Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop

The eighth Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop will be held on Saturday, April 16th in Ocean City, Maryland. The one-day program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ocean City Marlin Club, 9659 Golf Course Road,Ocean City, Maryland.

Organized jointly by the Sea Grant Extension Programs at the University of Maryland and the University of Delaware, the workshop will focus on charter business management, marketing strategy, boat safety, maritime law/legal issues, fishery resource updates for charter and head boats and developing eco-tourism based charter businesses. Marina operators, managers and staff are also invited to attend.

"We encourage all charter captains, owners, and marina business management staff to participate, as well as those individuals interested in entering the charter or eco-tourism industry," says Charlie Petrocci, maritime heritage specialist representing the Maryland Sea Grant Program. "The workshop will provide a great opportunity for boat owners to come together to learn about improving the management of their businesses and to discuss mutual issues and challenges," adds John Ewart, fisheries specialist with Delaware Sea Grant.

The workshop will offer a variety of presentations representing important topics for the charter boat operator including legal issues concerning your boat, business management, marketing/advertising, developing customer relations, and the truth about insurance needs. Program topics will also focus on current Coast Guard safety and security issues, and new developments in fisheries management programs.

Seminar speakers are regional professionals in their respective fields. This is a good opportunity to participate in a casual program dedicated to helping the charter boat operator deal with current and anticipated challenges in small business management.

Attendance will be held to 50 participants and available seating is expected to fill quickly, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration cost for the workshop, which includes a buffet lunch and all resource materials and handouts, is $40 per person. On-site registration will be limited and the registration fee will increase to $50.

To register, make your check payable to "University of Delaware," and mail to:

Michelle Scorziello
ATTN: Charter Boat Workshop
University of Delaware Sea Grant Program
700 Pilottown Road
Lewes, DE 19958-1507

The registration deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011.

For a registration form and additional information about the program agenda, contact John Ewart at (302) 645-4060 or ewart@udel.edu or visit the workshop
Web site: darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw11.html