Press Releases

For Immediate Release 05-04

Contact: Caroline Chetelat, ABYC (410) 956-1050 cchetelat@abycinc.org

In response to a mandate set forth by the RI Department of Education to establish standards-based career and technical education programs, a National Marine Trades Curricula (NMTC) was jointly developed by the state of RI Marine Technology instructors and ABYC's Curriculum Development Administrator Ed Sherman over a three year period. This newly developed marine curriculum is a 14 module, two year high school level program designed to be delivered within a typical secondary school schedule, and is ABYC standards- based and endorsed. ABYC is also encouraging the local industry to join with area schools to provide student internships to both compliment and reinforce what is presented in the curriculum.

Ed Sherman, ABYC's Curriculum Development Administrator and Senior Instructor said, "It is important to note that each of these modules centers itself on applicable ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, and other recognized industry best practices such as those outlined by the American Boatbuilder's and Repairer's Association (ABBRA), as well as Federal Law as found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as it applies to recreational boats.">{? Bonnie Barsa, ABYC's Education Director said, "It is also important to note that the curriculum is adaptable to regional differences in need and skill set requirements based on available employment opportunities." "ABYC will make this curriculum available to other school systems throughout North America, as well as assist school districts in "regionalizing" the program to best accommodate the marine industry in their local area," Barsa continued. "Our intention is to work with other states to implement state approved and ABYC endorsed marine high school programs across the country, and in doing so, we will have education programs that meet specific industry needs for specific regions," concluded Barsa. "Rhode Island is the first state to recognize the importance of ABYC standards enough to incorporate them in their curriculum, and we're proud to attach our name to this program," stated Barsa.

To ensure consistent delivery and interpretation of standards-based material found within the curriculum, ABYC will require training for high school Marine Technology instructors who must ultimately complete and pass the ABYC Standards Accreditation exam, as well as the ABYC Train the Trainer course. Additionally, because the ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft are dynamic documents and updated periodically, the contract will include one curriculum update to reflect these changes during its duration, which is three years.

ABYC will also provide each student participating in this approved curriculum an ABYC student membership, and upon successful completion of the approved curriculum, graduates will receive, in addition to their high school diploma, an "Marine Trades Journeyman" certificate will be issued by ABYC recognizing their achievement.

For more information on this program and curriculum, please contact the ABYC Education Department at (410) 956-1050.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boatbuilding and repair in the United States for going-on 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC web site at www.abycinc.org.

Editor's Note: A high resolution image of the signing of this agreement is available in electronic format. Contact Caroline Chetelat (see first page).