Environmental and Safety Compliance

Protecting the environment comes naturally to most boaters and others who practice being a good neighbor, on land or water. On water, especially, every action or sound a boater makes impacts others sharing the waterway, the water itself, marine life living in it, and the near-shore and shoreline ecosystem and inhabitants. In almost all cases, a commonsense approach while boating will help protect the aquatic environment.

Clean water is the foundation for enjoyable boating. It's up to those who appreciate and recognize the privilege of using the waterways to protect this resource now and for future generations.

Manufacturers of boats and related products are working to help safeguard the environment. Through research and development, testing and employing technology of related industries, propulsion systems are gaining efficiency, waste treatment systems are becoming more effective, and maintenance products are getting "greener." Industry workers understand their livelihood depends on clean water, and helping keep it that way is simply the right thing to do.

For more information please contact EmailJohn McKnight, (Director, Environmental & Safety Compliance) at (202) 737-9757

Update on EPA Marine Regulatory Issues   EPA Clean Water ACT Ballast Water Issue   Shipbuilding Surface Coating NESHAP   Ethanol Based Fuels    
Marine Diesel Issues   Evaporative Emissions   IBEX Ethanol Presentations 2006   Hazardous Waste    
NIOSH Boat builders Study   Boat builders MACT Information   Marine Catalyst Test Program   NMMA Presentations    
EPA Engine Emission Technology Cost Analysis   California SD/I Responsibilities   Area Source Rules   IBEX Boat Fuel System Presentations 2007    
REACH   IBEX 2008   Boat manufacturing Control Technology Guidance   Greenhouse Gas Emissions    
California Evaporative Emission Regulation   IBEX 2009 Presentations            
OSHA Regulatory Issues   Propeller Avoidance Measures   Boat Noise Issues   EPA Marine SBREFA Process    

  • History of Boat Sound [DOC - 773.5 Kb]

    This report provides a history of the industry efforts to study boat noise.

  • Lake X Final report [DOC - 343.5 Kb]

    Industry report on boat sound emissions done in conjunction with the EU directive

  • NASBLA Model Noise Act [DOC - 24.5 Kb]

    The document apporved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators which defines the standard for acceptable boat noise.

  • NMMA Guidelines for Boat Noise [DOC - 52 Kb]

    NMMA Board approved guidelines for boat noise

  • Sound Emissions Document [DOC - 104.5 Kb]
  • State Boat Noise limits [ - 43 Kb]

    States have the authority to set noise limits for boats. This file is a summary of the latest. Because this is subject to chane, it could be out of date in some cases.

Number of documents: 6

Regulatory Updates


Regulatory News


Emission Control Information


On January 7, 2003, NMMA submitted written comments, that accompany oral testimony given on October 7, 2002, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Proposed Rulemaking on Evaporative Emissions. NMMA's comments, along with two attachments, may be viewed below:

On August 14, 2002, the EPA published in the Federal Register a proposal to require emission controls on boat fuel systems. The EPA proposal would require modifications to the current boat fuel hose, vent controls such as a one-psi pressure relief valve to reduce diurnal emissions, and permeation measures on plastic tanks. NMMA has put together an evaporative emission task force to address this rule. Written comments are due in November.

Read the proposal in its entirety »     More Information »

November 8, 2002 - Final EPA rule on recreational marine engine emission standards.

View the document »

Important Environmental & Safety Information