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NASBLA Celebrates 65 Years of Advancing Recreational Boating Safety


News provided by

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

Apr 08, 2025, 19:00 ET

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NASBLA Celebrates 65 Years of Advancing Boating Safety
NASBLA Celebrates 65 Years of Advancing Boating Safety

Founded in 1960, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has grown from a small gathering of state officials into a nationally recognized leader in recreational boating safety. Over the past 65 years, NASBLA has expanded its mission to include law enforcement training, education standards, model legislation, and policy advocacy—supporting states in managing today's complex and evolving waterways.

LEXINGTON, Ky., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) traces its origins to April 12, 1960, when state officials responsible for administering and enforcing state boating laws gathered in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Marine Council.

This initial meeting provided the Coast Guard an opportunity to brief state boating law administrators on the requirements and procedures of the uniform numbering system established under the Federal Boating Act of 1958.

Recognizing the challenges surrounding the numbering and regulation of small boats across the states, participants agreed that state boating law administrators should convene annually.

The first official “Boating Law Administrators” meeting took place Nov. 28–29, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. Discussions focused on improving the Federal Boating Act of 1958. In the absence of elected officers, James J. O’Brien of New York served as president of the informal organization—a role he held until 1963.

At the group’s second meeting on Oct. 31, 1961, members adopted the name “National Conference of State Boating Administrators.” A year later, they voted to establish the group as an autonomous organization known as the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

During the fourth meeting, held Nov. 19–20, 1963, the association adopted its constitution and bylaws, officially becoming NASBLA. The organization also held its first election, selecting Harold E. Bradshaw of Michigan as its first elected president.

In subsequent annual meetings, NASBLA members expanded their focus beyond numbering and titling. Topics included conflicting local ordinances, uniform registration validation stickers, life jacket wear requirements, federal funding and grant programs, aids to navigation, standardized boating safety education, and boat theft prevention.

NASBLA has become a nationally recognized leader in recreational boating safety over the past 65 years. As state boating programs have evolved, NASBLA's mission has expanded to include law enforcement training, education and certification standards, model legislation, national leadership, and policy advocacy.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 12, 2012, established the U.S. Coast Guard’s recognition of NASBLA’s Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program as the national standard for training and credentialing state, local, county, and tribal maritime law enforcement officers and rescue personnel. The adoption and implementation of the program create a consistent national framework for maritime interoperability across all levels of government. This standardization enhances interagency coordination and strengthens the collective ability of maritime agencies to serve as force multipliers nationwide.

Since the formal launch of the BOAT Program, NASBLA has trained more than 33,000 marine law enforcement officers and first responders across the country. Additionally, 26 agencies have been accredited as training partners, further expanding access to and delivery of the national standards.

NASBLA provides critical resources that help member states reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage associated with recreational boating, while fostering a safe, secure, and enjoyable boating environment.

A core priority for NASBLA is ensuring that funds from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund are directed to state boating safety programs. These funds—generated from fuel taxes paid by boaters—support education, enforcement, and public access initiatives across the country.

The importance of NASBLA is greater today than ever before, as the role of the states, territories, and Boating Law Administrators has evolved into a highly professional discipline. It’s no longer solely about carriage requirements and boating safety laws—though those remain critically important. Today’s boating safety professionals are also conflict and waterways managers, navigating the complex social, political, and economic challenges tied to the diverse use of the nation’s waterways.

Over the past 65 years, recreational boating participation has more than doubled and continues to grow in popularity. New and innovative watercraft and designs are constantly emerging. At the same time, urban sprawl and development along America’s waterfronts—paired with increased demand for waterway access, user experiences, and accommodation of varied user groups—have intensified the need for education, enforcement, and boater safety initiatives.

NASBLA supports its state and territorial members in meeting these demands through robust committee work, public policy development, professional training, collaboration, peer-to-peer support, and active member engagement.

Through ongoing collaboration among the states, the U.S. Coast Guard, and NASBLA—and with the financial support provided by the Trust Fund’s grant program—the association continues to push the boundaries of boating safety and security. NASBLA remains committed to building new partnerships and embracing opportunities to meet today’s challenges and shape the future of recreational boating.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. The association offers a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, and accreditation programs to enhance the safety and security of our waterways. For more information, visit http://www.nasbla.org.

Media Contact

Taylor Kirshe, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, 859-225-9487, [email protected], https://www.nasbla.org/home

SOURCE National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

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