Over 254 million car owners in the U.S. have their cars serviced by certified trained technicians. Shouldn’t your boat be serviced by qualified marine technicians? Before choosing a facility, ask for referrals from fellow boaters or someone you trust in the marine business. Also, conduct an Internet search for online reviews, visit boat-owner forums to learn what your neighbors think, and look for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
The American Boat & Yacht Council currently has over 4,500 certified technicians across the country. They have been trained at the highest level to ensure that the work that they perform, whether design, repair or installation, is in accordance with ABYC Standards.
ABYC certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. With that said, businesses that have invested in their employees to become ABYC Certified are showing their dedication to boating safety and desire to go above and beyond for their customers. Keep in mind that while their rates may be higher, shop owners who invest in good diagnostic equipment and in technicians certified both by manufacturers and by the American Boat & Yacht Council typically offer better service. You could be wasting time, money, or even risking further damages to your boat if the work in not being done in accordance with ABYC Standards.
As with the automotive industry, technicians often specialize. ABYC has 8 different specialty certification classes and a Master Marine Technician has passed at least 3 of those classes. When you are in a repair shop you may want to ask about their specialties as it relates to your needs. ABYC Certified Technicians are issued certificates, stickers, and patches for their uniform to help customers identify their credentials. Keep an eye out for these items!