Abyc will enhance its voluntary standards development process to address regulatory gaps, adapt to emerging technologies, and improve boating safety nationwide

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $425,000 cooperative agreement to the American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc. (ABYC) under the National Nonprofit Organization Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program (CFDA 97.135) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. ABYC will enhance its voluntary standards development process by updating standards and technical information reports for small craft, addressing emerging safety challenges including electric propulsion and alternative fuels, and conducting research on critical issues such as lithium-ion battery safety and fuel hose aging. The organization will strengthen its leadership role in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 188 to align U.S. and global boating standards.

Under this agreement, ABYC will deliver comprehensive outreach and knowledge dissemination activities through training programs, webinars, and marketing initiatives designed to influence manufacturers and marine surveyors toward safer practices. The project will ensure affordable public access to boating safety standards, foster international collaboration on standards development, and sustain ABYC's partnership with the Coast Guard in advancing recreational boating safety nationwide. This cooperative agreement reflects the program's emphasis on standards development and industry engagement to minimize loss of life, personal injury, and property damage in recreational boating.

The initiative will update the standards and technical information reports for small craft, address emerging safety challenges such as electric propulsion and alternative fuels, and fund research on critical issues like lithium-ION batteries and fuel hose aging. Abyc will strengthen its leadership in ISO technical committee 188 to align U.S. And global standards, while delivering outreach through training, webinars, and marketing to influence manufacturers and surveyors. This project will ensure affordable public access to standards, foster international collaboration, and sustain abycs role as a key partner with the coast guard in promoting safer recreational boating.