NMMA CEO and President Frank Hugelmeyer Discusses the Vessel Speed Rule During Captain Bob’s No Wake Zone Radio Show
Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA’s CEO and President, was recently interviewed on Captain Bob’s No Wake Zone Radio Show, where among other topics, he discussed NOAA’s proposed expansion of the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction rule and the impact it would have on recreational boating and the U.S. economy.
Hugelmeyer explained how the vessel speed restriction rule would restrict recreational boats as small as 35 feet to travel no faster than 10 knots – roughly 11 mph, the speed of a bicycle – in Atlantic Coastal waters, stretching from Massachusetts to central Florida for up to seven months out of the year and up to 90 miles offshore.
“The reality is this [vessel speed rule] would simply be economically catastrophic. It is a deeply flawed rule and there was no engagement with the marine industry in terms of the safety of doing this in smaller vessels, which in worsening seas could put human lives at risk," stated Hugelmeyer. "We have been urging the Administration to withdraw this rule and consider the technological advancements we have been advocating for since 2022. These marine technologies would be able to help with protecting the right whale, the economy, and the boaters. It would be more effective and less economically damaging than a blanket speed rule, which sets a horrible precedent of de facto restricting the entire Atlantic seaboard and America’s public water from the American people.”
Listen to part 1, 2, and 3 of Frank Hugelmeyer's interview with Captain Bob below:
- NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer on Industry Update
- Part 2 of Frank’s interview
- Part 3 of Frank’s interview
The recreational boating industry accounts for more than $230 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 810,000 jobs across the country. Recreational boating is a uniquely American industry, as roughly 95 percent of all boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S., and approximately 93 percent of boat manufacturers are small businesses.
As the vessel speed rule is currently at the final phase of the rulemaking stage at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), boaters have the chance to call on their elected representatives to tell the White House to withdraw this rule.