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News and Events

Event Photos

February 3 - 5, 2005
Fort Lauderdale Beach Holiday Inn

The first ever Conference on Marine Industry Technical Training (COMITT) was a great success thanks to all participants. 191 attendees made up of boatbuilders, manufacturers, surveyors, repair facilities and dealers, marine industry trade associations, as well as educators were on hand to discuss, present and demonstrate their support of technical workforce education, training, certification and professional development.

Co-produced by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Professional BoatBuilder magazine (PBB), COMITT's purpose is to become the internationally recognized leading summit to highlight the marine industry's commitment to developing and maintaining a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce.

A photo album of the event follows. We hope all those who joined us had a fun and educational experience. We look forward to seeing you at the next COMITT!


The General Session room is filled to the brim with attendees.
Bill Yeargin, COMITT moderator and Executive Vice-President of Rybovich Spencer led the group through the two-day conference.
 

Co-presenters Skip Burdon, ABYC and Carl Cramer, PBB listened on as Thom Dammrich, President of NMMA discussed the importance of COMITT.
Participants listen on during the Opening General Session.
 

Bill Yeargin gets ready to introduce Carl Cramer, who will lead the panel discussion on current marine education & training programs.
Mark Amaral of ABBRA led the Repair & Maintenance facilities breakout session, while other participants attended the Marine Surveyors and Boat Manufacturer breakout sessions.
 

Greg Eck of Yanmar and Les Barkley of AMTECH led the Marine Engines Training breakout session.
Jim Wood of SAMS and Greg Davis of NAMS led the Marine Surveyors and Insurance Professionals breakout session.
 

Participants had the opportunity to leave literature about their programs at the registration table for everyone to review.
Dave Marlow, Brunswick Boat Group participated in the panel discussion on In-House Training Programs, along with Ed Sherman, ABYC, Mike Burlingham, MarineMax and Greg Eck, Yanmar.
 

Skip Burdon, President of ABYC discusses the Marine Industry Technical Education Council (MITEC) concept.
COMITT co-presenters present Bill Yeargin a gift in appreciation of his work as the moderator of COMITT.