NMMA supports new small-boat security plan

Following up on its Small Vessel Security Summit in 2007 and the release of the Small Vessel Security Strategy in 2008, the Department of Homeland Security recently released the public version of its Small Vessel Security Implementation Plan, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported.

The plan is designed to manage risks associated with the potential exploitation of small vessels by terrorists in America's ports, shores and waterways.

"The plan clearly reflects the concerns heard from the recreational community regarding proposed mandates that boaters carry Automatic Information System beacons or other RFID technology," the NMMA said. "The plan does not include any mandate that boaters carry AIS or RFID transponders."

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed an action memo along with the plan, directing law enforcement agencies to look at the report and report back about how they will take action.

For information, contact Cindy Squires at (202) 737-9766 or csquires@nmma.org .