WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), strengthening their partnership to promote safety and security for the nation’s recreational boaters.
The partnership reaffirms the Coast Guard and NASBLA’s shared commitment to standardizing and improving state boating laws and regulations. Through joint efforts in enforcing boating under the influence laws, advancing boater education, and promoting lifejacket use, the partnership has helped achieve the lowest annual boating fatality rate in the program’s history—556 deaths in 2024—a 77% reduction since the Federal Boat Safety Act was enacted in 1971.
“The Coast Guard and NASBLA continue to work together to protect millions of Americans who enjoy recreational boating each year,” said Capt. Brent Schmadeke, Chief Director of Auxiliary and Boating Safety. “This agreement underscores our dedication to supporting state programs, sharing resources, and advancing safety standards nationwide.”
The agreement outlines ongoing collaboration in areas such as education, enforcement, data collection, and outreach, ensuring uniformity and reciprocity among states. It also provides for regular review and opportunities for input from stakeholders.
The full MOA is available here: Memorandum of Agreement between the Coast Guard and NASBLA.
For more information, contact RBSinfo@uscg.mil.
For media inquiries, contact mediarelations@uscg.mil.
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With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
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