The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators recognizes the 2019 BOAT
Program Instructor of the Year for his exceptional performance of duties and responsibilities within the
NASBLA Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program. The Instructor of the Year Award was presented to Patrick "Mike" Neal at the BOAT Program Instructor Development Workshop in Lexington, Kentucky.
In addition to his success as a Wisconsin Game Warden, Mike Neal has been instrumental in the growth and success of NASBLA’s Boat Accident Investigation (BAI) Course program. He has been a NASBLA Lead Instructor for over 15 years, overseeing the delivery of more than 30 BAI courses across the country and training over 800 students in the National Standard of training. Neal is one of the longest standing credentialed BAI Instructors in the nation.
"Mike Neal embodies all of the qualities expected in a NASBLA Instructor, and he has been instrumental in the growth of the BOAT Program. He remains a role model for our instructor cadre. Mike’s knowledge and experience greatly enhance all of the courses he teaches here at NABSLA," said Dave Considine, BOAT Program Director.
Mike Neal has served as an inspirational leader and educator for NASBLA’s BOAT Program instructor cadre. His knowledge, expertise and experience in BOAT Accident Investigation ultimately led to charges of negligent homicide against the vessel operator. Neal has been instrumental in the successful planning, development, and execution of controlled boat crash evolutions for NASBLA and the United States Coast Guard. His dedication, commitment and devotion to duty is in the highest standing, and is the epitome of a NABLA BOAT Instructor. He has directly contributed to the strategic goals of the BOAT Program, and to the safety and security of America’s waterways.
For more information about the NASBLA BOAT Program, visit the BOAT Program webpage.