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The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has named David Guthrie the 2025 BOAT Program Instructor of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership, instructional excellence, and lasting impact on the Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program.

The Instructor of the Year award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing maritime safety, professionalism, and operational readiness through high-quality instruction and mentorship. Among a nationwide cadre of experienced instructors, Guthrie distinguished himself through his consistent leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to developing others.

Guthrie is widely recognized for delivering training that is practical, deliberate, and grounded in real-world operations. His courses emphasize not only procedural knowledge, but decision-making, adaptability, and risk awareness — ensuring students leave prepared to perform confidently in demanding maritime environments.

Beyond the classroom, Guthrie’s influence is evident in his commitment to mentorship and instructor development. He invests significant time in coaching new and experienced instructors alike, setting clear expectations for professionalism and accountability while fostering an environment built on trust and continuous improvement. His leadership has helped elevate instructional standards and strengthen cohesion across the instructor cadre.

Guthrie has also played a key role in advancing the BOAT Program itself. His contributions include refining instructional methodologies, supporting the development of tactical guidance, and improving approaches to risk identification and mitigation during training evolutions. These efforts have strengthened course delivery and helped ensure the BOAT Program continues to meet the evolving needs of maritime law enforcement and safety professionals.

Student feedback consistently reflects the impact of Guthrie’s leadership, citing the quality of instruction, preparedness of instructional staff, and professionalism of the courses he leads. His influence has helped shape a culture of excellence that extends well beyond individual training events.

Through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to continuous improvement, David Guthrie exemplifies the standards of excellence the NASBLA BOAT Program strives to uphold. His selection as the 2025 Instructor of the Year reflects both his individual contributions and his lasting impact on the program.

Please join NASBLA in congratulating David Guthrie, the 2025 BOAT Program Instructor of the Year!

For more information about the NASBLA BOAT Program, visit the BOAT Program webpage.