Press Releases

For Immediate Release 03-19

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

June 9, 2003, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Structural Composites, Inc. of Melbourne, FL, to develop and jointly deliver a composite boat builder certification program to the marine industry, titled "ABYC Composite Boat Builder Certification (ABYC CBBC)". The program will be specifically geared to provide boat builders with a thorough understanding of marine composite construction. The complete curriculum and the initial program offering dates and locations will be announced in the near future. Marine manufacturers and associations interested in having the program presented at one of their facilities or conferences should contact ABYC's Educational Director.

Under the terms of the agreement, both ABYC and Structural Composites, Inc. will be able to use and adapt course content and materials developed for ABYC CBBC as a basis to develop follow-on certification programs for specific audiences such as marine surveyors, international manufacturers, marine repair facilities, and for students attending post secondary school marine educational institutions. In accordance with all other ABYC certification programs, ABYC CBBC certification will expire 5 years after successful completion of the initial CBBC examination.

Bonnie Barsa, Education Director for ABYC said, "ABYC is excited to be working with Structural Composites to offer additional training to the boat building community that specifically meets the needs of the marine industry." Barsa continued, "This joint effort by both parties will help provide an answer to the growing demand for certified composite boat builders."

Scott Lewit, President of Structural Composites said, "We are thrilled with the new approaches ABYC is taking in industry education. The new composites training program is ideal for the boat builder as it will provide complete continuity with existing and planned ABYC training programs. We are very pleased to team with ABYC for composite training."

This new course is planned to be available by Fall of 2003.

Structural Composites and Structural Composites Europe are becoming the world's leading R&D firms in composite technology. The companies are committed to advancing composite technology on a global basis using innovative teaming approaches. Structural Composites and Structural Composites Europe currently serve the marine, naval, corrosion, transportation, wind energy and theme park industries.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for nearly 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. For more information on the ABYC CBBC program, you may call (410) 956-1050. Membership and general information can be requested by calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.