Waterfront Wednesday News

April 23, 2025

AMSEA under threat

Safety training is a vital service for mariners. Photo: Fishing Partnership, via Nat'l Fisherman

A recent article in National Fisherman highlights Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) sounding the alarm of closure by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. AMSEA is vital to mariners and fishermen and the discontinuation of safety training will have deep impacts in an industry where safety is paramount.  Read more via the link below:

MERIS Project in planning

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company owner Steve Seymour (left) and family at the Blaine Oysterfest. Photo: Dan Tucker

The Northern Light recently connected with Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and owner Steve Seymour regarding the effort to create the Marine, Economy, and Research Institute for Sustainability (MERIS) proposed for Blaine Harbor to provide opportunities for workforce development, education, innovation and research.  Read more via the Northern Light below:

Whatcom Maritime Heritage Museum has new hours

The Whatcom Maritime Heritage Museum has new hours for this summer. Located at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal
in Fairhaven, the museum offers fascinating artifacts, photos, and stories from all around our region
that highlight our connection to the Salish Sea, Puget Sound, and our Pacific coast. 

BELLINGHAM CRUISE TERMINAL

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m

OPEN FOR GROUPS BY REQUEST

Call (360) 676-0884

Stop by and view these cool collections. Also, if you value the preservation of our heritage and maritime history,
please consider becoming a sustaining member of the museum, an all-volunteer non-profit. 
Details and information on their website, below:

The Coalition is tracking several bills through our WA State Legislature that deal with our trades and waterfront industries. Two of the proposed pieces of legislature are concerning to members of the marine trades and maritime economy include:

SB 5801 - Luxury Vessel Tax - This is a luxury recreational vessel sales tax that would implement a 10% increase on every dollar over $500,000 of a vessel sale. Past related bills (in1990) saw a similar tax negatively impact our recreational vessel manufacturers and trades services. The measure was repealed in 1993 due to the negative impacts. The impacts caused a few boat manufacturers to go bankrupt or close, and the service industries that benefit from increased vessel sales also saw their workloads impacted negatively. In Washington State, the cost of manufacturing and boat construction runs higher, meaning that $500,000 is no longer as luxury as it once was. Currently, the bill is listed in Committee. In the House. Representative Alicia Rule, from Whatcom, plans to oppose the bill.

SB 5794 - Goods Movement Tax - Washington State Senate is looking to institute a new tax on products moved throughout the state (what’s called a “Public Utilities Tax”) as well as remove a tax preference on work done by stevedores. Because of the discretionary movement of cargo, ships have a choice on their destination. The concern over this bill, is if these two taxes are put in place, ships could be incentivized to call on California, the Gulf Coast or Canada instead of Washington. These taxes could cost thousands of maritime jobs across our state and have a significant impact on our economy just as we are facing a massive disruption in the global movement goods from foreign trade policy changes.  It is currently listed in Committee in the House.

The Coalition continues to track these and other bills both in the State and national legislatures. Please reach out to us if you have any comments or information, questions, or insights rregarding these or other bills at info@whatcomworkingwaterfront.org.

Honoring The Skilled Professionals Who Keep Our Boats Afloat

April 21-25, 2025 marks the annual International Marine Service Technician Week, a time to recognize the dedicated professionals who maintain and repair recreational and commercial vessels across the nation.

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) leads this celebration, highlighting the critical role these technicians play in ensuring boating safety and enjoyment. Marine service technicians combine mechanical expertise with specialized knowledge to diagnose complex issues and provide solutions that keep vessels running smoothly.

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program acknowledges this important week by showcasing their commitment to developing the next generation of skilled marine professionals through hands-on training and education. Thank a marine service technician this week!

For those interested in learning more about Marine Service Technician Week events or educational opportunities in the marine trades, visit ABYC's website for comprehensive information and resources.

This unique hand-crafted halibut wall decor can be yours, along with priceless art, sailing cruises, jewelry and more!

The Tide to Table silent online auction is open this week. Even if you're unable to attend the event, you may bid on the silent auction items through Saturday evening! 

Visit the Tide to Table '25 Silent Auction Page to establish a bidding account and browse the items available. The auction will close Saturday evening during the event and winners will be notified via text/email. You may win some exciting art or experiences and support your waterfronts at the same time, without ever leaving your comfy chair at home!

The Working Waterfront Coalition thanks all of our community and volunteers for helping to enhance the work we do to support our waterfronts.  We look forward to celebrating this Saturday with you!

Thank you to our Tide to Table Sponsors!

The Coalition would like to thank these sponsors for their support!