The American Boat & Yacht Council and U.S. Coast Guard announced the launch the new USCG Recreational Boat Regulations Certification course, a program that equips industry professionals with the knowledge to meet federal requirements for new recreational boats manufactured or imported for sale in the U.S.
“Compliance with federal regulations is essential for safety, and we are pleased to announce the availability of this new course,” says Jeff Ludwig, chief of the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch at the U.S. Coast Guard. “Anyone involved in the manufacture of recreational boats should strongly consider taking it to ensure that they have the knowledge to build boats that are compliant with US Coast Guard requirements.”
The course covers certification labeling, hull identification numbers, capacity and loading requirements, flotation, electrical and ventilation systems, marine sanitation devices, engine cut-off switches, start-in-gear protection, navigation lights and backfire flame arrestors. Participants will be guided through a typical USCG inspection at a boat manufacturer or dealer, and upon passing the certification exam, receive the Regulatory Specialist designation.
“The launch of this course marks more than a year and a half of development,” adds Tim Murphy, ABYC education director. “In December 2023 we gathered subject-matter experts —boatbuilders, compliance inspectors, standards developers, and US Coast Guard staff — to lay out the competencies required to certify a Recreational Boat Regulatory Specialist. This collaboration ensures the certification reflects both regulatory requirements and the real-world challenges faced by manufacturers.”
To learn more, visit abycinc.org/USCGcert.
