Vice President, Standards & Compliance, ABYC

In his current role, Goodwin guides the development and application of safety standards while ensuring they evolve with emerging technologies. He is a trusted technical resource and a collaborative leader within ABYC and across the recreational boating community.

As high-voltage systems, lithium-ion batteries, dockside charging, digital power distribution, eFoils and advanced driver-assistance technologies become more common, Goodwin has been proactive in identifying where existing standards and regulations need to evolve. He brings together manufacturers, regulators, technical experts and other stakeholders to address emerging challenges early, including through collaboration and testing with the U. S. Coast Guard.

“ ABYC has a strategic initiative to provide a trusted source of technical information and develop better tools for our members,” Goodwin says.“ As part of that effort, we are exploring options such as a retrieval augmented generation( RAG) chatbot grounded in authoritative ABYC content. We are also looking at other ways AI may support the standards development process. The goal is to help members access accurate, reliable information more efficiently.”

A big part of Goodwin’ s mentorship comes through his work with ABYC’ s Project Technical Committees( PTCs). He helps bring newer industry professionals into the standards-development process, gives them opportunities to learn from experienced experts and encourages them to contribute their own perspectives.

“ I work collaboratively with ABYC’ s Project Technical Committees to develop and update ABYC standards,” Goodwin says.“ This often includes identifying practical paths forward, such as subcommittee work, research and testing. I also encourage newer industry professionals to become involved so they can learn from long-time members, benefit from their institutional knowledge and build strong professional networks.”

In helping newer industry professionals become acclimated to the recreational boating market, Goodwin believes that keeping things simple can offer the best possible outcome.

“ I try to understand the root of a problem and address it in the simplest practical way,” he explains.“ Complex solutions create more opportunities for roadblocks, often require more time and resources, and can ultimately be more susceptible to failure.”

Part of what Goodwin does at ABYC is lead standards development, which provides a foundation for safe boat design, construction, maintenance and repair. His work also supports greater harmonization between U. S. and international standards, helping create more consistency for manufacturers operating in a global marketplace.

One challenge that ABYC faces is keeping pace with rapidly changing technology, including AI. As more marine professionals turn to tools like ChatGPT for technical and standards questions, there is a real risk of receiving incomplete or incorrect information.

Goodwin looks ahead at challenges like this to ensure ABYC remains the trusted source for accurate standards information while also exploring how new technology can be used responsibly to better serve the industry.

“ A big part of my role is making sure ABYC keeps pace with changes in the industry,” Goodwin says.“ That includes addressing emerging technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems, lithium-ion batteries and electric foils through our standards, education and technical resources. I also host the USCG Risk Mitigation Series and speak at IBEX and other industry events about ABYC standards and current industry issues. These opportunities allow me to bring experts together, share practical information and help the industry move forward safely.”

Researchers found that boats certified to ABYC standards are 43 % to 47 % less likely to be involved in certain types of accidents. In addition, researchers found that adherence to ABYC standards reduces the likelihood of fatalities by 26 % to 58 % in accidents that do occur.

Based on these statistics, if ABYC wasn’ t here, in round numbers, you would have 50 % more accidents and 50 % more deaths. Goodwin leads the standards development process that makes this possible.

Goodwin maintains the rigor required as an ANSI-accredited standards developer. His leadership helps ensure standards are developed through an open, balanced and consensus-based process, giving industry stakeholders confidence in how standards are created.

He has also worked closely with the U. S. Coast Guard on grant-funded initiatives that support boating safety, standards development and industry education.

Brian’ s vision for ABYC goes beyond standards development. He is helping shape how the organization leads and educates the industry.