Feb 10, 2023
"Students from North Providence High School christen and launch student-built boats with their instructor Kevin McKiernan"
The ABYC Foundation has recognized Kevin McKiernan, a marine service technology teacher from North Providence High School (NPHS) in Rhode Island as the 2022 Educator of the Year. The annual award honors extraordinary marine service technology instructors teaching in a high school, post-secondary school, or within the industry.
“Kevin McKiernan has a direct link to the industry, which is one of many factors that swayed us,” Sarah Devlin, the ABYC Foundation’s accreditation director responsible for the recently launched Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP), says. “His goal is to not only teach his students but also to launch them into a career in the marine industry. This type of long-term thinking and guidance is vital.”
“What we’re doing here is trying to get some kids into the field,” said McKiernan. “Local businesses feel that by supporting us, we can support them.” McKiernan’s ties with Safe Harbor, Hinckley, Bristol Marine and others including IYRS School of Technology and Trades drive that mission. “I’ve had the school’s valedictorian in my class, and I’ve had reluctant learners,” he said. “My question to them is: ‘Who likes to build stuff?’ I’m your guy.”
“Kevin's only focus is on the student and trying to help that specific student excel at the areas they are strong in, and get more confident in the areas they are not,” said Russ Clearo, owner of RC Marine Electric, who nominated McKiernan. “With the program that he is running at NPHS, staffing shortages will be remedied in the near future. I will have no problem employing any students that I know have been instructed by Kevin.”
As the 2022 ABYC Foundation Educator of the Year, McKiernan receives an engraved clock, a free ABYC professional-level certification class, and free registration for the ABYC Foundation’s Educator Training Conference in 2024.
To learn more about the award recipients and the ABYC Foundation’s work with educators, the Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP), and the Educator Training Conference, visit www.teachboats.org . To nominate a teacher for consideration in 2023, visit www.teachboats.org/teacher-of-year .
ABYC Foundation Announces Educator of the Year - Kevin McKiernan recognized as outstanding marine service instructor
Recreational craft and invasive species – how to manage biofouling to stop the spread
New Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating Report is published
Killer shrimps, sea squirts and the spiny water flea are all examples of invasive alien species that have been introduced to new areas in various parts of the world by recreational craft such as boats, yachts and other small craft.
Invasive alien species are known to be one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, and their management especially in marine environments is incredibly challenging. Therefore, the most cost effective away of addressing their impacts is to prevent their spread to new areas.
Changing Scene
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Launchings
Brunswick Corporation launches new boat brand designed for electrification and first-time boaters
On January 4, 2023, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) launched Veer, an all-new boat brand designed to support electric propulsion and appeal to the next generation of boaters, and also debuted the first model in the Veer line-up; the X13.
“Recreational boating and fishing are enjoying increasing popularity with younger and more diverse consumers,” said Matt Atilano, Veer Director of Strategy. “We identified a gap in the marketplace and a need to create a more targeted and modern experience for these new boaters, which inspired the design and development of the Veer brand.”
Garmin expands popular ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter series with new features and touchscreen design
Garmin has announced their new ECHOMAP™ UHD2 series chartplotters that offer anglers premium features like Ultra High-Definition sonar, preloaded Garmin Navionics+™ mapping with an included one-year subscription to daily map updates, wireless networking for data sharing and support for Garmin’s award-winning LiveScope™ live-scanning sonar.
Available with a 6”, 7” or 9” bright, sunlight-readable touchscreen display with keyed assist, anglers can easily control and operate the functions they depend on for a successful day on the water, including zooming in or out on the map or quickly toggling between different sonar views.
