SPRINGFIELD, Va. - July 22, 2026 – On Tuesday, July 21, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., David Kennedy, Government Affairs Manager for Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), participated in a congressional roundtable titled “Intersecting Courses: Maritime Safety Regulation and Technology.”

The roundtable brought together members of Congress and stakeholders from across the maritime sector—including representatives from U.S.-flag passenger vessels, fishing, autonomous vessels, charter vessels, barge industries, offshore supply vessels, and the recreational boating community to discuss marine safety and the impact of evolving technologies, construction methods, and user dynamics on the nation’s maritime industries. 

The roundtable encouraged an open exchange of ideas, beginning with participant introductions followed by a discussion of key maritime safety and technology issues. During the session, Kennedy highlighted several priorities for recreational boaters including:

• Preserving AIS as a Safety Tool: BoatUS maintains that AIS should remain a voluntary safety tool used for situational awareness, collision avoidance, and search and rescue.
• Maintaining Physical Aids to Navigation: BoatUS supports continued investment in buoys, lights, daymarks, and the Coast Guard vessels that maintain them.
• Supporting the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety: Kennedy recognized the office’s role in supporting state boating safety programs, education, law enforcement training, and accident prevention.

“As new technologies continue to shape the boating experience, BoatUS will remain a strong advocate for policies that balance innovation, safety, and the interests of recreational boaters,” Kennedy said. “Our goal is to ensure that boaters benefit from these advancements while maintaining access and supporting safe navigation on our nation’s waterways.” Kennedy thanked Chairman Mike Ezel, Ranging Member Salud Carbajal and members of the Committee for their support of boating safety across the nation.

For more information on BoatUS government affairs and advocacy initiatives on behalf of recreational boaters nationwide, please visit: https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/news-and-issues/government-affairs

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About BoatUS

Celebrating 60 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 740,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 660 vessels and 330-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe, and our waters clean. For more information, visit BoatUS.com