ISO/TC188 small craft committee chair named

Craig Scholten, American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) technical vice president, has been reappointed as chair of the International Organisation for Standardisation technical committee (ISO/TC) 188 small craft.

Scholten, who has chaired the committee for the past three-year term, will assume the role until the end of 2026.

“I am pleased and honoured to serve another three-year term as chair of ISO/TC188,“ says Scholten. “We have made excellent improvements to enhance boating safety and made major gains in standardising global boatbuilding requirements. Boating is enjoyed around the world, and our work has a major impact on future products as well as the satisfaction of the experience.”

ABYC president John Adey praised Scholten, stating: “Every boatbuilder who exports product benefits from Craig’s appointment. The respect that Craig has earned over the years has a very positive influence over the standards and regulatory policies in Europe and all over the world.”

Working groups within ISO/TC188 continually develop and create over 80 small craft documents utilised in the design, construction, and testing of recreational boats up to 24 metres. The committee says that the industry experts on TC188 possess valuable insights that enhance overall boating safety, contributing to a global reduction in accidents. This work facilitates trade and makes it possible for consumers to purchase boats from other countries with a consistent level of safety.

ABYC is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited Technical Advisory Group (TAG) representative for US positions on activities and ballots related to ISO/TC188. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, ABYC says it works toward harmonising requirements and promoting boating safety on an international scale.