Time is running out.

There is less than a week left to register to attend this year's Marine Industry Day, hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office.

This annual event for those involved in commercial ocean activities runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 13 at the Hale Koa Hotel, but attendees are advised to register by February 27 - particularly if they have marine-related products or services they wish to display.

The Coast Guard conducts its Marine Industry Day as a forum for partnership and dialogue in the Hawai`i marine community, according to Lt. Dan Norton of their Public Affairs Office.

"Members of the fishing community, commercial vessel operators, emergency response personnel, and those in marine-related businesses and governmental agencies will find the conference very informative," Norton said.

What with Hawaii's legislature currently considering a bill which would consolidate the control over all state-owned maritime lands and facilities - including small boat harbors - by creating a Hawaii Maritime Development Authority, this year's conference could be of interest to even those classified as recreational boaters.

Bill Mustard, president of Boats/Hawaii - a boaters' lobbying organization - will be presenting his analysis of this year's legislative effects on the marine industry in one scheduled breakout session. The HMDA is sure to be one of his topics.

Other breakout session topics that may appeal to the general boater will be on Coast Guard law enforcement and vessel boarding, Hawaii's coastal zone management program, whale sanctuary news, C.G. search and rescue, hurricane awareness, local reef building activities and state fishing regulations.

Some of the breakout session topics will be of more interest to those involved in Hawaii's marine industries. Among them will be the state's ship repair industry, thrill craft operating parameters, dive safety and accident prevention, small oil spill response and responsibility, tour boat inspections, marine usage areas, fishing vessel safety, Hawaii's day-use mooring program and drugs, alcohol and employment.

Highlighting the conference's lunch hour will be Dr. Craig MacDonald speaking on the economic potential of Hawaii's ocean industries.

Dr. MacDonald is considered by many to be Hawaii's leading authority on the growth potential of our state's commercial and recreational maritime industries. At least two of his studies published in the last six years are repeatedly referred to as the most reliable references on this subject.

As in past years, many marine-related companies will have displays and demonstrations at this year's Industry Day. And while most of the products and services exhibited will be of interest to the general boating community, one is sure to be a hit.

The Marine Safety Equipment Company will demonstrate the emergency opening of a crew-sized life raft, which explodes from a plastic canister at the pull of a cord.

To register to participate in this educational event, send your name and a $20 check to Industry Day, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Safety Office, 433 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813. Your donation will cover the cost of a continental breakfast and a full lunch. Or, for more information call Lt. Christine Gustafson at 522-8256.