With the goal of maintaining the highest operational standards at California's marine new-build and repair facilities, the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association is launching a boatyard certification program for the state.
The Clean Maritime Facility Program, a voluntary effort, will provide a multilevel evaluation process by which the dozens of boatyards throughout California will be better able to comply with local, state and federal environmental laws and standards.
"ABBRA wholeheartedly promotes the efforts of our California members who are committed to preserving the environment and a boating lifestyle that will sustain dependable and conscientious Clean Maritime Facilities," ABBRA president Pam Lendzion said in a statement.
To achieve ABBRA's California Clean Maritime Facility designation, boatyards will be required to demonstrate best-management practices, along with a commitment to protect water, air and marine life from environmental harm and pollutants based on nationally recognized guidelines.
The first two applicants for certification will be San Diego-based Knight & Carver Maritime, representing Southern California, and the Bay Area's Keefe Kaplan Maritime of Northern California.
The ABBRA certification program will be similar to the marine industry's Clean Boatyard programs initiated in Florida and Maine. It was developed in association with regulatory agencies, including the California Coastal Commission, the California Department of Pesticide Regulations and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
