BOATU.S. ENCOURAGES BOATING COMMUNITY LEADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN AREA MARITIME SECURITY COMMITTEES January 30 Deadline The U.S. Coast Guard will soon be organizing individual Area Maritime Security Committees that will be tasked with drafting Maritime Security Plans for individual U.S. ports and is requesting participation from local boat and yacht clubs. However, with many clubs shuttered for the winter season, The Boat Owners Association of The United States is concerned that word will not get out in time - requests for committee membership must reach local Captains of the Port by January 30, 2004. "It's extremely important that the recreational boating community have a hand in drafting their homeport's Maritime Security Plan, and we applaud the U.S. Coast Guard for reaching out to the boating community," said Michael Sciulla, vice president, BoatU.S. Government Affairs. "However, there is only a small window of time to apply. We are urging everyone to spread the news that the Coast Guard wants our input and participation." Boat club leaders interested in serving on their local Area Maritime Security Committee can contact their Captain of the Port by going to http://www.BoatUS.com/gov . BoatU.S. recommends that interested parties put their request in writing. The Coast Guard has also requested that on-the-water towing companies participate. "Every Port Captain needs our assistance in developing their Maritime Security Plan. If we don't speak up now, our boating could be affected by homeland security mandates in the future," said Sciulla.