ABYC Announces Dates for International Marine Service Technician Week

To bring awareness and recognition to the hard-working marine service professionals who keep boats safe, reliable, and enjoyable, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced a save the date for “International Marine Service Technician Week,” April 24 to 29. Everyone is encouraged to participate by celebrating and highlighting their technicians throughout the week.   

During the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, ABYC received a Neptune Award from the Marine Marketers of Americas (MMA) for the International Marine Service Technician Week marketing campaign in 2022. The MMA judges commented that ABYC’s event “certainly provided a service to recognize those who make a huge impact on the marine industry.”    

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, the surge in demand for boats that began during the COVID-19 pandemic continued into 2021 and boating remains one of the most sought-after leisure activities for Americans into 2021. New powerboat, personal watercraft, and sailboat retail sales surpassed the 300,000 mark in 2021 for only the second time since 2008.    

ABYC is planning to highlight technicians and organizations throughout the week on social media, host daily technical challenges, prize wheel on their website, and offer free online education opportunities. ABYC will also announce the “Outstanding Technician Awards” and will be accepting nominations for 5 winners to receive VISA gift cards and other prizes.   

Visit www.abycinc.org/thankyoutechs for ideas on how to participate. To see examples of what businesses have done previously and to follow along this year, search for the social media hashtags #MarineServiceTechWeek and #ThankYouMarineTechs.