Press Releases

April 28, 2005, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announces that they have recently added the designation of "Master" Certified Technician to their list of attainable ABYC credentials. This designation is for certified marine technicians who successfully pass at least three of any of the ABYC certification exams. Currently, ABYC offers five certification exams: Electrical, Marine Corrosion, Diesel Engine & Support Systems, Gasoline Engines & Support Systems and Composite Boat Building. The ABYC certification program was started in 1998, and to date, has 49 individuals who will receive a Master Certified Technician certificate, Master ABYC Technician Ball Cap, and ABYC web site recognition for attaining this milestone in their careers.

Bonnie Barsa, ABYC Education Director said, "It takes a committed technician to take and renew any one of the ABYC certification exams, but it is truly an achievement to be certified in three or more areas — and this is why we wanted to recognize these individuals. Our hope is that adding this designation will give our technicians another level of success and opportunity for industry-wide recognition, and will motivate all technicians towards obtaining a well-rounded portfolio of professional expertise."

Jim Overton, President of Annapolis Maritime Services, LLC said, "To be among the first group of ABYC Master Certified Technicians is indeed an honor. Over the years I have committed significant resources both in time and money to enhance my skills, and this recognition provides an important way of showing my customers, as well as my industry peers, that I care enough to stay on top of the increasingly complex marine technologies we see in boating today through the ABYC certification program."

Skip Burdon, ABYC President said, "Because all of our courses are based on ABYC's marine industry safety standards, it is important to have as many trained, ABYC certified and Master certified technicians in our workforce who can keep our boats built, repaired and maintained to the level of safety our consumers have come to expect and demand. Certification is a sign of knowledge and professionalism, and whether it is for you or your employees, we encourage those interested in ABYC's education programs to strive for such a level of achievement as the ABYC Master Certified Technician."

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for over 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as professional 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.abyinc.org.