Boating Industry June 2026 | Page 6

INDUSTRY

NEWS

Spanish-Language 90-Day Temporary Boating Certification Now Available in Florida

BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has just launched their 90-day temporary boating certification course for Florida boaters in Spanish. This course will make it easier for Spanish-speaking boaters to get on the water yearround in the boating capital of the U. S.
Upon successful completion, the course provides a 90-day temporary certificate that can be accessed for a one-time fee of $ 8.99, according to the organization. The course has 25 questions related to Florida-specific waterways and will familiarize students with buoys, markers and directional signage they can expect to see while boating. Those who successfully earn a passing score will immediately be able to download a certificate of completion that can be printed or stored on a mobile device.
Recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, this 90-day test differs from the state’ s permanent boater education ID card, according to the organization, which is issued for life. To obtain a lifetime card, individuals can visit boatus. org / free-courses / free-boatingsafety-course / florida / to get started.
Ideal for Florida residents who rent boats occasionally and visitors from out of state who are 18 years or older and speak Spanish, this 90-day temporary course offers a streamlined way to fulfill Florida’ s required boating rental education standards.
“ Making boating education more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities in Florida is central to our mission,” said Lynne O’ Hearn, Program Manager at BoatUS Foundation, in a
news release.“ This 90-day temporary boating certification course provides a convenient way to build essential skills and understand the rules of the water before boaters head out.”
To take the course and obtain your 90-day Florida temporary boating safety education certification, visit boatus. org / advanced-courses / florida-90-day-temporary-exam-spanish /.
MasterCraft Expands Dealer Network with Next Level Marine
Towboat brand MasterCraft Boat Company, a MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. subsidiary, recently announced that Next Level Marine has joined the MasterCraft dealer network as the brand’ s first authorized dealer serving Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding region. Located in Oakland, Maryland, Next Level Marine will offer MasterCraft’ s full lineup of towboats, along with its own comprehensive marine services including dock and lift sales, installation, storage and waterfront solutions all under one roof.
Led by GM and President Joey Simson, Next Level Marine has decades of experience in boat sales, service and waterfront installation, according to the company. The team provides a variety of experiences – from purchasing and maintaining a boat to designing docks, installing lifts, sourcing parts and accessories, and managing seasonal services such as storage, winterization, and spring commissioning.
“ Adding Next Level Marine to the Master- Craft family is an exciting step as we continue expanding our presence in key boating markets," said Greg Miller, VP of Global Sales at Master-
Craft, in a news release. " Deep Creek Lake is home to a passionate and growing boating community, and Next Level Marine ' s commitment to service aligns perfectly with our mission to provide customers with an exceptional ownership experience both on and off the water."
" Joining the MasterCraft dealer network is a significant milestone for our team, and we ' re proud to represent a brand that shares our commitment to quality and customer experience,” added Joey Simson, GM / President, Next Level Marine.“ We care deeply about the customer experience long after the sale, creating lasting relationships and helping make every boating experience more enjoyable, memorable, and rewarding.”
To celebrate the partnership, Next Level Marine held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce on June 20, according to the company.
Marine Service Students Put Skills to the Test at SkillsUSA National Conference
The American Boat & Yacht Council( ABYC), in partnership with the U. S. Coast Guard, Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Honda and the National Marine Electronics Association( NMEA), participated in and judged the Marine Service Technology competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 1-5 in Atlanta.
Six students from Georgia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Dakota and Minnesota earned top honors in the competition, according to the organization, which included individual hands-on lab stations and a written exam. In total, 27 competitors from nearly 20 states competed in high school and college / postsecondary divisions.
“ The industry collaboration by competing marine engine manufacturers that participated in SkillsUSA is incredible,” said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President and Executive Director, in a news release.“ Seeing the looks on these
6 june 2026 www. boatingindustry. com