The seventh annual Delmarva Charter Boat Operators Workshop will be held Tuesday, April 7, at Harris Crab House in Grasonville, 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 offer a variety of presentations on important topics for the charter boat operator, including legal issues concerning your boat, business management, marketing and advertising, customer relations, and the truth about insurance needs. Program topics also will include current Coast Guard safety and security issues, new fisheries management programs, and eco-tourism based charter businesses.
“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,” said Charlie Petrocci, maritime heritage specialist representing Maryland Sea Grant.
Seminar speakers are regional professionals in their respective fields, added John Ewart, fisheries specialist with the Delaware Sea Grant College Program. He said the event is a great opportunity to participate in a casual program dedicated to helping charter boat operators deal with current and anticipated challenges in small business management.
“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,” Ewart said.
Attendance will be held to 50 participants, and available seating is expected to fill quickly, so advanced registration is strongly encouraged. Registration, which includes a continental breakfast, luncheon, and all resource materials and handouts, is $35 per person. On-site registration will be limited, and will cost $45. Overnight accommodations are available at Best Western Kent Narrows. Call 410-827-6767 for reservations.
To register for the workshop, complete the registration form, which can be found at the link below, and make your check payable to the University of Delaware. Mail your form and check to Linda Milligan, Delaware Sea Grant College Program, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958-1507 ATTN: Charter Boat Workshop. The registration deadline is Friday, April 3.
For additional information about the program agenda, contact John Ewart at 302-645-4060 or ewart@udel.edu or visit the workshop web site at http://darc.cms.udel.edu/charterboat/cbw09.html.
To learn more about the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, visit www.deseagrant.org. For more about UD’s College of Marine and Earth Studies, visit www.ocean.udel.edu.