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ABYC Continues Global Technical Training Expansion
July 30, 2008, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently conducted two certification classes in Cape Town South Africa. After learning of ABYC's on-site technical training program, the Cape Town Boatbuilding and Technology Initiative (CBTI) contacted ABYC to provide two training sessions for their members. Fifteen South African students attended the ABYC Electrical Certification class and 11 were in the ABYC Diesel Engine Certification class, both of which were held at the Cape Town Boat Building Academy, a new education and training facility that the CTBI recently opened.
CBTI (http://www.ctbi.co.za/index.php) is a non-profit entity funded by the City of Cape Town local government and Western Cape Provincial Government Directorates of Economic & Tourism Development. CBTI member companies export to the United States, and these classes were part of an educational push that they are kicking off to support the marine industry in South Africa. CBTI received a government grant to pay for the training, which in turn subsidized student tuitions by two-thirds.
Veda Raubenheimer, CEO of CTBI commented, "The ABYC courses were of great value to not only our member firms directly involved in the export market, but also for those focusing on the local market. The international best practices reflected in the ABYC courses are important for all manufacturers across the board. The lecturer was extremely knowledgeable and has the ability to convey his teachings in a practical manner. We would love to welcome ABYC back next year for additional courses in fields we were unable to cover this year."
Craig Mcloughlin of CM Auto-Marine Installations in Cape Town, the original driver behind attracting ABYC to South Africa, and who also attended the course provided some insight on why he felt having ABYC training was important. "I was involved in the Catamaran market, and the bulk of the boats were destined for the United States," stated Mcloughlin. "However, the boats were religiously built according to CE specifications only. There were issues with certain elements regarding the electrical systems, and when the boats were inspected, they would find things that didn't comply (to ABYC Standards). Therefore, I started to study the ABYC Standards and realized that they were stricter than the CE specifications, and that if you comply with ABYC, there is a very good chance you will comply with CE."
Mcloughlin continued, "I then tried to look for a way to get myself qualified as an ABYC Certified marine electrician, but I couldn't find a cost effective way to get over to the United States to attend one of ABYC's regularly scheduled courses. Therefore, I approached a member of CTBI and told him of the idea of trying to get a group together so that we could split the cost. He handed the idea to Veda Raubenheimer, CEO of CTBI and she coordinated everything, and her efforts are to be commended."
Mclouglin concluded by saying, "Ed Sherman, ABYC's Instructor did a marvelous job and the wealth of information that he poured on us was incredible. The course was well put together, and we were all well prepared going into exam."
Michael New, ABYC Education Director said, "Boat builders and marine industry organizations worldwide have training needs. If they are interested in conducting business in the United States, they recognize ABYC as a leader in both standards development and education, who can provide the necessary training. ABYC has conducted training courses in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, and has also held training seminars through conferences throughout Europe and Asia. We proudly add South Africa to our growing list of international clients."
ABYC offers technical training courses that progress from basic to advanced, and includes eight workforce certification courses for marine technicians and professionals. To schedule an on-site course, or to receive more information on customized training programs, both State-side and around the globe, contact Michael New at (410) 990-4460, ext. 31 or via email at mnew@abycinc.org. For a listing of regularly scheduled ABYC Certification courses and other training programs, please visit www.abycinc.org.
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 education and certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM, online (Web-STIR and the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net) and in printed form. Membership and general information can be requested by visiting the ABYC Web site at www.abycinc.org.
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