Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
SEVERNA PARK, Md. — A new U.S.-British pact will ensure the wider use of a single marine electronics installation standard, according to a release from the National Marine Electronics Association.
The NMEA in conjunction with the International Marine Electronics Association (IMEA) has signed an agreement with the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the British Marine Electronics Association (BMEA) to jointly develop international criteria for technicians that will ensure proper application of the NMEA Installation Standard in Great Britain.
Specifically, the agreement calls on the groups to work together to:
— Make the UK and US qualifications for marine electronics installers more alike in order to create an internationally recognized Installation Standard.
— “Europeanize” the NMEA Installation Standard so that it is suited for the UK and the rest of Europe.
— Implement NMEA educational/training courses, examinations and qualifications within the UK.
— Develop joint marketing, training materials and branding of the Installation Standard.
— Participate in each other’s conferences.
The marine trade associations also agree to work together to promote closer business relations between the United Kingdom and the United States.
NMEA developed the Installation Standard, which is formally called NMEA 0400, to provide a methodology that yields consistent and professional results in the installation of marine electronics. The voluntary guidelines are published to aid electronics installers, technicians, electricians, surveyors, owners and others who install, service or modify the installation of electronics, electrical systems or other associated peripherals. The intended application of NMEA 0400 is for vessels that will use large and sophisticated systems of marine electronics for communication and navigation purposes.
“This agreement is the culmination of discussions that go back at least two years,” David Hayden, president and executive director of NMEA, said in the release. “Our goal is to ensure that the Installation Standard is used properly in the UK by establishing qualifications for the technicians who will use it. The result will be equipment and networks that perform at the highest level possible, adding value and an extra margin of safety for vessel owners. We’re looking forward to working closely with our British colleagues on a project that will benefit everyone.”
- Can’t get enough boating news? Subscribe to our blog’s RSS feed, follow us on Twitter or look for “Boating Industry” on Facebook and LinkedIn.
- For more of the latest news, click here.