June 9, 2020

Recent events have caused a dramatic shift in the way business is conducted around the world, and for education programs, online learning plans and technology have become a top priority. The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the non-profit organization that provides standards-based, technical education for the marine industry, is no exception and recently made the decision to cancel all in-person classes for 2020 and transition to interactive online certification courses. 

With this certification option, an ABYC instructor leads live online sessions followed by an online exam. Registration is now available for online certifications courses including marine electrical, marine systems, marine corrosion, gasoline engines, diesel engines and ABYC standards. 

“Our decision to cancel in-person classes for the foreseeable future was necessary for the health and safety of our members,” said David Broadbent ABYC education direction. “Fortunately we were able to quickly and successfully transition our courses to an interactive online format utilizing the same instructional material a student would see in our traditional classrooms, including live Q&A.” 

Since April there have been 90 participants in three online certification courses with an 88 percent pass rate, up from 73 percent as seen with ABYC’s in-person courses. 

“With sold out courses already and a higher pass rate, it’s apparent the marine industry workforce is invested in continuing their education and adapting to change,” said Broadbent. 

In the first online marine electrical course students attended from around the world including the U.S., Canada, Martinique, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Mauritius and South Africa.

“With ABYC standards becoming more globally accepted, we want to be able to reach those anywhere in the world looking for training,” said Broadbent. “We even scheduled a class early in the morning Eastern time to be more accessible for the European market.”

Additionally, the removal of travel costs and extended time off the job makes an online certification financially beneficial. 

A class attendee stated, “I find the online format and pace to be to be perfect for my busy schedule. I was able to conduct business and then focus during the class without being overwhelmed or neglecting either. I had originally selected the weekend travel-to format which would have been quite a burden. I look forward to attending future courses pertaining to my field as they are developed.” See the Video here.

Visit www.abycinc.org/events  to learn more and register for a class.