Growth of European Market Spurs Increased Need for CE Certification

NMMA and IMCI partner to offer 2008 seminar

CHICAGO, January 31, 2008 - - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) today announced the 2008 CE Certification Seminar, taking place March 3-5 at the Hilton St. Petersburg in St. Petersburg, Fla.

As overseas opportunities increase, the seminar provides U.S. boat manufacturers that ship boats or are planning to ship boats to the European Union with the information they need to ensure proper standards are being met.

The seminar opens Monday, March 3, with a Welcome Address, followed by a series of presentations explaining basic CE requirements and ISO standards. The opening day’s sessions are intended for individuals and companies new to transporting to the EU and CE Certification. The Tuesday and Wednesday sessions, March 4 and 5, are for audiences both new to and experienced with CE Certification and feature an in-depth discussion of topics such as sound assessment, stability and man overboard protections as they relate to CE and ISO requirements.

“The seminar provides a toolkit to help manufacturers learn the necessary steps to make their boats compliant with ISO standards and CE Certification procedures,” says Robert Newsome, director of Engineering Standards for NMMA. “It’s a don’t-miss event for manufacturers who are either currently exporting or plan to export boats to the European Union.”

Registration for the CE Certification Seminar is currently ongoing. The cost to attend is $850 if registration is complete by Friday, February 8 and $900 afterwards. Hotel rooms at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront should also be reserved by February 8 to take advantage of the special NMMA rate of $189 per night.

For more information on the CE Certification Seminar or to register, visit http://www.nmma.org/certification/compliance/isoseminar.asp  or contact NMMA certification marketing coordinator Katie Swanson at (312) 946-6211; kswanson@nmma.org .

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States . The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.