The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program successfully hosted its annual Instructor Development Workshop Dec. 16–17, 2025, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The event brought together more than 60 credentialed NASBLA instructors, along with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, industry partners, and sponsors.
The two-day workshop featured a comprehensive agenda covering program updates, strategies for fostering classroom credibility, collaborative training techniques, insights from industry partners, and adult learning engagement strategies.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jason Aleksak and Field Liaison Justin Dadlani participated in the workshop, discussing shared standards, unified responses, and providing an update on the newly established U.S. Coast Guard–NASBLA Advisory Council.
Several BOAT Program partners and sponsors also delivered mission-focused presentations. Topics included search-and-rescue operations with Raymarine/FLIR, the design and safety features of SAFE Boats, and an introduction to First Watch’s new NASBLA representative, former Wisconsin Boating Law Administrator Darren Kuhn.
A highlight of the event was the announcement and recognition of Instructor of the Year David Guthrie, recognized for his professionalism, instructional excellence, and mentorship that strengthens the instructor cadre and elevates program delivery.
Attendees focused on professional development, networked with Coast Guard representatives, and participated in engaging, informative presentations from fellow instructors. The Instructor Development Workshop continues to serve as a valuable platform for advancing training standards and supporting instructor excellence within the BOAT Program.