Dealer Pilot Program Underway
After several months of preparation, the Dealer Pilot Program was kicked off with its inaugural class at SunDance Marine, Pompano Beach April 14th. Additional classes are scheduled until the end of June.

• Class Participants Respond Favorably to Boater101
  Preliminary survey results indicate that class participants found boat dealerships to be favorable locations for boating safety education classes. Of the 12 people surveyed following their class, 33% responded to the survey request. All of the survey responses indicated that the participants enjoyed their Boater101 experience.

Marine University Attends International Boating and Water Safety Summit
In continuing to increase the exposure of the Boater101 program, Marine University representative, Christa Jewett attended the International Boating and Water Safety Summit in Panama City Beach, Florida in April. Marine University was an exhibitor at the conference and used the opportunity to market its Dealer Program.

• · NASBLA Education Committee Meets in Panama City Beach, FL
  In conjunction with the International Boating and Water Safety Summit, the NASBLA Education Committee met to discuss committee business. CEERI Advisory Board member, Larry Innis attended the meeting in April along with Christa Jewett to meet with NASBLA members and discuss receiving national approval for the Boater101 Program. Christa Jewett subsequently met with the two regional reviewers responsible for approving the course, Richard Droesbecke from Utah’s Division of Parks and Recreation and Emily King from Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources. Both Richard and Emily made suggestions for the expansion of the course material. Following the inclusion of the suggested material, Marine University will submit the course for a second review.

Marine University Attends Marine Design Resource Alliance Golf Tournament
In order to increase the exposure of the Dealer Program to independent manufacturers, Susan Engle attended the Marine Design Resource Alliance Golf Tournament in April. Soliciting the involvement of additional independent manufacturers will allow the Dealer Program greater success on a national level.

Marine University Presents at National Marine Trades Council
To further the national expansion of the Boater101 Program, Christa Jewett presented at the National Marine Trades Council in New Orleans on May 13, giving marine trade associations an update on Marine University and the Dealer Program. With the assistance of CEERI Advisory Board members, Frank Herhold of the MIASF, Phil Keeter of the MRAA, and Carl Blackwell of the NMMA, Marine University gained valuable exposure and is discussing partnerships with trade associations from California, New York, Texas, Washington, Southwest Florida and Connecticut. Marine University will also be following up with several other trade associations that showed interest in the program.

Marine University and Boats.com Explore Partnership Opportunities
In a recent meeting with Boats.com President, Paul Rabe, Marine University discussed the potential for a partnership between the two organizations. Recognizing the importance of boating safety education, Boats.com has committed to increasing the exposure of the Boater101 program by including a link on their web site. The two organizations are continuing to explore additional opportunities for expanding the partnership.

Boater101 at Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament
Marine University partnered with MIASF Board Members, Patience Cohn and Trish Hamilton to establish a presence for Boater101 at the Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament in April. Patience and Trish manned a table, distributing information and marketing the Boater101 program and Dealer Pilot.