Professional Standardization Through Certification and Peer Validation

Operates a drug and alcohol testing compliance program for over 400 vessel operators, including a random selection database that undergoes annual U.S. Coast Guard audits and has been upheld in administrative law judge decisions. Provides tools and support to organizations for enrolling safety-sensitive personnel in Coast Guard-mandated Chemical Testing Programs in compliance with 46 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 16.

Provides training seminars on topics including Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Liability Prevention, supervisory testing procedures, and safe working practices, taught by labor and employment attorneys and compliant with DOT, U.S. Coast Guard, and state agency standards.

Designs and tailors Drug & Alcohol testing programs to meet Department of Transportation requirements and organizational policies, ensuring regulatory alignment for member companies.

Produces and distributes a monthly e-bulletin to members that includes analysis and interpretive guidelines on U.S. Coast Guard and international maritime regulations.

Organizes and hosts annual membership meetings, documented annually from 2011 through 2017, to engage members and support organizational governance.

Advocates for safety in the American-flag maritime industry by facilitating regulatory compliance for maritime companies, aligning operations with federal and international standards.

Launched an emergency collector training program during the pandemic to address urgent drug and alcohol testing needs, and offers a five-hour specimen collector training program to certify supervisors for FRA-mandated post-accident testing in remote locations.

Offers free legal consultations through in-house lawyers to member organizations on maritime legal matters, including regulatory compliance and incident response.

Provided expertise in the development of a custom online refresher course in 2010, demonstrating technical leadership in maritime education and training.

Provides administrative and legal support to member companies during U.S. Coast Guard audits, investigations, and administrative proceedings following serious marine incidents.

Presents annual awards at the Winter Conference and manages an online nomination process to recognize excellence and contributions within the arborist profession.

Provides platforms for arborists and tree care professionals to exchange knowledge on the care, maintenance, and conservation of woody ornamentals, including through conferences, meetings, and online resources.

Organizes an annual educational conference and regional workshops covering topics such as tree pest management, fertilization, pruning, and pesticide regulations, providing a forum for professionals to learn about industry trends, network, and engage with vendors.

Provides educational courses, including a 2-day Tree Risk Assessment Qualification program approved for 14.5 ISA Continuing Education Units, and supports members in earning DEC and ISA continuing education credits to maintain or achieve certification.

Advances the understanding of the care and benefits of trees, shrubs, and their environment through educational initiatives and by fostering research and public engagement in arboriculture.

Offers resources, credentialing guides in English and Spanish, and information about the ISA certification process for Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist, Tree Climber Specialist, and Master Arborist credentials, promoting professional recognition based on tested knowledge in tree care.

Administers certification tests for the FCPAi credential to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements, including holding a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, having at least two years of professional experience, providing member referrals, agreeing to abide by the organization's Code of Conduct and Ethics, and maintaining associate membership in good standing.

Advocates for industry development by conveying professional consensus and influencing policy on core topics in the dispute resolution and forensic accounting fields.