How are you celebrating Safe Boating Week?

Last Thursday was the perfect lead-in to this year's Safe Boating Week, which we are right in the throes of. Why Thursday? That's because Governor Inslee signed the bill to strengthen our state's Boating Under the Influence Law. Three Sheets Northwest covered the new law and bill signing here ("New law cracks down on impaired boating").

That brings us back to the header, what are you doing during this week? If you are reading this blog at your desk (and your not fortunate enough to have your office on the water like Dwight at PumpMeOut) and you don't have your boater education card (English teachers are rolling there eyes everywhere right now), take a look at this offer: Boater.exam is offering a 33% discount on its online course to obtain your Boater Education Card. Don't forget, if you're 50 and younger, you're required to have your Washington Boater Education Card to operate a boat, and starting in 2014, everyone 60 and younger will be required. The BoaterExam.com discount ends on Monday.

Top Export Markets webinar coming up May 21

NMTA WEBINAR: TOP EXPORT MARKETS

When:  May 21, 10am - 11am
Where:  Online Webinar (Click to Register)
What:  With over 95% of the world’s consumers located outside of the United States, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) wants to ensure that US manufacturers across the country are turning export opportunities into real transactions. Join representatives from NMMA, the Office of Health and Consumer Goods for the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration and and International Trade Specialist of the U.S. Department of Commerce in this one-hour webinar available exclusive to NMTA members. Space is limited! (Registration & More Info)

April New Boat Sales strong

Early figures from the second quarter of this year show a strong start to spring. New boats sold by dealers in Washington during April were up 34.5 percent in dollar value, and 18.3 percent in units sold over April 2012. Special thanks to Washington Sea Grant for compiling the sales figures from the Department of Licensing.

A complete quarterly report will be posted online at www.NMTA.net in July.