What Are ABYC Standards?
Standards are the core of ABYC as they are continuously researched, developed, and revised by over 400 volunteer marine professionals on 16 Project Technical Committees (PTCs) from all fields of the industry including the US Coast Guard (USCG), trade organizations, and private entities. ABYC collaborates with safety organizations worldwide such as Transport Canada and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft covers all the major boat systems and the development, and annual review of these standards correlates directly to the significant reduction in the number of boating accidents over the past six decades.
Today, 90% of boats on the water are built to ABYC Standards and over 3,000 technicians are trained and certified by ABYC so that boats are maintained with the highest level of technical expertise.
Click here to view a list of ABYC standards by committee.
Only ABYC Members have 24/7 access to the complete Standards via the Standards Library (login required). Not a member? Join today!
Get Involved
Why Get Involved in Standards Development?
Standards affect your business and your customers’ boating experience. Have a voice and impact the future of ABYC Standards!
- Empower Your Business Globally
- Make a Difference in Boating Safety
- Connect with Industry Experts
- Get an Edge in New Product Development
About Project Technical Committees (PTCs)
Each ABYC Standard is assigned to a Project Technical Committee (PTC), responsible for reviewing and updating ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports. It is essential to have the appropriate technical expertise and a diverse group at the table to ensure the highest quality standards.
The PTCs are organized by subject matter and may have one standard assigned to it or several assigned to it. PTC membership is required to be balanced with no category (boat builders, accessory manufacturers, surveyors, technicians, consumers, etc.) exceeding 1/3 of the membership.
The PTCs typically have a minimum of one meeting a year. This meeting may be a physical meeting at Standards Week or webinar at another time during the year.
STANDARDS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW OR OPENING SOON:
- A-4, Fire Fighting Equipment
- A-3, Cooking Appliances
- A-7, Liquid and Solid Fueled Boat Heating Systems
- A-32, AC Power Conversion Equipment and Systems
- C-3, Alcohol, Kerosene, and Solidified Fuel Cooking Appliances
- E-10, Storage Batteries
- H-8, Buoyancy in the Event of Flooding/Swamping
- H-37, Jet Boats – Light Weight
- P-21, Manual and Assisted Hydraulic Steering Systems
- P-23, Mechanical Steering and Propulsion Controls For Jet Boats
- S-30, Outboard Engine and Related Equipment Weights
- S-31, Environmental Considerations for Electronic Systems and Components Installed On Boats
- S-32, Warnings and Safety Signs for Boats
- T-1, Guidelines for Use of Aluminum in Boat and Yacht Construction
- T-31, Marine Law Enforcement Craft Acquisition and Safety
- T-33, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin
- TH -12, Outboard Engine Mounting Guide
- TH-22, Educational Information About Carbon Monoxide
- TH-23, Design, Construction, and Testing of Boats in Consideration of Carbon Monoxide
- TP-29, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
How Can You Join a PTC?
Step 1: Join a mail list
The first step to get involved is to join a PTC mail list. You will receive all information and communications and have the ability to comment on documents under review and actively participate in meetings. Until you are an approved member you cannot vote on formal ballots but may be allowed to participate in balloting during a meeting at the discretion of the PTC Chair.
Step 2: Apply for PTC membership
Attendance and participation at a PTC meeting is necessary prior to PTC membership approval. Once approved you can vote, comment, and add to the discussions in areas of your expertise expertise.
To apply, fill out the PTC Membership Application form, and email to [email protected].
ABYC and ANSI
ANSI facilitates the development of American National Standards (ANS), voluntary consensus based standards, by accrediting the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). ABYC’s accreditation by ANSI signifies that the ABYC procedures used in the development of ABYC standards meet the ANSI’s essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process. These requirements are set forth in a document known as the ANSI Essential Requirements: Due process requirements for American National Standards
ABYC’s participation as an ANSI accredited SDO signifies ABYC commitment to producing the premier global standard for safer boating. For ABYC’s complete standards development procedures, click here.
For more about ANSI visit www.ansi.org