Association of Marine Technicians
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01/22/04 AMTECH, ABYC Discuss Partnership
Orlando, FL

The National Marine Service Expo (NMSE) 2004 was the setting for initial talks between the Association of Marine Technicians (AMTECH) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) to work closer in several areas to include partnering in education, training and professional development programs.

Skip Burdon, President of ABYC, and Joe De Marco, President of AMTECH, discussed their ideas with AMTECH’s annual Advisory Council and Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2004. The council was represented by 32 members, including 11 educational institutions with marine programs, four engine manufacturers and seven aftermarket manufacturers.

AMTECH and ABYC both sponsor education and training programs for marine technicians that both complement and supplement each other’s offerings. If presented together, these programs have the potential of maximizing the limited time marine technicians can afford to be away from the workplace. The two associations are also exploring dual membership options for members who recognize the added value of belonging to both organizations, along with other added-value programs that can be offered to members of both organizations.

“I am really impressed with the energy and dedication that AMTECH has devoted toward providing quality professional development opportunities for its membership, as well as to its commitment to customer service,” said ABYC’s President, Skip Burdon. There appears to be real opportunities for both organizations to work together for the benefit of marine technicians – those who arguably have the greatest impact on long-term customer satisfaction within our industry, Burdon concluded.

Burdon also worked the ABYC booth at the NMSE trade show and met with AMTECH members in attendance. During the Advisory Council meeting, Burdon invited members to attend the National Education Summit to be held later this year, at a location to be announced shortly. An overwhelming majority in the audience said they would like to attend.

“This is terrific momentum for the marine service industry,” said De Marco. “Skip (Burdon) was well received by all of our members this weekend and we are excited about continuing this path of cooperation which will ultimately mean better service for the boating customer.”

AMTECH’s goal is to improve the quality of marine services and repair nationwide and to set service standards for all technicians, from the independents to the dealers. With continuing education and support for all marine technicians through AMTECH, members will provide better service, thereby, strengthening our industry's customer base. Visit AMTECH at www.am-tech.org.

ABYC has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for 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. To order the CD-ROM, you may call ABYC at (410) 956-1050. Membership and general information can be requested by also calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.