Advocacy, Access, & the Boating Industry

Inside The Federal Maritime Commission With Chair Laura DiBella

Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella joins host Kristina Hebert for a timely conversation on the forces shaping U.S. ocean shipping, supply chains, and maritime policy. Filmed at the Federal Maritime Commission headquarters, the episode explores DiBella’s journey from Florida real estate and economic development to port leadership and national maritime regulation, including her frontline experience navigating the supply chain crisis during COVID-19. The discussion dives into the Maritime Action Plan, maritime opportunity zones, FMC regulatory authority, and why cargo movement is central to rebuilding American maritime strength. From working waterfronts and U.S.-flag vessels to Panama Canal pressures and emerging security risks, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry today. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ [https://www.wardsmarine.com/] Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75 [https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75]

Strengthening the Future of Boat Shows

Miami’s return to Collins Avenue and Indian Creek showed why location and planning shape the entire boat show experience.  Filmed in Washington, D.C., during the American Boating Congress, Kristina Hebert is joined by Grant Henderson, president of the International Yacht Brokers Association and sales broker at Burgess Yachts, along with Larry Berryman, VP of Southern Shows for Informa Markets, to discuss what worked, what still needs improvement, and how transportation, dock design, and site access affect attendees.  The conversation also explores marine industry advocacy, infrastructure needs, crew visa updates, and the economic impact boat shows have on Florida’s boating industry.  Subscribe, share with a boating friend, leave a comment, and review the show to help more people discover the conversation. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ [https://www.wardsmarine.com/] Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75 [https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75]

Advocacy, Access, & the Boating Industry

Host Kristina Hebert sits down with Clay Crabtree, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association, from the American Boating Congress in Washington, DC, to discuss the policies shaping the future of recreational boating.  From the Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund to water access, trade policy, tariffs, and fuel regulations, Kristina and Clay break down the issues impacting boating businesses, conservation, and access nationwide. They also explore how advocacy and industry relationships continue to drive real results in Washington.  Listen now, subscribe, like, and leave a comment or review to help more boating professionals and enthusiasts join the conversation. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ [https://www.wardsmarine.com/] Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75 [https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75]

Protecting Access, Preserving Boating

From the American Boating Congress in D.C., host Kristina Hebert talks with NMMA’s Ben Murray about how state legislation is shaping the future of boating.  From wake surfing regulations and shoreline setbacks to boater education and protecting water access, Ben breaks down the policies impacting families, dealers, and manufacturers — and why facts, science, and responsible boating matter more than ever. They also discuss the post-boating boom landscape and how the industry is bringing the next generation onto the water. Subscribe, share this with a fellow boater, and leave a review to help more people find the show and stay informed. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ [https://www.wardsmarine.com/] Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75 [https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75]

Superyacht Power Secrets

From a napkin sketch once dismissed as “too small to be real” to a must-have system on modern superyachts, Alessandro Ciolfi of Asea Nautica joins host, Kristina Hebert, at the Palm Beach Boat Show to discuss the future of shore power, energy storage, and yacht electrification.  This Wards Way Podcast episode explores the technology shaping global cruising — and where superyacht power systems are headed next. Wards Marine Electric https://www.wardsmarine.com/ [https://www.wardsmarine.com/] Wards Way YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75 [https://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75]