January 13, 2026

Marine Industry Volunteers Gather to Advance Boating Safety Standards
 
The American Boat & Yacht Council, a non-profit organization that develops voluntary safety standards for boat design, construction, maintenance and repair, kicks off its 17th annual Standards Week, taking place this year in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Francis Marion Hotel.
 
Running Jan. 12–15, Standards Week brings together marine industry professionals to contribute to the development and revision of ABYC standards that support safer recreational boating.
 
“We’re excited to welcome industry experts from across the marine industry who volunteer their time and expertise to advance boating safety,” said ABYC President John Adey. “According to U.S. Coast Guard statistical reports, boat registrations are up 1 percent while boating deaths are down 2 percent, reflecting the collaborative work behind ABYC standards that help keep boating safe, reliable and enjoyable.”

ABYC standards are reviewed regularly by more than 400 volunteer industry experts to reflect emerging technologies, safety research and best practices.
 
Standards Week serves as the culmination of this process, with daily meetings of ABYC Project Technical Committees to discuss proposed new and revised standards under consideration for ABYC’s annually published Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft.
 
This year’s Standards Week includes a new exploratory meeting focused on efoils and powered surfboards. Scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, the session follows a request from the U.S. Coast Guard to evaluate the need for standards addressing these rapidly expanding segments of the recreational boating market.
 
The following Project Technical Committees are meeting during the 2026 Standards Week:
·       Thermal Appliance

·       Electrical

·       Hull Performance

·       Fuel and Ventilation

The week also includes ABYC’s annual meeting on the evening of Jan. 12, featuring a recap of the year’s highlights, presentation of awards and networking opportunities for attendees.
 
For more information about Standards Week please visit www.abycinc.org/standardsweek.