ABYC Foundation initiative helps schools prepare the next generation of marine service technicians
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 13, 2026) – The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced Lisa Van Gruisen as the new coordinator of its Marine Trades Accreditation Program. Van Gruisen takes over the role from Sarah Devlin, who is retiring after helping guide the program’s growth and supporting marine trades schools through the accreditation process.
The Marine Trades Accreditation Program, or MTAP, provides secondary and postsecondary school marine service technology programs with a third-party review of curriculum, supplies and instruction, as well as support on industry-recognized topics and techniques. The program’s goal is to increase the quality and quantity of entry-level marine service employees by better connecting students with the boating industry and its needs.
As MTAP coordinator, Van Gruisen will work with schools from initial interest through final accreditation, supporting the application process, coordinating site visits and working with the MTAP Review Commission.
Van Gruisen brings a unique blend of educational and marine industry experience to ABYC. A former Fulbright English teacher and Teach For America corps member, she earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Trinity College and a Master of Education in special education from the University of Hawaii. Her background includes teaching in Hawaii, Italy and aboard tall ships, as well as crewing on classic sailing yachts.
She is a graduate of the IYRS School of Technology & Trades Marine Systems program and previously served as the school’s dean of education. Van Gruisen is an ABYC Certified Master Technician in Marine Electrical, Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems, as well as an Advanced NMEA Certified Marine Electronics Installer. She is also a recipient of the Bolling Fortson Douglas Memorial Award, an honor given to ABYC members who best exemplify dedication to the marine industry through the advancement of safety, education and standards in recreational boating.
“With experience teaching in both traditional and experiential learning environments, I am passionate about hands-on education and the opportunities it creates for students entering the marine industry,” Van Gruisen said. “I am excited to support ABYC’s mission by helping marine trades schools achieve accreditation through the Marine Trades Accreditation Program, strengthening workforce development and promoting the safety standards that help make recreational boating safer for everyone.”
“Lisa has exactly the background and perspective the ABYC Foundation needs as we continue supporting schools and strengthening the industry’s workforce pipeline,” said John Adey, ABYC president. “We are deeply grateful to Sarah Devlin for her leadership and dedication. Thanks to her work, the Marine Trades Accreditation Program is well positioned to continue benefiting students, schools and the marine industry for years to come.”
For more information about MTAP, visit teachboats.org.
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About MTAP
The Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP) is administered through the ABYC Foundation and provides secondary and post-secondary school marine service technology programs with a third-party review of curriculum, supplies and instruction, as well as support on industry-acknowledged topics and techniques. The program’s goal is to increase the quality and quantity of entry-level marine service employees by better connecting students with the boating industry and its needs.
About ABYC
Since 1954, the nonprofit American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has developed safety standards for boat design, construction, equipage, repair and maintenance. The essential global source of marine industry technical information, ABYC’s product safety standards, credentialing, education, training, and other tools help members make boating safer.