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Changes to Longshore Act passes Houses, awaits Senate
May 30,2008 By Kelly Cramer
Changes to the Longshore Act that would enable U.S. shipyards, subcontractors and vendors who work on yachts up to 165 feet to be exempt from costly insurance requirements cleared a big hurdle in April.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives approved the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007, a piece of which exempts yacht workers who obtain state worker’s compensation insurance from being required to carry insurance under the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act.
Before the measure can become law, however, the bill • and in particular, this part of it • must pass the U.S. Senate. It is uncertain when U.S. senators will vote on the bill, but politicians expect it to pass.
At a recent press conference in Ft. Lauderdale, South Florida marine industry leaders celebrated the House vote by thanking Ron Klein and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, two of South Florida’s representatives in the U.S. House, for their work on the bill.
"It wouldn’t have passed without their help," said Kristina Hebert, vice president of operations for Ward’s Marine Electric and a past president of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.
"This was a fight every day, every week, every meeting," said Hebert, who has been making regular trips to Washington D.C. to lobby for the change for the past seven years.
She will continue to go to the capital to explain to senators why the change is needed.
"Because of duplicative requirements, you are at risk, seriously, of losing your business to other countries," Wasserman Schultz said. "It’s not something we can afford to risk, especially in an economic downturn like we’re in now."
Both legislators touted the marine industry’s contribution to the economy, which the MIASF puts at 162,000 jobs and a $13.6 billion economic impact in South Florida.
"The marine industry is a critical economic engine in our area, yet it is being hit hard in these difficult economic times," Klein said. "I am proud that by making a common-sense change, we can create jobs and save small businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars."
The U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act includes $8.7 billion for spending by the Coast Guard. It also includes provisions that would enhance homeland security and require boats to install ballast water treatment systems.
"If enacted, this legislation will have a major positive economic impact on South Florida as well as the rest of the country’s recreational marine industry," Herbert said. "Representatives Klein and Wasserman Schultz have been diligent in their efforts and have shown tremendous leadership."
Kelly Cramer is managing editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at kelly@the-triton.com .