Press Releases

For Immediate Release 03-33

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

Specifically targeted to the shop-floor technician and tailored to the needs of manufacturers, maintenance and repair yards, dealerships, and surveyors, ABYC will travel to marine facilities to offer easy access to training and provide convenience, while lowing overall training costs and time away from work. A minimum of 15 students are needed for ABYC to bring the course and instructor directly to a facility. If a facility cannot fill the 15 student requirement, marine businesses may offer their facility as a host training site and coordinate with area marine businesses to fill the minimum 15 student requirement. As an incentive, ABYC is offering special tailored promotions for marine businesses that participate as a host for the Convenience Learning Program.

Bonnie Barsa, ABYC Education Director announced in a statement, "ABYC can either provide our standard, or a customized program to fit specific marine facility or local area training needs." "Whether the program is a three-day basic electrical course or a specific five-day certification program that includes testing, such as our new Corrosion Control or Composite Boat Builder Certification, on-site training is more convenient and cost efficient for marine businesses." Barsa continued, "The cost per student is reduced, travel costs and time are eliminated, as well as per diems and other out-of-facility expenses that can add up," stated Barsa. "Because everyone is looking for well qualified and efficient technicians, we want to encourage marine facilities to take advantage of this cost-effective and highly successful option," concluded Barsa.

In addition to the Convenience Learning Program, ABYC also offers educational workshops and seminars at venues such as the International Boatbuilders' Exposition & Conference (IBEX), IBEX-U, the International Workboat Show and various other tradeshows and conferences. To inquire about the expanded programs or build a customizable training package, marine businesses are encouraged to call ABYC's Education Department at (410) 956-1050 to discuss various options. For a calendar of scheduled education programs, you may also visit the ABYC Web Site located at www.abycinc.org.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building 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 calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.