I want to thank everyone who was able to make the new date for our World Oceans Day Marine Mingle. It’s always a difficult decision to postpone an event, but I think we made the right call, and we ended up having a beautiful evening at Topside. We will keep everyone posted on our next member event, which will not be until September, so enjoy the rest of your summer!
While we are on the topic of events, it’s now July and we are suckers for a good ‘Christmas in July’ promo.
We are excited to announce the date for the 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive AND stay tuned for our new presenting sponsor! Many of our exclusive sponsorships have already been spoken for, but we still have plenty of opportunities to get involved (and we hope you do!). Scroll down for all the exciting details of the Boat Parade this year, with more to come! It seems so far away, but it'll be here before we know it.
I am excited to share more about the apprenticeship meeting I attended recently that was hosted by CareerSource Palm Beach County. There are funds available to employers to help offset the costs and I am going to spend this month doing more research on a marine apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program here in Palm Beach County.
Let me know if you are a marine business interested in joining the Palm Beach State College Marine Advisory Council. We meet quarterly and are looking to grow the Council. Also, PBSC has openings for adjunct instructors with at least eight years’ experience in engine mechanics (outboard 2/4 stroke or diesel) with certificate.
BIG DOG FAT CAT KDW FISHING TOURNAMENT
WORLD OCEAN'S DAY CELEBRATION
Finally, congratulations to the Big Dog Fat Cat KDW and Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis on your events last month. MIAPBC is a proud sponsor and can’t wait to participate again next year.
From all of us at MIAPBC, we wish you all a fun filled holiday weekend. The MIAPBC office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, but back to business as usual on Monday. If you listen to either Hubbard or iHeart radio, we will be running a series of safe boating messages all week.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the Marine Mingle last week. It was a wonderful evening filled with good food, drinks, and even better company! Stay tuned for details about our next event happening in September.
We have been longtime sponsors of this incredible event where hundreds of participants paddle 80 miles from Bimini to Lake Worth Beach to benefit the cystic fibrosis community with Piper's Angels Foundation.
Lake Worth KDW Fishing Tournament
Saturday, July 13
Over $10,000 in cash & prizes!
Since 2008, this 100% volunteer-run, non-profit event has been raising funds for local charities. Every dollar of entry fees goes to anglers’ awards, with sponsors covering all event costs. Proceeds from raffles and shirt sales benefit Chasen’ Tailz, Kiwanis Club of Hypoluxo-Lantana, and more!
According to the nationwide TowBoatUS on-water towing fleet, the busiest time of the year for America’s recreational boat owners is, hands down, the Fourth of July holiday period, which typically includes some days before and after the official holiday. It also may be the longest time many boaters will spend the day on the water at anchor, enjoying fireworks shows, fishing holes and raft-ups. Are they ready?
Be anchor smart. Before heading out, is your anchoring gear is up to snuff? Bitter end secured? You may not have used it yet this boating season, so be sure all is good to go for whatever anchoring arrangement – a picnic hook, extra fenders for a raft-up, or shoreside tie-up requiring a second line. When arriving to your celebration spot and setting anchor, ensure you let out enough scope for the depth and predicted weather conditions. Show some courtesy if things get crowded. On the other hand, don’t be that guy who runs into an anchorage throwing a wake or who is completely oblivious to those around him.
Avoid CO poisoning. Generators give boaters the creature comforts they want. However, don’t run the generator if you’ve got swimmers in the water at the back of the boat – a common place for guests to congregate on floats and pool toys. This is where exhaust ports often located, spewing dangerous, odorless carbon monoxide.
Don’t stress it. It’s a long day on the water. Be careful with stressors including noise, vibration, sun, wind, waves and other motion. U.S. Coast Guard research shows that four hours of exposure to these can produce a kind of fatigue, or "boater's hypnosis," which slows reaction time almost as much as if you were legally drunk. Adding alcohol makes it worse. For your boat, don’t stress your battery playing music all day. TowBoatUS reports calls to its 24-hour dispatch for battery jump services surge – as if on cue – just after the firework shows end when boaters want to head home.
Get home safely. Before departing an anchorage, wait to turn on the engine until everyone is back aboard and ladder is up. If you’re leaving a fireworks show, proceed with utmost caution. It’s always better to wait a few minutes for everyone to clear out and give a chance for wakes to subside before departing. Be patient and, again, give as much courtesy as you can. Everyone aboard should be acting as a lookout. Never take a shortcut home after dark.
Governor DeSantis Announces
Freedom Summer Savings
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he would be signing the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place the entire month of July and will make items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, admissions to state parks and, museums sales tax free. Additionally, the Governor announced that Florida State Parks will offer free admission on Memorial Day Weekend to kick off the summer for Florida’s families. To read more, click HERE.
FWC participating in Operation Dry Water for heightened BUI enforcement, education on the dangers of impaired boating
Operation Dry Water is a year-round national effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A heightened enforcement weekend July 4-6 will see Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and other law enforcement partners focusing efforts on Boating Under the Influence detection and enforcement. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water. The FWC has been involved with the Operation Dry Water campaign since its inception in 2009 and this year will continue to play a vital role in protecting lives, promoting safe boating practices, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a culture of responsible behavior on the water during the Operation Dry Water weekend taking place July 4-6.
Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and leading contributor to boating accidents. Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and the use of both legal and illegal drugs impairs judgement and reaction time that can lead to series injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.
During Operation Dry Water weekend, boating safety advocates, volunteers and law enforcement personnel will collaborate to educate boaters on safe boating practices at marinas and on the water in every U.S. state and territory. The FWC and other participating law enforcement agencies will work to identify and remove dangerous or impaired vessel operators. Last year, FWC law enforcement officers removed 94 impaired operators from Florida waterways during Operation Dry Water.
“The Fourth of July is one of the busiest boating holidays in the country,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “And with more than a million registered recreational vessels in Florida, our officers are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on the water. We will be educating the public in the days leading up to the holiday and will increase patrols statewide looking for any signs of boater impairment.”
The FWC reminds boaters that the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water is to choose to remain sober and alert, to wear a life jacket and take a boating education course.
More information about boating and boating regulations in Florida can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating and boaters can learn more about boating under the influence and the Operation Dry Water campaign by visiting OperationDryWater.org.
For FWC 2023 Boating Accident Statistics visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Boating Accidents.”
FWC removes 100th vesselthrough Vessel Turn-In Program created last year
Since the inception of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC)Vessel Turn-In Program in late 2022, the FWC has received 186 applications from owners of at-risk or unwanted vessels. The first two vessels removed through this program were removed from Pasco and Pinellas counties in early March 2023 and the 100th vessel was removed from Wakulla County on June 7.
“We know that for a number of reasons some boat owners are unable or unwilling to maintain their vessels,” said Capt. Travis Franklin, Boating and Waterways Derelict Vessel Removal and Prevention Unit Leader. “These boats then become derelict or at-risk of becoming derelict. This is a concern because they pose hazards to public safety and the environment, are costly to remove, and can produce criminal liability for the owner. This is where the VTIP program comes in.”
VTIP is a key component of Florida’s derelict vessel prevention program. This voluntary program is designed to help owners dispose of their unwanted at-risk vessels before they become derelict. Upon approval of an application, VTIP will take a surrendered vessel and dispose of it at no cost to the boat owner. Removing the vessel before it deteriorates into a derelict condition will prevent legal ramifications for the vessel owner, protect Florida’s valuable seagrass resources, marine life and human life, safety, and property, and save Florida taxpayers money.
Governor DeSantis Highlights Coral Reef Conservation Efforts and Enhancements to the 2024 Lobster Mini-Season and the 2024 Lionfish Challenge
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s investments in coral reef protection and announced enhancements to the 2024 Lionfish Challenge and 2024 Lobster Mini-Season. Through the FY 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, the Governor invested a historic $57 million for coral reef restoration and coastal protection, bringing the total investment in these efforts in the Governor’s second term to over $114 million.
The Governor also highlighted $5 million in funding to create additional artificial reef habitats through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This funding will support the establishment of an innovative framework for installing, overseeing, and preserving artificial reef habitats in the Florida Keys.
And earlier this year, Governor DeSantis allocated $9.5 million to Florida's Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative.
This year’s investments in coral reefs through the Florida state budget exceed the total investment requested by the Biden administration for coral reef restoration across the entire United States.
For more information on the 2024 Lionfish Challenge or the 2024 Lobster Mini-Season, click here.
Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future Budget ensures conservation remains a priority
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for his steadfast commitment to supporting and bolstering the mission of safeguarding Florida's natural resources in the 2024-2025 Focus on Florida's Future Budget. Under Governor DeSantis' bold leadership, Florida remains one of the nation's premier destinations for top-tier fishing and unique hunting experiences.
The economic impact of these activities on our state is staggering, with nearly 15 billion dollars contributing to our state's economy. The budget is a testament to Governor DeSantis' dedication to providing Floridians with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and to prioritize crucial conservation efforts, such as coral reef restoration, derelict vessel removal and habitat restoration initiatives.
"Governor DeSantis has always invested in conservation, and we are thankful for his unwavering support," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "With his strong leadership, Florida continues to offer fishing, boating and outdoor recreational opportunities to visitors and residents that are second to none."
"Governor DeSantis and the Legislature have continued to commit unprecedented funding to Florida's environment. Because of their support, our conservation legacy will thrive for future generations," said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.
Budget highlights include:
$9.3 million for habitat restoration initiatives.
$7 million for boating access and improvement projects.
$5.6 million for artificial reefs.
$3.9 million for derelict vessel removal.
$2.7 million for 12 new law enforcement positions for patrol and investigation.
$1.4 million and four new positions for land management activities.
$1 million and four new positions for coral reef restoration and recovery.
$1 million and three new positions for statewide oyster and habitat resiliency enhancements.
More than $350,000 and three new positions for initiatives intended to enhance the resiliency of saltwater fisheries.
To learn more about the FWC and its programs, visit MyFWC.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
Complimentary Custom Boat Merchandise Package with any New Boat Project!
To redeem this offer, just mention Free Boat Merch Package* when you contact us to begin your project.
This position requires mechanical and electrical boat repair experience. Marine technicians inspect, maintain, and repair boats of all kinds. Using diagnostic equipment, they test and repair boat engines, hulls, propellers, rigging, and navigational equipment. They may also install and test sanitation and refrigeration systems, cabinetry, electrical systems, steering gear, and accessories. This position requires mechanical knowledge or background from marine, automotive, motorsports or heavy equipment repair. Pay is based on experience. Technical experience is preferred. To be successful as a marine service technician, you should have excellent attention to detail and strong self-discipline. An outstanding marine service technician demonstrates great hand-eye coordination and should be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Inspection of boats and motors as they are received.
Troubleshoot and repair boats & engines for customers and dealer stock.
Outboard engine installation and rigging of new boats and repowers.
On water testing of new and repaired boats to verify proper operation.
Installation of accessories and electronics.
Complete Warranty repairs in a timely matter.
Scraping away old paint, barnacles, and debris from vessels.
Keep a clean and safe working area.
Follow procedures with attention to detail.
Prioritize and meet deadlines.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Communicate with customers in a professional manner.
Good customer service skills.
Reading through repair and installation orders to determine the material, time, and equipment required.
A willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback.
The ability to carry heavy loads and to stand, sit, and stoop for prolonged periods.
Data entry of time and parts used.
All other responsibilities as assigned by management.
Marine Service Technician Requirements:
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
Relevant certificates may be required.
Certified Yamaha and Mercury outboard Technician preferred.
Practical experience with tools and equipment used in marine maintenance.
Ability to read and understand technical manuals.
Michael Rybovich & Sons is hiring
EXPERIENCED:
Boat Builder/Carpenters
Marine Electricians
Mechanics
Painters/Varnishers
Parts Department Associate
Competitive salary and recently updated comprehensive benefits package.
Come join our family-owned and operated custom sportfishing operation in Palm Beach Gardens. Work with some of the best craftsmen in the business!
Call Monday-Friday for additional information:
(561) 627-9168, and/or send your resume to:
info@michaelrybovichandsons.com
CrossCurrents Newsletter is published by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. in an effort to provide its members with information that will educate, while enabling members to increase networking with other marine industry businesses.
