The marine workplace requires reading skill to comprehend technical manuals, language skill to understand and discuss complex instructions, mathematical skill to use a variety of measurement instruments and solve basic arithmetic problems and the motor skill to use a variety of hand and power tools.  However, these skills are not all required to be “fully formed” at the inception of training, i.e., with the exception of reading and basic arithmetic skills which should minimally be at high school level, they can all be taught.  More critical are attitude, motivation to succeed, willingness to learn and workplace enjoyment.  Sound Marine Skills, Inc. benefits from the recruitment, assessment and evaluation experience at The Workplace, Inc. to help select appropriate candidates and recognizes this might include underachievers and GED enrollees as well as under-employed or incumbent adult workers who seek a career change.
Instructional material, specified student activities, assessment criteria and proficiency examinations required for certification are provided for each instructional module by ABYC.  Above and beyond the basic content evaluation, advancement and program completion depends on continuous responsible behavior, full attendance and responsive participation in relation to instructors, fellow students and marina personnel.  Demonstration of appropriate workplace behavior, respect, ethics and safety are as essential for completion as skill acquisition and will be fully explained at the outset of each incoming class.  Classroom exercises will simulate team coordination, collaboration and communication in a safe working environment.  Failure at any of these criteria will trigger re-assessment just as failure on proficiency examinations would.