The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that develops safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of boats has opened registration for Standards Week, Jan. 7-11, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. The ABYC’s annual meeting is slated for the evening of Jan. 8, marking the organization’s 70th anniversary.

Standards Week is a gathering for the marine industry and Project Technical Committees (PTCs), with daily meetings scheduled to discuss updates to Supplement 64 of the Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, set for publication in July 2024.

PTC meetings and topics for the 2024 Standards Week include:

• Navigation Lights and Sound Signal Appliances
• Electrical
• Electrical Components
• Hull Performance
• Hull and Deck Structures
• Engine and Powertrain

In product liability lawsuits, ABYC standards are the authoritative reference for evaluating issues of design, construction, maintenance and product performance. The standards are the basis of certification programs, marine surveys and legal judgements and cover a broad range of topics including U.S. federal requirements and are accepted in Canada for compliance with Canadian construction requirements for small vessels. For additional details on Standards Week, visit abycstandardsweek.com.