Looks like a couple messages got deleted from the thread?
Anyhow, just for the record and for anyone else coming along later to read this thread, the ABYC is
the American Boat and Yacht Council, which is an industry association that establishes industry consensus standards for the safe construction of boats.
ABYC is not a government agency and its standards do not have the force of law, at least in the U.S. (not yet, anyhow). To be legally enforceable, they would have to be adopted by the proper regulatory authority. But they are generally viewed in the industry as best practices. They are largely geared towards manufacturers and boat repair and maintenance technicians. There are standards for certifying people who repair and maintain boats and their systems. The standards specify certain knowledge and abilities the person must demonstrate in order to be certified.
ABYC was created in 1954.