TowBoatU.S. New River Lends Assistance to
Broward College's Marine Engineering Program

Broward County has the largest marine community on the east coast with 300 miles of navigable waterways and is considered the yachting capital of the world. The industry as a whole is in high demand of qualified technicians to work on yachts with diesel engines and sophisticated systems. To meet employment needs, Broward College began a Marine Management Program that prepares students in the areas of large yacht maintenance, repair and retrofit while earning an Associate's degree in 24 months.

Broward College's Marine Engineering Program is able to provide an educational environment at their 30,000 square foot Marine Technology Center of Excellence and through boat donations housed at local marinas. Recently, Richard and Deborah Lund of Davie donated their 1983 31' Bertram Fly Bridge Cruiser Uplynx to the program. This vessel impacts every one of the college's courses from introduction, electrical, air conditioning, auxiliary power, rigging, engines and fuel as well as work in composites, corrosion, and painting. TowBoatU.S. New River donated the time and equipment to tow Uplynx from Hollywood Marina to Lauderdale Marine Center. Mike Knecht, Yacht Towing Supervisor of TowBoatU.S. New River, exclaimed, "It was a pleasure to donate our services to the future technicians of the yachting industry that we will one day work side by side with." The mooring of Uplynx at Lauderdale Marine Center provides insight on how to utilize a marina while repairs are underway. After these repairs are made, the students are allowed to sea trial the boat on the local waterways for a full understanding of their accomplishments.

If you are interested in Broward College's Marine Engineering Program or would like to donate a boat, please visit their website at www.broward.edu/marine/home.html.