MONITORING SITE FOR THE REGULATORY REFERENCE GUIDE
Welcome to the online Regulatory Reference Guide (RRG). It offers you the opportunity to search, sort and consult the rules impacting the recreational marine. The ICOMIA Secretariat invites all MIAs to check and update their sections frequently. We are sure that you will appreciate this very informative tool.
To browse the RRG, select a country and/or criteria from the dropdown menus
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Canada Environment November 23, 2017 |
Environmental regulations passed in April 2011 and will take effect January 1, 2012 aligning with U.S. Environmental Protection Act regulations with respect to marine spark engine emissions. Optional emissions averaging program and system of credits similar to the U.S. Performance based standards provide manufacturers the flexibility of design and innovation. Products eligible for sale in the U.S. are generally eligible for sale in Canada (accept U.S. EPA emission certification as evidence of conformity with regulations) Duty to report total numbers brought into Canada through importation declaration form (responsibility of the Canadian importer - usually the dealers) New legislation to deal with derelict/abandoned boats \"Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Ac\" introduced Make it illegal to abandon boats while also allowing the government to go after owners of derelict boats that have already been abandoned. It proposes that individuals who abandon a boat can face fines up to $300,000 and a six month jail term while corporations can be fined as much as $6 million. The legislation focuses on both commercial and recreational vessels. It must be noted that while the bill gives the government power to try and force owners of existing derelict boats to remove them safely, there will be no fines or penalties imposed on those who have already abandoned their vessels. The ownership of some of these boats cannot be determined which is why the Canadian government is also working with provinces and territories to establish improved rules for identifying boats |
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USA Taxation November 9, 2017 |
The United States does not impose federal sales taxes or value added taxes on boats. Instead, sales taxes operate at the state level, with rates ranging by state. For current state sales tax rates, please visit http://www.boatus.com/gov/states/default.asp |
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USA Styrene Levels November 9, 2017 |
The limit for styrene levels in the United States is 100 ppm, with some states implementing a voluntary code with lower levels. Industry has agreed to follow a 50ppm level. |
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USA Safety Equipment November 9, 2017 |
Minimum maritime safety requirements apply at federal level. Please consult US Coast Guard Recreational Boater\'s Website at http://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/. For information on the mandatory use of life jackets by state, please visit http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/index.php?queryID=4.9. |
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USA Registration November 9, 2017 |
For information on boat registration and licenses by state, please visit http://uscgboating.org/regulations/boatbuilders-handbook.php. Alternatively, you may visit a database both for boat registration and tax information by state at http://www.boatus.com/gov/StatetaxRegistration.asp. In order for a boat to be registered, the boat manufacturer or importer must provide the purchaser with a Certificate of Origin. For information on this certificate, please visit http://uscgboating.org/regulations/boatbuilders-handbook.php |
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USA Product Liability November 9, 2017 |
Product liability is governed by lawsuits and case law. Warranty requirements are covered by federal and state law. For a comprehensive guide on state warranty repair law: http://www.nmma.org/membership/resources/marine-warranty-law. The US Coast Guard (USCG) has authority to require recalls of unsafe boats and certain associated equipment. In most states, liability insurance is not mandatory for boaters. For information on mandatory insurance by state, please visit http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/index.php?queryID=6.2. |
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USA Operating Limits November 9, 2017 |
Speed and area restrictions, as well as requirements concerning the wear of engine cut off lanyards, vary according to state level regulation. For a detailed table of all these, please visit http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/index.php?queryID=4.8. The US Coast Guard (USCG) is currently working on a requirement for recreational boats to be equipped with engine cut off lanyards. |
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USA Marinas and Harbours November 9, 2017 |
Local jurisdiction standards govern expansion and new development of marinas. There are federal guidelines for handicapped access. A range of environmental and safety regulations relevant to marinas and harbors are in force at federal, state and local level. More detailed information can be found at http://www.marinaassociation.org. For information on relevant federal environmental regulations, please visit http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/marinas.html. |
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USA Environment November 9, 2017 |
Noise limits under consideration or already in place in most States. Emissions standards set by USEPA in place for SI stern drive/inboard, outboard engines and PWC. EPA and California regulations for engine emissions are currently all harmonized. California has taken steps to require alternative evaporative emissions standards for boat builders from EPA requirement. For more information on US EPA emission requirements: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/regulatio... |
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USA Drivers Licences November 9, 2017 |
The United States does not issue drivers licenses for boaters. However, there is an increasing trend at state level for mandatory boater education, and most states require training for juveniles. For information on boating education requirements by state, please visit http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/index.php?queryID=2.1. |