WSBAA Guam
Voyage to Guam and join us for the 2025 Western States Boating Administrators Association
63rd Annual Conference.
Discover breathtaking land and seascapes and a long, fabled ancestry of seafaring tradition.
Thank You
JOIN US
for an engaging and informative gathering of boating law administrators, industry leaders, and recreational boating and safety professionals.
David "Kawika" Lau
Keynote Speaker
David Ha’alilio Lau, better known as Kawika, is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and educator who is passionate about
adding value to your leadership journey.
Kawika has found purpose in sharing philosophy, empirical data, and personal stories to inspire and illuminate a path for people to lead full and complete lives, and flourish forward after the storms of life hit. As a strategic visionary, he will share his knowledge and personal experiences from decades of global leadership experience across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Kristin Williams
US Coast Guard
Vessel Compliance & Identification:
Navigating Federal Boating Regulations
With extensive experience in the U.S. Coast Guard, Kristin Williams will provide an expert overview of the Vessel Identification System (VIS), Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification, and key federal boating safety regulations. Her session is essential for those seeking clarity on compliance requirements, especially regarding the self-importation of
foreign-built vessels into the U.S. market.
Josett Cruz
Guam Police Department
Local Foreign Made Vessel Challenges
Guam Police Department Recreational Boating Safety Program Office; Vessel Identification, Registration & Titling Committee Member, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
Summary:
Understand the regulations and challenges specific to Guam surrounding self-imported foreign vessels, including hull identification requirements, recent regulatory updates, and real case studies shared by Josett Cruz.
John Balbin, Sergeant
Guam Police Department
Case Study: Overdue Fisherman
Guam Police Department Special Enforcement Amphibious Section; Master Boat Captain; Enforcement & Training Committee member, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Summary:
Sergeant John Balbin will present a real-world case study of an overdue fisherman, offering critical insights into how decision points, planning gaps, and interagency coordination impact outcomes—even in well-executed
maritime search efforts.
Why Attend?
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Connect with experts and peers to share ideas and best practices in recreational boating safety
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Join interactive workshops that spark innovation and real-world solutions
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Hear success stories and challenges from member states across the region
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Be inspired by a keynote speaker and presentations from local administrative and regulatory enforcement professionals
Who Should Attend?
If your organization is dedicated to saving
lives on the water and promoting boating
safety, this event is designed for you.
Recommended Attendees:
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Local, Territorial, Military and Federal Law Enforcement & Public Safety Officials
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Recreational Boating Safety Educators and Professionals
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Water Sports businesses, industry leaders and instructors.
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Marine Equipment Distributors & Suppliers
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Retailers and Wholesalers of Water-Related Products and Services
* Companies involved in maritime activity
Buen Binidu from your host organization.
Stephen C. Ignacio, Chief of Police
Guam Police Department
ABOUT WSBAA
The Western States Boating Administrators Association (WSBAA) is a non-profit organization that brings together boating law administrators and recreational boating professionals from the Western United States, including American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Coast Guard to discuss boating safety issues of mutual concern. The annual conference is the stage for collaborative conversations to share best practices in boating education, law enforcement, waterway management; promote greater uniformity in boating laws and recognize the achievements of members.
JOIN US AS A SPONSOR
We invite your company to become a valued sponsor of the 2025 63rd Annual WSBAA Conference. Your support will help foster greater collaboration within the community and promote a safe, enjoyable experience for all who enjoy our waters. Please email any questions or your completed form to info@wsbaaguam.com.
GUAM IS…
PART OF OCEANIA, IN MICRONESIA, AT THE SOUTHERNMOST EDGE OF THE MARIANA ISLANDS.
Guam, the largest and southernmost island of the Mariana Islands chain, has a unique and complex cultural history. Located in the Western Pacific in the geographic region known as Micronesia, Guam is part of the vaster region known as Oceania.
WHERE AMERICA’S DAY BEGINS.
An American territory since 1898, Guam is American soil in Asia. Located just north of the equator and on the other side of the International Dateline ~ at Latitude 13.28 degrees North and Longitude 144.47 East ~ Guam is truly Where America’s Day Begins.
STEEPED IN SEAFARING TRADITION.
The CHamoru people, Guam’s indigenous group, trace their ancestral identity to a legendary seafaring tradition. Surrounded by vast ocean, early seafaring voyagers relied on wind, currents, stars, phosphorescence and other signs of land to reach and settle thousands of islands in Oceania.
PARADISE.
With its endless summer climate, man-made and natural sports facilities and myriad ways to explore all, Guam is the perfect destination for sports and adventure. Water activities, such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, dolphin watching, waterparks, and waterfalls, offer endless fun and memorable experiences for everyone.
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