Background: The Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) was written into law in 1927 providing protection to shore-based workers injured while temporarily upon the navigable waters of the U.S. Amendments in 1972 addressed the protection of land-based workers, responding to longshoremen who walked out of federal coverage every time they left ship. Congress expanded the federal coverage to encompass injuries upon any adjoining pier, wharf, dry dock, terminal, building way, or other adjoining area customarily used by an employer in loading, unloading, repairing, dismantling or building of a vessel. These amendments placed an undue hardship upon the recreational marine industry, forcing all segments of the industry, including boatyards, marinas, builders and repair technicians to purchase federal Longshore coverage, which in many cases levied a 300% premium increase and duplicate coverage. In 1983, realizing the adverse effects on the recreational marine industry, Congress eliminated certain recreational operations by refining the definition of a maritime employee and excluding specific marine environments. This Act needs further clarification and has left the recreational marine industry with unnecessary liabilities, costly coverages and a weakened workforce.
		Recreational Marine Employment Coalition: Segments of the recreational marine industry have come together to form the Recreational Marine Employment Coalition (RMEC). The RMEC is working to exclude the recreational marine industry from the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act of 1927. The coalition has found a possible sponsor in the U.S. House of Representatives to act as our champion in passing legislation to exclude the industry from the LHWCA. The coalition is currently in the process of recruiting other Members of Congress to act as co-sponsors. This legislation is a win-win for all segments of the industry and the coalition needs your help to ensure its successful passage.