In the past, civilian mariners had no outlet for education about accident investigation. The techniques, skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose issues with their own, or anyone else’s vessel were, in vast majority, taught to Accident Investigators of the commercial field, as opposed to the recreational.
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), though, is doing their part to remedy that inadequacy. In cooperation with the US Coast Guard, a two-part course for civilian education will be held between October 18th and 21st, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, VA. To earn the opportunity to take the certification exam, one must attend both classes (Introductory; Certification).
The goal of the course as a whole is to fill a striking void in recreational boating safety and awareness, and to create a higher safety standard for civilian accident investigators – although it is recommended that any applicant planning on participating have at least 3-5 years experience in the marine technical field and have a “thorough understanding of ABYC standards”. Tuition is free, as this is a “dry-run” of the class presentation.
Here is a list of those suggested to attend, along with local hotel information and address of the function center:
Who Should Attend:
- NASBLA Officials
- Marine Surveyors
- USCG Personnel
- Ins. Adjustors
- Investigators
Area Hotels: May we suggest you call: (Please contact the hotel of your choice and make your own reservations.)
- SpringHill Suites by marriott (Ashburn Dulles North), 20065 Lakeview Center Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147, (703) 723-9300
Function Center: NTSB Training Center, 45065 Riverside Parkway, Ashburn, VA 21047
