professionals. It reflects knowledge, performance, and career ...
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California Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 12 days ago
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California Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to welcome back Ramona Fernandez as the Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for California. Ramona Fernandez brings more than 35 years of experience as a civil servant. She was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2022 as deputy director for the Division of Boating and Waterways and was confirmed by the Senate Rules Committee in April 2023. Fernandez served as acting deputy director starting in 2019 and previously held the role of California’s Boating Law Administrator (BLA) from 2014 to 2023. A native Californian, ...
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National Boating Standards Panel to Develop Towed Water Sports Education Standard

By Taylor Kirshe posted 17 days ago
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National Boating Standards Panel to Develop Towed Water Sports Education Standard: Seeking Subject Matter Experts The National Boating Standards Panel (BSP) announces the development of a comprehensive education standard for towed water sports, addressing a critical gap in recreational boating safety. This initiative aims to establish consistent educational guidelines covering safety protocols, hazard recognition, and conflict resolution for the growing towed water sports community. As towed water sports activities rapidly expand, the lack of standardized education has created challenges for operators, participants, and waterway stakeholders. ...
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Boating Standards Panel Members Recognized for Their Contributions

By Taylor Kirshe posted 18 days ago
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Boating Standards Panel Members Recognized for Their Contributions The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the National Boating Standards Panel (BSP) extend their sincere gratitude to Paul Alber, Edward Cossette, and Walt Taylor for their remarkable service, which concluded on December 31, 2024. Paul, Edward, and Walt played vital roles in advancing boating education and safety standardization. Their expertise and unwavering commitment have left an enduring impact on the recreational boating community. A special thank you goes to Walt Taylor for his outstanding leadership as BSP chairman in 2023 and 2024. ...
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Corporal Sydney Grant Earns Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification

By Taylor Kirshe posted 18 days ago
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Corporal Sydney Grant Earns Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification On December 13, 2024, Corporal Sydney Grant of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) successfully passed the Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) exam and earned her CRBP certification. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is proud to recognize Corporal Grant as one of the latest professionals to attain this prestigious credential. The CRBP certification, developed by NASBLA, is a voluntary credential designed for recreational boating professionals. It reflects knowledge, performance, and career ...
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North Carolina Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 12-16-2024
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North Carolina Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) would like to welcome Major Chad Arnold, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of North Carolina. Chad Arnold is the Major of Administration and Boating Law Administrator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). He began his career with NCWRC in March 2003, attending the NCWRC Basic Recruit Academy. Arnold initially served as a Wildlife Officer in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, where he worked for 10 years, covering areas including Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie. He then ...
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Captain Jason Russo Achieves Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification

By Taylor Kirshe posted 12-10-2024
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Captain Jason Russo Achieves Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification On December 5, 2024, Captain Jason Russo of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) successfully passed the Certified Recreational Boating Professional CRBP exam and earned his CRBP certification. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is proud to recognize Captain Russo as one of the latest professionals to attain this prestigious credential. The CRBP certification, developed by NASBLA, is a voluntary credential designed for recreational boating professionals. It reflects knowledge, performance, and ...
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Kentucky Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 11-25-2024
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Kentucky Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is excited to welcome Captain Jerrod Alley, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Kentucky. Captain Alley is a 20-year veteran of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, where he has dedicated much of his career to serving the Lake Cumberland area, working in both the 9th and 10th Law Enforcement Districts. Throughout his tenure, he has actively enforced boating regulations across the Commonwealth. A strong advocate for professional development, Captain Alley has completed numerous NASBLA training ...
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NASBLA Seeks CEO to Lead Boating Safety Efforts

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-11-2024
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NASBLA Seeks CEO to Lead Boating Safety Efforts The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities, the Boating Law Administrators (BLAs) of all 50 states and the six U.S. territories. The organization offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, NASBLA affects the ...
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First Watch Gear and Takashina USA Support Southeast and Florida First Responders in Hurricane Recovery Efforts

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-09-2024
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First Watch Gear and Takashina USA Support Southeast and Florida First Responders in Hurricane Recovery Efforts In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated several southeastern states, first responders in Tennessee and North Carolina faced challenging rescue operations in hazardous floodwaters. With equipment damaged and rendered unusable after prolonged exposure to contaminated waters, donations of essential gear have been critical in supporting ongoing recovery efforts. In response, Ross Johnston from First Watch Gear and Chris Sime from Takashina USA stepped forward, offering to donate vital equipment to these ...
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2024 NASBLA Awards Ceremony Honors Industry Leaders

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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Award Winners Recognized at the 6 5 th  Annual NASBLA Conference The 65th Annual NASBLA Conference took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Sept. 17-19, 2024. During the awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 19, NASBLA presented its annual national awards, honoring members and colleagues in the recreational boating safety community for their exceptional contributions to boating and water safety. This year, NASBLA recognized 16 award winners at the event. Lifetime Achievement Award Paul Barnard ,  8 th  U.S. Coast Guard. District Betsy Woods , Tennessee ...
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Operation Dry Water Awards Honor Officers and Agencies Committed to Combating Boating Under the Influence

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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October 8, 2024: The 2024 Operation Dry Water (ODW) award winners were honored on Thursday, Sept. 19, during the NASBLA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Recipients of the ODW Officer of the Year, Regional Law Enforcement Award, and Media Award were recognized for their dedication to preventing boating under the influence (BUI) and supporting the Operation Dry Water campaign. The Operation Dry Water Awards Program highlights law enforcement officers and agencies that have made a positive impact on BUI enforcement and outreach in their communities . The 2024 Operation Dry Water Officer ...
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NASBLA Names Marcus Bowling 2024 Boating Educator of the Year

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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NASBLA Names Marcus Bowling 2024 Boating Educator of the Year The 2024 National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was presented to Game Warden Marcus Bowling of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Thursday, September 19, during the awards ceremony at the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc. , the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award was established by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize individuals who ...
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Conservation Officer James Fogarty Recognized as the 2024 National Boating Officer of the Year

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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Conservation Officer James Fogarty Recognized as the 2024 National Boating Officer of the Year During its 65th Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Sept. 17 to 19, 2024, the   National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)   presented its prestigious National Boating Officer of the Year award to Conservation Officer James Fogarty of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Law Enforcement Division . The  National Boating Officer of the Year  award recognizes a law enforcement officer who has made an outstanding contribution ...
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Award Winners Honored at the 65th Annual NASBLA Conference

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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Award Winners Honored at the 6 5 th  Annual NASBLA Conference The 65th Annual NASBLA Conference took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Sept. 17-19, 2024. During the awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 19, NASBLA presented its annual national awards, honoring members and colleagues in the recreational boating safety community for their exceptional contributions to boating and water safety. This year, NASBLA recognized 16 award winners at the event. John M. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award NASBLA first began presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. This award is designed to recognize ...
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Massachusetts Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-08-2024
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Massachusetts Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to welcome Captain Erik Tynan, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Massachusetts. Captain Erik Tynan, a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, has dedicated his career to marine safety and law enforcement. He graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he earned a Third Mate License, a 100-ton captain’s license, and a commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Captain Tynan began his career with the Massachusetts Environmental Police in the Boston area and has since worked across ...
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National Boating Standards Panel Seeks Workgroup Members

By Taylor Kirshe posted 10-02-2024
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National Boating Standards Panel Seeks Workgroup Members The National Boating Standards Panel (BSP) is seeking subject matter experts to join in the development of a new standard addressing towed water sports education. This standard will serve as the basis to empower operators of vessels, spotters, and participants engaged in towed water sports activities to make safe decisions that will mitigate risks on the water. Subject matter experts from any and all backgrounds are invited to join this workgroup! You do not have to be a member of NASBLA or BSP to participate. If you or someone you know is interested in this standard project, please contact ...
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Arkansas Names New Boating Law Administrator

By Taylor Kirshe posted 09-30-2024
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Arkansas Names New Boating Law Administrator The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) would like to welcome Corporal Sydney Grant, the new Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for the state of Arkansas. Corporal Sydney Grant has established a distinguished career in wildlife law enforcement with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Since graduating from the AGFC Enforcement Training Academy in 2016, she has served as a wildlife officer and game warden in Sevier County within the A4 District. Effective October 1, 2024, she has been appointed as Boating Law Administrator (BLA), leveraging her extensive field experience ...
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Alaska Boating Law Administrator Elected NASBLA Chair

By Taylor Kirshe posted 09-24-2024
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Alaska Boating Law Administrator Elected NASBLA Chair During its 65th Annual Conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, Sept. 17 – 19, 2024, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) elected Joe McCullough, Boating Law Administrator for Alaska, as chair of the organization for the 2024-2025 year. He succeeds Lt. Curtis Lewis, Illinois’ Boating Law Administrator. NASBLA is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Joe McCullough has spent 32 years ...
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