Mar 27, 2023
In their March 22,2023 member newsletter, NMMA Canada described how the association has been proactively lobbying on two regulatory files that could have a major impact on the boating industry.
Last Fall, Transport Canada signalled that the government is exploring new regulations for mandatory life jacket wear on pleasure craft. NMMA Canada and the recreational boating community have long been leaders in promoting safety on the water. At the same time, we believe that rules should be harmonized with other North American jurisdictions and grounded in statistical evidence. Our letter (linked here) to Transport Canada reflects this approach. Transport Canada has concluded an initial consultation on mandatory wear and will be developing draft regulations in the coming months based on the feedback. NMMA Canada invites you to share your feedback with Jim Wielgosz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As well, NMMA Canada has been actively engaging with Transport Canada on proposals that could result in new boating restrictions and less public consultation when bans are introduced. In particular, the association is concerned about changes that would devolve more power to regulate boating to municipalities and give the Transport Minister new powers to introduce boating restrictions. As NMMA Canada’s letter states:
“NMMA Canada and our industry partners enjoy a strong relationship with Transport Canada and other federal departments. We share the goals of ensuring boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water; protecting our natural environment; and growing local economies and jobs. However, we find worrisome the recent trend of legislative and regulatory changes that target recreational boating. We are eager to collaborate with the government on an approach that accounts for stakeholder concerns while ensuring recreational boating can thrive and grow. We would request a meeting with Transport Canada officials to explore these ideas further.”
You can read our full letter to Transport Canada here.
Marine Industry Career Path: Brett Ramsey

Wendy and Brett Ramsey
Boating Industry Canada is kicking off its Marine Industry Career Path series once again. For the first installments this year, we have two subjects to highlight. Introducing Wendy and Brett Ramsey!
The Ramsey’s have been working in the marine industry for many years but have both had unique paths in getting to where they are now. They’ve also been working on an impactful pilot project for a long time, which will now be launching this spring. The focus of this initiative is to bring more young people into the marine industry.
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Building on its award-winning M Series, Bayliner unveiled the all-new M19 at the Miami International Boat Show. The M19 joins the M Series lineup of the M15 and M17 delivering the stability and versatility the series is known for with a focus on expanding boater participation through its intuitive design, ease of maintenance and inclusive price point.
With an overall length of 19 feet and starting at $30,995 USD, the M19 is built on an improved M-hull foundation offering increased stability and automotive style handling for familiarity to appeal to the next generation of boaters. The M19 features an upgraded nine-person capacity and is watersports capable for a full day of adventure on the water.
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Televisions on a boat are increasingly commonplace. With the simple-to-install Glomex Avior VT300 Omnidirectional TV/FM antenna from GA Communications, it's never been easier to bring analog and digital broadcasts onboard—at a price that's hard to ignore.
The most noticeable feature of the Avior VT300 antenna is its compact white, anti-yellowing radome. At only 4" dia. x 8" H and 8.8 oz., it's specifically made for smaller boats that can't accommodate large TV antenna domes and only need short range reception, depending on height and conditions. The amplifier allows the antenna to have an increase in gain with a 24.5 dB average to receive vertical and horizontal polarized TV signals simultaneously from 360°.
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Airmar hires Suzanne Hawley as Brand Manager

The Leader in Ultrasonic Technology and Multi-sensor Solutions Continues to Grow in Talent and Innovation. AIRMAR® Technology Corporation, a world leader in ultrasonic transducers and Chirp technology, has named Suzanne Hawley as the Brand Manager for the company’s wholly owned distributor, Gemeco Marine Electronics Specialists, located in Lake City, SC.
Hawley comes to Airmar with extensive marketing and PR experience in the marine electronics industry including 20 years as the owner of Hawley Communications, a consulting agency focused on creative marketing solutions for businesses in the recreational boating industry.
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