Tom Guess Attains Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) Certification
On December 1, 2023, Tom Guess, with the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, passed the Certified Recreational Boating Professional (CRBP) exam and was awarded his CRBP certification. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to recognize Tom Guess as the ninth person to achieve the CRBP credential.
The CRBP certification, developed by NASBLA, is a voluntary credential for recreational boating professionals that encompasses their knowledge, performance, and career achievements in specific program domains.
Guess started his career in boating safety by serving on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard for 21 years where he worked in search and rescue, law enforcement, and leadership/command positions. His last assignment was as the Officer in Charge of Coast Guard Station Milford Haven, Matthews, Virginia. While serving there he earned his Bachelor of Science majoring in Criminal Justice and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Upon his retirement, Guess began his career with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. He served in various roles, including Statewide Boating Safety Program Coordinator and Manager, Deputy Director of Outreach, Legislative & Policy Director, Interim Outreach Director, and Boating Division Director. Most notably, he served as Virginia’s State Boating Law Administrator (BLA) for 13 of his 15-plus years. While working with the Department, Guess earned his Master of Science in Leadership, and a Master of Arts in Theological and Biblical Studies. He also graduated from the Department’s Leadership Development Program, The National Conservation Leadership Institute, and the Virginia Executive Institute.
Guess chaired and served on various NASBLA policy committees, volunteered as the Government Affairs Liaison, and spent several years on the Executive Board, ultimately serving as NASBLA President in 2018. He is a graduate of the 2011 NASBLA BLA Academy and has been on faculty for the NASBLA Leadership Academy for 12 years teaching leadership, legislation, and reauthorization of the Sport Fish Recreation and Boating Trust Fund. Guess also served as a member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee and the Angling and Boating Alliance.
Recently, Guess accepted a position with the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, where he serves as the Regulatory Development Manager and helps coordinate and oversee the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC). He will continue working with the states, territories, NASBLA, and within the recreational boating safety community.
Please join NASBLA in congratulating Tom Guess for achieving the title of Certified Recreational Boating Professional!