Coast Guard Commandant challenges ABYC

EDGEWATER, Md. – The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard challenged the membership of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) to ensure every American boat builder is building in compliance with ABYC standards during a recent address at a celebration in Miami.

“Your work in developing, analyzing and maintaining industry consensus standards has been invaluable in the continued improvement of safer boating,” the Commandant added.

Admiral Thomas H. Collins was the keynote speaker at the Coral Reef Yacht Club during a celebration of ABYC’s 50th Anniversary when he made his comments to the ABYC membership body.

“This remark is a profound statement of support for ABYC, it will help guide ABYC’s course and its future development of consensus-based marine safety standards and supporting workforce educational initiatives for the next 50 years,” Skip Burdon, ABYC president said. “It also speaks volumes about why every boat and yacht manufacturer selling marine craft in the United States should support and participate in the NMMA Boat & Yacht Certification program, which now includes a majority of the ABYC standards.”

Collins discussed highlights of the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Program and the crucial role that ABYC has played in the Coast Guard’s maritime strategy to reduce safety and security risks. He also called for a more educated and prepared recreational boating public.

ABYC was formed on Feb. 1, 1954, by members of the Motorboat and Yacht Advisory Panel of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Marine Council in New York State, and since then, has continued a long and active partnership with the USCG on behalf of watercraft and boater safety, according to ABYC.

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