The BC Marine Trades Association THE BC MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION (BCMTA) HAS BEEN THE VOICE OF RECREATIONAL BOATING IN BC SINCE 1957. WE ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION GOVERNED BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM A VARIETY OF SECTORS IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY. A large part of our mandate is to serve as watchdog and advisor to all levels of government, and take an active role in influencing legislation when necessary. We partner with agencies and non-profit organizations to monitor and research issues that affect the industry and our members and develop solutions that work to enhance the boating experience.
Our membership of almost 250 companies represents BC’s recreational marine industry, which is comprised of manufacturers, distributors, boat and accessory dealers, yacht dealers, marina operators, sport fishing resorts, bareboat and skippered charter operators, and many others. We are committed to ensuring a future of growth for all.
We are the driving force behind BC’s premier boating event, the Vancouver International Boat Show. This annual event showcases the latest in boats and accessories while providing an opportunity for attendees to learn from experts and be inspired by enthusiasts at seminars and special events. However, that’s only part of the story. BCMTA works closely with the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association as part of the Discover Boating® campaign to promote boating. We also hold professional development conferences and publish a newsletter for members to keep them in touch with industry and association activities. Our website offers a wealth of boating related information for members, current and potential boaters, and it provides a portal to members listings for services and products.
www.bcmta.com
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The Season Starts at the Vancouver International Boat Show EVERY FEBRUARY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FROM ACROSS BC, ALBERTA AND EVEN WASHINGTON STATE, HEAD TO THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW. For anyone who is curious about boating or the boating lifestyle, the Vancouver International Boat Show is the perfect place to start. It’s also a great place for avid boaters to see the latest in technological advancements and shop for supplies. With hundreds of industry experts onsite as exhibitors or seminar speakers, there’s something for everyone. Visitors will find innovative products, meet maritime adventurers, learn what’s being done to protect marine health, and connect with the people who can tune your engine, stitch your sail, replace your floors, repaint your bottoms, help you find moorage or get the right kind of insurance – so you’re all set for when your family and friends start calling for an outing on the water ! The boat show offers something for the whole family. The Vancouver International Boat Show is owned by BCMTA and produced by Canadian Boat Shows, so our members can focus on getting ready to showcase the products and services they want to promote to the 30,000–40,000 visitors who attend each year. The show has two great venues, the indoor showroom at BC Place Stadium and the in-water site on Granville Island.
BC Marine Trades Association
More and more first-time buyers attend the Vancouver International Boat Show to get a real feel for boating life, where they begin to imagine the family vacations and outings with friends. Whether on a powerboat or sailboat, fast paced and adventure seeking, or scenic route at a relaxed pace, there’s a boat for everyone and this event is the place to discover it. It’s the industry’s primary sales and education event – a great place for members, boaters and the curious to launch the season !
Mark the Vancouver International Boat Show in your calendar – it’s Western Canada’s premier boat show. For more information visit vancouver boat show.ca
The Vancouver International Boat Show is the second largest in Canada.
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The Voice of Recreational Boating in BC ADVOCACY AND PROMOTION – BOTH ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF THE RECREATIONAL BOATING INDUSTRY, AND REASONS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE BC MARINE TRADES ASSOCIATION. BCMTA is the voice of the recreational marine industry in BC, working with all
levels of government and other nonprofit organizations to support or champion matters that affect the boating experience in BC. We participate in regional and national meetings with Transport Canada and coordinate with other industry organizations to monitor and discuss issues and fund research as part of our efforts to be proactive so we can influence regulatory decisions that affect our members.
BCMTA raises and challenges issues that are important to BC boaters and
industry related trades. We’ve been instrumental in representing the need for vessel licensing and construction standards, pleasure craft operator competency program changes, compliance labels, and restrictions for anchoring, foreshore access and waterfront development. BCMTA has also been involved in dis-
cussions related to greywater discharge, which is of particular interest in the Okanagan area of BC, and we continue to monitor regulations on this subject. BCMTA has also voiced its support for a lifecycle management system for the disposal of flares, as well as a reduction in the number of flares required on a boat at any given time. After Imperial Oil’s decision to close critical fuel outlets, BCMTA’s lobbying efforts with regional and provincial governments to help private business re-open or build new fuelling stations led to the re-opening of the Fisherman’s Cove Fuel Dock in West Vancouver and False Creek Fuels in Vancouver.
BC Marine Trades Association
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The BCMTA has recognized the need for, and shortage of, qualified technicians in the marine industry and has been working with various government and industry training authorities to develop a new competency based program. A model for a Marine Mechanical Technician ( MMT ) program has been developed in conjunction with the Transportation Career Development Association (transCDA).
We also sponsor a number of local initiatives to raise awareness of the boating experience and how to enjoy it safely. Organizations like the LifeSaving Society’s Waterwise Team, Variety’s Boat for Hope charity event, National Bank Easter Seals Waves Regatta and BC’s Family Fishing Weekend have benefitted from our financial support, and our members benefit from the promotion of boating activities in BC.
BCMTA is also the voice of passion for
getting out on the water. A large part of our role is to encourage more people to discover recreational boating – it’s great for lifestyle, and good for local business. BCMTA provides input and financial support to the national Discover Boating® program. The Vancouver International Boat Show is our primary means of sharing our enthusiasm for boating and for connecting boating consumers with our members’ service and product offerings.
BCMTA provides funding to support publication of an Economic Impact Study, in conjunction with NMMA Canada and other marine trades associations.
www.bcmta.com
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Boating for Everyone BEAUTIFUL BC! WE LIVE IN ONE OF THE MOST SCENIC PLACES IN THE WORLD AND MANY WILL TELL YOU THAT THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY IT IS ON THE WATER. relaxing even if you’re going fast... the wind is blowing in your face... it’s just really awesome.” For Samantha, this time is precious. Her dad runs his own business so there’s not a lot of at-home family time, but in his off hours they head out on the water to find a new place to swim off the back platform or just relax and watch the sunset – no TV, no texting, just quality time together.
We are surrounded by beautiful coastlines with cozy inlets and tiny islands to explore and some of the world’s top saltwater and freshwater fishing. There are wild waters for adventure seekers, and calm waters for anglers and every imaginable water sport – there’s something for everyone. And everyone can explore the outdoors on a boat. Whether you choose a kayak, canoe, sailboat or powerboat, boating is a special way to take advantage of the beauty and recreation that’s on our doorstep. Add affordability and the bonding time with family and friends and there’s no reason not to be a boater ! “When you’re on the water there’s a lot of freedom – it feels like you don’t have a care in the world,” shares Samantha Tse, 15 year old boating enthusiast. “It’s BC Marine Trades Association
Even if you’re not a boat owner, there are many ways to get out and enjoy life on the water. Talk with your family and friends to come up with some ideas for fun times together – consider a destination you’ve never explored, like a beach where you can dig for clams or a marina with a fabulous restaurant. Rent for a few hours or a few days, buy a boat with friends, or charter a boat to take you out. You’ll learn what type of boat and water outing suits you and before long you’ll also find boating “awesome”. It doesn’t take long for a new boater to become a practiced boater. There are boating classes at your local Canadian Power and Sail Squadron branch and at various yacht clubs, and there are private tutors and willing boating enthusiasts to help build the knowledge and confidence to get you going. Need more reasons to get out on the water? Visit bcmta.com or ask a boater !
Stewards of BC’s Waterways
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KEEPING OUR WATERS CLEAN AND OUR SHORELINES ACCESSIBLE IS PARAMOUNT TO ENJOYABLE BOATING. As part of our efforts to create a healthy marine environment for all BC boaters, BCMTA works closely with the Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program to promote green boating and help marinas, boatyards and other boating facilities reduce their environmental impacts. The program reviews and rates a facility’s operations for eco-certification (everything from waste management, vessel repair procedures, emission controls, hazardous materials handling or control of hydrocarbons to paper recycling). By joining the program, these facilities are working to implement Environmental Best Practices. A number of BCMTA member marinas have enrolled in the voluntary program – they’re working to follow environmentally sound practices and meet the criteria in the Clean Marine Policy, and will undergo an environmental audit to earn their eco-certification. Visit bcmta.com to find out which facilities become certified.
BCMTA also partners with other conser-
vation and environmental stewardship groups; and we encourage all boaters to manage waste and discharge responsibly and use environmentally-friendly products and services.
DO YOUR PART Use pump-out services/dump sewage in deep open water away from anchorages, sensitive areas, shellfish beds and swimmers. Reduce greywater discharge. Use bilge filters or pads to absorb oil and fuel so none goes overboard. Use green products for cleaning and maintenance. Use “hard” bottom paint or eco-friendly alternatives. Haul out at responsible boatyards with containment policies and equipment. Be a role model – help educate others and support marinas with responsible environmental policies and practices.
www.bcmta.com
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Working with Others to Enhance the Boating Experience WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE’RE NOT THE ONLY ONES WORKING TO MAKE BC’S WATERWAYS CLEANER, SAFER AND MORE FUN FOR EVERYONE. As part of our commitment to enhancing the recreational boating experience we offer financial support for non-profit organizations that undertake projects related to education/training, safety, environmental stewardship, and community benefit. Through the BC Boating Grant Program, we will match up to 50% of the funds needed for programs that support boating, fishing and other outdoor water activities. It’s our way of helping others enhance the BC boating experience.
Visit our website to find out more about eligibility. Grants have been awarded to a variety of organizations to date, including: Abreast in a Boat aster Seals Regatta and the Lions E Society of BC Burnaby Power and Sail Squadron Vancouver Police Department Marine Unit Pacific Salmon Foundation The Disabled Sailing Association aterWise Boat Safety Team, W Lifesaving Society – BC and Yukon Vancouver Maritime Museum eorgia Straight Alliance Clean G Marine BC Canadian Safe Boating Council Discover Boating®
The BCMTA grant program is made possible through funding from proceeds of the Vancouver International Boat Show.
BC Marine Trades Association
Be a Boater.
Be a Member.
oating is within most peoples’ B budgets
F ees are reasonable and the benefits pay for themselves
inance a new boat just like a new car F (or rent from time to time)
E xhibitor discounts at the Vancouver International Boat Show
o regular maintenance to avoid D expensive repairs
S pecial savings and rewards on partner products
oat insurance is sometimes covered B in your homeowner’s policy here are many options for storing T and mooring your boat eing a boater creates quality time B with family and friends
BCMTA is your “go to” resource A dvocacy on regulatory issues – we represent your concerns with government and environmental organizations R esearch to support industry needs
Go out for an hour, go out for the day
We promote recreational boating to grow your business
lan some summer cruising and P exploring to please the whole family
W e cross-promote member businesses to each other
ou’ll need a valid Pleasure Craft Y Operator’s Card
Join a sector group to connect with others who have the same boating or business interests
They are easy to get : www.boater exam.com/canada They’re inexpensive and good for a lifetime each your kids to boat, they can get T an operator’s card too isit the Vancouver International V Boat Show Try out different types of boats Learn from experts and enthusiasts
www.bcmta.com Be sure to visit our website at www.bcmta.com to find out more about the benefits of membership.
BC Marine Trades Association
1275 West 6 th Avenue, Suite 300 Vancouver, BC V6H 1A6 604 683 5191
www.bcmta.com