September 25, 2007, Annapolis, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has teamed up with Rulefinder.net to offer ABYC members a new web-based version of the ABYC standards titled "ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net." This new and innovative product is available to members only, and includes: access to the most current ABYC standards on the Rulefinder.net platform; access to the USCG Rules & Regulations for Recreational Craft; all five USCG Compliance Guidelines; access to the ABYC standards revised in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006; ABYC Comparison Reports that reveal the changes in the new and old ABYC standards; as well as notification as new features and documents are added to the product throughout the year.

Rulefinder.net provides practical technical guides for boat builders, component manufacturers and other industry professionals on the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and the EU (European Union) Directives and Guidelines for CE (European Conformity) marking in a web-based platform. With the addition of the ABYC standards on this platform, users of this product are in essence opening the door to a fully digital, global standards library that runs online.

By working with Rulefinder.net and using XML (EXtensible Markup Language) architecture, new features can be developed and added to provide continual enhancements. They include innovative tools such as a cross reference feature between the ABYC and ISO standards, interactive spreadsheets, check lists and the ability to perform calculations. These new features will be rolling out over the next few months, and those who have purchased the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net will be notified immediately as they are added.

John Adey, ABYC Technical Director said, "Because all our documents have now been programmed using XML, they are all linked together on this platform. We have also utilized an enhanced search engine. Therefore, searching and using the documents is easier than ever." "For an additional fee to the user, we also have an exclusive agreement with Rulefinder.net that allows users to purchase access to the ISO standards and other EU documents for a discounted rate," continued Adey. "By purchasing the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net, as well as the other documents, users have the potential to build one online standards library that can be accessed anywhere in the world. The library is already superior to anything available and the outlook of providing single Global Compliance documents for American and European regulations will make it the single standards information source for our members," stated Adey.

"Rulefinder.net commits to making access to regulations easy," explains Wieger de Wit of Rulefinder.net. de Wit continued, "Boats are being built and sold all across the globe and manufacturers are often unsure if they have all the necessary and required documents in-house, let alone the latest version." "With ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net, they have it, can access it from any plant in the world and all staff members read the same requirement," concluded de Wit.

Skip Burdon, ABYC President commented, "Finally the global recreational boating industry has the capability of 'one stop shopping' with instant 24/7 access to ISO standards, EU documents and ABYC standards and reference materials. This is a huge step forward!"

For a FREE five day demo, please visit www.abycinc.org and click on the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net logo. Or, you can stop by the Rulefinder.net booth at IBEX to also see a demonstration of the product.

The introductory price for ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net for the first year is U.S. $495.00 for one user, with an additional licenses available for multiple users for $159.00. After that, there is an annual renewal fee of U.S. $395.00, plus the extra licenses fee if applicable. Discounted ABYC member pricing for the ISO and EU documents can be found by clicking on the "Online Standards Access" menu button on the ABYC Web site.

ABYC will continue to offer the standards in the traditional blue manual, CD-ROM and the basic online version (Web-STIR). For information on how to join ABYC or purchase the ABYC Standards Powered by Rulefinder.net, please call the ABYC office at (410) 990-4460, or visit the ABYC Web site at www.abycinc.org and click the "Online Standards Access" menu button.

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.