Developing Policy Solutions and Products

NASBLA employs a committee structure to identify issues and address needs in the recreational boating safety public policy realm. NASBLA’s committees function as the primary source, sounding board and national policy-setting forum for each of the significant program areas addressed in the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan. These committees develop best management practices, model procedures, model acts, position papers and other products.  

The committees also play an important role with respect to shaping a national response to a given challenge, problem or issue. Some issues impacting boating safety are resolved simply through open discussion and the exchange of ideas and experience. On the other end of the spectrum, more entrenched or long-term challenges may ultimately require a statutory or regulatory response to effect the desired outcome. NASBLA committees help the Coast Guard and other policymakers determine the appropriate response.

This highly successful process has resulted in numerous boating safety policy directives and model boating laws of national significance. These policies include the nearly nationwide acceptance of boating under the influence (BUI) laws, interstate cooperation in boating accident investigations, and nationally accepted standards for state and private boating education courses and curricula. It is only through the commitment and perseverance of NASBLA committees through initiatives carried out, in some cases over several years, that the association can develop and endorse well-constructed, rational policy measures that merit multi-state and national acceptance.

In addition to the state committee members, the committees include broad representation from boating professionals throughout the boating industry, the nonprofit sector, international interests, the boating public, and federal and local agencies.  

NASBLA committees and subcommittees include:

Enforcement & Training Committee
Training & Certification Subcommittee
Enforcement Techniques & Technology Subcommittee
Boating Under the Influence Subcommittee
 
Engineering, Reporting & Analysis Committee
 
Governmental Affairs & Administration Committee
Preparedness & Response Subcommittee
Waterways Management Subcommittee
RBS Grants Administration & Program Performance Subcommittee
 
Education & Awareness Committee
Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee
Education Standards & Best Practices Subcommittee
Boating Course Administration Subcommittee
 
Vessel Identification, Registration & Titling Committee
Numbering & Titling Subcommittee
Vessel Identification System Coordination & Implementation Subcommittee

FY09 BLA/State Committee Request form
FY09 Associates Committee Request form
Committee Charge Suggestion Form