ABYC Press Kit

What is ABYC?

ABYC's membership includes boat owners, boat builders, surveyors, boat yards, insurance companies, law firms, trade associations, marinas, dealerships, government agencies and equipment and accessory manufacturers. Over 400 volunteers donate time, expertise, and research while serving on technical committees, which develop and revise the ABYC standards and technical information reports. Click here to learn more about ABYC's History.

ABYC Offers:

• Standards
  As a result of strong industry support, ABYC's voluntary standards program is a viable alternative to further development of mandatory government regulation of the marine industry.
  • Companies use ABYC standards in all phases of development, production, and maintenance of boats and their accessories.
  • ABYC standards and recommended practices are the basis for certification programs, marine surveys and inspections.
  • Standards enable marine industry professionals to support decisions on design, construction, and installation of equipment.

• Technical Assistance
  A major benefit of membership is FREE technical assistance from the experienced ABYC staff. These respected experts act as consultants on all aspects of the marine industry and are as close as a phone, fax, or e-mail. ABYC members also receive regular updates on the work of the technical committees on new and revised standards. Click here to email one of our technical experts.

  For a listing of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), you may click here.

• Membership
  ABYC member benefits include:
  • FREE technical consulting from ABYC's staff of experts;
  • Reduced rates on ABYC and industry publications;
  • Reduced rates on ABYC certifications and seminars;
  • Helping write the standards;
  • Promoting boating safety with over 4,500 of your peers;
  • Access to the ABYC logo for use on your business materials;
  • Access to up-to-date information on the standards in your field
  • Ability to show your customers in black and white that you are performing your work in accordance with the standards of the industry;
  • Certified marine technician programs in the following eight areas: ABYC standards, electrical, refrigeration & air conditioning, diesel engines and their systems, gasoline engines and their systems; composite boat building, marine corrosion, marine systems; and
  • Much more!

  You can Join ABYC by filling out an online application or calling ABYC at (410) 990-4460.

• Continuing Education and Professional Development
  Education about boating standards and other technical areas is one of ABYC's primary missions. We offer classes that progress from entry level to advanced courses, meeting the needs of every experienced marine technician seeking improved skills. ABYC educational programs support the career path of individual technicians and provide a training curriculum for marine businesses. Our goal is to provide continuing, convenient education to improve the quality and professionalism of our industry.

  Whether you are looking for basic marine know-how or technician certification, ABYC has the courses that are right for you or your employees. Click here to find a course close to you!

• On-Site Training
  ABYC can schedule a training session at your site for a flat-rate price. Call the ABYC Education department at (410) 990-4460 for details!

• Publications
  For over 50 years, ABYC has maintained the position that education is the cornerstone for quality assurance and compliance with safety standards. ABYC publishes its Standards & Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, as well as carrying a variety of other useful industry publications to enhance and improve the boating experience for all. Publications are available at member and nonmember rates.

  To view a full list of publications available for purchase, please visit our Publications site. You can order online, or call ABYC at (410) 990-4460 to place your order.

• ABYC International
  ABYC is internationally recognized as the source, and in some instances, the only source of standards for many areas of boat design, construction and repair. In addition to the ABYC standards that are used around the world, ABYC is the head of the U.S. delegation to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Small Craft Committee. ISO standards and committee drafts are available through the ABYC Publications Department.

ABYC Logo

Please email Caroline Williams if you would like to use the ABYC logo for a web or print publication.

ABYC Directors

• Skip Burdon, President
• John Adey, Technical Director
• Mike New, Education Director
• Lee Marks, Business & Finance Director
• Judith Ramsey, Membership Director