Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop April 8

The eighth annual Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop will be held Thursday, April 8, at Harrison’s Chesapeake House, Tilghman Island, Md. The one-day program will take place 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Organized jointly by the Delaware and Maryland Sea Grant Programs, the workshop will focus on charter business management, maritime law and customer liability issues, charter boat business marketing, sport fishing resource updates, and safety at sea. The program is dedicated to assisting charter boat operators and maritime professionals in dealing with current and anticipated challenges in small business management and staying competitive.

“We encourage all charter boat captains, mates, marina management staff, ecotourism operators, as well as those interested in water-related tourism to participate, regardless if they work around the Chesapeake or in the Atlantic,” said Charlie Petrocci, maritime heritage specialist representing the Maryland Sea Grant Program.

The program will offer a variety of presentations representing important topics for both new and veteran charter boat operators, including legal concerns regarding your boat, marina, and customers; business management issues, including marketing and advertizing; ways to develop long-term customer relations; and the facts about boat insurance costs and needs. There will also be presentations on new fishery resource issues, Coast Guard updates, and a waterfront hands-on demonstration using the latest marine safety gear.

“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,” added John Ewart, fisheries specialist with Delaware Sea Grant.

Attendance will be held to 40 participants, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged. Registration cost for the workshop, which includes a continental breakfast, luncheon buffet, and all resource materials and handouts, is only $40 per person. On-site registration will be limited and the registration fee will increase to $45. Special rate overnight accommodations are available at Harrisons Chesapeake House (call 410-886-2121 for reservations).

To register for the workshop, complete the registration form found at the link below and make your check payable to the University of Delaware. Mail your form and check to Michelle Scorziello, Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958, ATTN: Charter Boat Workshop. The registration deadline is Friday, April 2.

For additional information about the program agenda, visit the workshop web site at http://darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw10.html or contact Ewart at 302-645-4060 or ewart@udel.edu.

To learn more about the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, visit http://www.deseagrant.org.