Press Releases

For Immediate Release 03-10

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

April 9, 2003, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced that its Marine Accident / Collision Investigation seminar will be conducted May 7 - 8, 2003 at the Imperial Palace hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

The two-day seminar is designed for marine surveyors, U.S. Coast Guard personnel, boat builders and insurance personnel. The following speakers will be presenting on a wide range of topics:

• Marine Investigation and Evidence Collection, Storage and Spoliation
  • Dan Rutherford, Ocean Marine Specialties, Inc.
• Failure Analysis of Metals & Equipment Failures and of FRP Materials
  • Jonathan Klopman, JKK Marine Surveyor
• Forensic Photography/Digital Imaging & Tools of the Trade
  • Todd Schwede, Todd & Associates, Inc.
• First Responder/Law Enforcement Perspective on Accident Reconstruction
  • David Pfiffner, Nevada Wildlife

Other topics to be discussed and reviewed include fiberglass failure and scratch analysis, electrical wire analysis, and proper documentation of evidence.

Bonnie Barsa, Education Director for ABYC said, "This dynamic two-day seminar marks the first time ABYC has offered a program in Nevada." Barsa further stated, "ABYC has had many requests from industry representatives to provide training and education on a regional basis. We want this to be the first in a series of educational programs ABYC will offer in the Southwest, and I believe Las Vegas will prove to be a convenient locale for the regional marine industry."

Registration:
The registration fee for this seminar is $349 for ABYC members, and $500 for non-members. To register for this program, please call the ABYC office at (410) 956-1050. To view a full course description and seminar schedule, please visit the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org. Space is limited.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for nearly 50 years and is actively involved with the development of international standards 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 calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.