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Displaying items by tag: ICOMIA

European Boating Industry (EBI) and ICOMIA have entered a new partnership with mutual benefits for both EBI and ICOMIA members and an increased focus on the further development of nautical tourism.

European Boating Industry (EBI) represents the European recreational boating industry. It encompasses all sectors relating to boating such as boatbuilding, equipment manufacturing, marinas, charter companies, and service providers. EBI is an established stakeholder at EU level, promoting the interests of its members through day-to-day advocacy on key issues ranging from the Recreational Craft Directive, Blue Economy, the European Green Deal, Research and Innovation, and fiscal framework, to qualifications, tourism, and trade policy. It is in constant exchange with the European Commission, European Parliament, Council, and stakeholders to bring across the key messages of the industry.

ICOMIA is an international association, whose full members are global marine industry associations. ICOMIA is a longstanding stakeholder in the various relevant working groups of the European Commission and employs technical and environmental specialists who are engaged in EU-related work. Its mission is to act as the voice of the recreational marine industry worldwide to facilitate, influence, inform and research.

Through this agreement, ICOMIA will continue to provide technical and environmental support and ensure cohesive representation of and communication with EBI and ICOMIA members. ICOMIA will assist with statistical work or studies, including the annual ICOMIA Statistics Book.

As part of this new partnership, EBI will start providing bi-monthly monitoring newsletters, which will include updates on EU work and EBI’s advocacy activities to keep its global partner updated.

The agreement was signed by the Presidents of the two associations, Sara Anghel and Jean-Pierre Goudant, as well as their respective Secretary-Generals, Udo Kleinitz and Philip Easthill.

Udo Kleinitz, Secretary-General of ICOMIA, said: “EBI and ICOMIA have a high overlap in their European membership. From the outset we have been working on complementing each other’s work rather than duplicating. This agreement is a step to implement better exchange of information and joint action. I believe I can speak for ICOMIA and its members in saying we are very pleased about the public message it sends in demonstrating our stronger ties.”

Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of EBI, said: “We are delighted to have signed the renewed and extended partnership agreement with ICOMIA. It allows for optimal communication channels and cooperation between the work of EBI at EU level and ICOMIA’s global activities. We have agreed a partnership that supports both associations’ members and the entire recreational boating industry to create suitable regulatory conditions.”

Published in Marine Trade
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The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) are advising boat builders and engine manufacturers to check their national trade and distribution channels before interpreting the phrasing within the new Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) relating to engines and components placed on the market that are certified to the old RCD.

The Irish Marine Federation is a member of ICOMIA's International Council.

On 18 January 2017, after a year long transitional period where both old and new Directives have been applicable, the new RCD (2013/53/EU) concerning recreational craft and personal watercraft will become fully applicable meaning marine engines, components and craft certified according to the old RCD (94/25/EC as amended by 2003/44/EC) may no longer be placed on the European market.

After consultation with their members, ICOMIA and IMEC were made aware that boat builders and engine manufacturers were unclear about what the term ‘placed on the market’ exactly meant, and whether watercraft, marine engines and components that were in compliance with the old RCD and ‘placed on the market’ before 18 January would comply with the new RCD after that date.

This issue is addressed within Article 55 of the new RCD, which deals with the transitional period, stating that ‘Member States shall not impede the making available on the market or the putting into service of products covered by Directive 94/25/EC which are in conformity with that Directive and which were placed on the market or put into service before 18 January 2017.’

This means watercraft built to be certified and placed on the market under the new RCD may be fitted with:

• Engines and components certified to the old RCD placed on the market before 18 January 2017

• Engines and components certified according to new RCD • Any combination of the two The European Commission and Market Surveillance Authorities have confirmed the Article 55 guidance is clear.

Nevertheless, ICOMIA is aware that available interpretation may disregard all facets of product import and distribution and that many boat builders are unclear on how to interpret Article 55. “The key message is not to make any assumptions about what ‘placed on the market’ implies” explains Patrick Hemp, ICOMIA Technical Consultant. “Should a manufacturer have any product still in stock that may be deemed not placed on the market, it is important to engage with the EU Member States likely to be involved in trade and customs and clarify the processes as early as possible before 18 January 2017”.

For more help understanding and complying with the RCD, ICOMIA and European Boating Industry have released a revised version of their invaluable ‘Guide to the new RCD’ which is available as an Apple or Android app or pdf file. The Guide covers, in detailed chapters, full information on the new legal framework, the main changes in the essential safety and environmental requirements, the conformity assessment procedures for certification and CE-marking as well as special cases. 

Published in Marine Trade

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference in Amsterdam (17-19 November 2016) provided the ideal backdrop for the presentation of the latest two Global Marina Institute (GMI) certificates.

Michelle Hitchcock, Head of Business Development at MDL Marinas Ltd, was awarded the Certified Marina Professional (CMP) certificate. Michelle is the first woman in the world to be accredited as a CMP, since its inception in 2012.
Designed to recognise the skills and experience of those working in the marina sector, but not directly managing marinas, Michelle is the perfect candidate to receive this accolade. She has worked at MDL Marinas Ltd since 1999 in a variety of roles but is now Head of Business Development.

Working at one of Europe’s leading marina groups, she is responsible for the company’s training development and delivery, the monitoring of customer service and quality and overseeing all operational aspects of business systems throughout the group’s 100+ marinas located across the UK, France, Italy and Spain.

Upon receiving her certification, Micelle Hitchcock commented: “I am honoured and proud to be awarded my CMP accreditation by the GMI. This is a major highlight of my career, made more special as the presentation was in front of an audience of my peers at the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference.”

Can Akaltan was also presented with his Certified Marina Manager (CMM) certificate during the Conference. Can is General Manager at Cesme Marina in Izmir, Turkey. Building on his successful career as a yacht captain, he joined Cesme Marina as the Marina Manager and has since been promoted to the position of General Manager.

Can Akaltan also remarked: “I feel privileged to be awarded the only internationally recognised certificate in the marina industry for marina professionals. It is also a great pleasure to become part of a very special group of industry pioneers.”
John Hogan, Chairman of the GMI, added: “It is good to have our first female CMP, particularly as she is from Europe, to add to those marina professionals already certified in Australia and Asia. I am hopeful that Michelle will pave the way for others who work in the industry to look to CMP as a way of developing and recognising their talents. It is also good to see another CMM recognised in Turkey.”

Today the GMI has awarded 130 active CMMs and CMPs across the globe and looks to continue this growth into 2017.

British Marine contributes to this by running a series of GMI marina management courses in locations across the UK and Europe. 

Published in Irish Marinas
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#JETSKI – The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has launched its new global personal watercraft resource website which is intended for PWC riders.

Working in collaboration with personal watercraft manufacturers Kawasaki, Yamaha and BRP, ICOMIA's 'Ride the Wave Right' website, which is available in English, French and German, provides advice for safe and responsible PWC riding, information on the history and evolution of PWC, as well as ideas for recreational PWC activities and tips on how to be environmentally friendly on the water. The website ensures that PWC enthusiasts and government authorities have access to policy and legislation information on CE Products, (the markings and documentation which EU directives require products to carry before being placed on the market), the CIN Checker Database (on-line Craft Identification Number (CIN) checking system) and Grey Imports (PWCs that are not purchased through official dealers in your home country). The website also features links to product and manufacturer information directly from the Kawasaki, Yamaha and BRP websites.

ridethewaveright

In addition, an interactive world map provides essential riding information such as national regulations, age limits, driving licenses and registration requirements for 27 countries across the globe.

'Ride the Wave Right' also offers the quiz 'Sink or Swim', an enjoyable way to learn about safety issues and to test your personal watercraft knowledge. Should you achieve 100% on the quiz, you get the chance to post your results on Facebook and invite friends to test their riding skills as well. The quiz is also featured on Facebook as a separate "app".

Hans Sipkema, leader of the ICOMIA Marine Engine Committee's PWC Task Force, and Kawasaki Motors Europe, stated that "the website provides a platform for the industry to promote this great sport, and the PWCs ever growing usefulness to society, as more police, fire fighters and life guards discover the great potential these crafts can offer in saving peoples' lives".

It was in the early 1990s that the personal watercraft became the fastest growing category in the recreational boating market and the PWC industry was for a time the fastest growing segment of the marine business. Today PWCs are 75% quieter and up to 90% environmentally cleaner. They can accommodate up to three people, feature environmentally friendly engine technology and increased safety precautions.

Kihira Kosuke, ICOMIA Marine Engine Committee's PWC Task Force member and Yamaha's Product Planner, commented that by providing these resources and advice, PWC users can maximize their enjoyment whilst using the machines safely and responsibly.

Tony Rice, ICOMIA's Secretary General states that "this is a unique resource providing global information and advice for PWC riders and I am grateful to the ICOMIA Marine Engine Committee's PWC manufacturers for their initiative"

For more information, please visit the website at www.ridethewaveright.com

Published in Jetski
An exceptional, global audience gathered together over the last two days in Singapore's Swissotel The Stamford for the 2011 ICOMIA World Marinas Conference. Held in Asia for the first time ever, 270 delegates attended from far and wide with representatives from Korea, China, Thailand, India, US, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Middle East, South America and of course, Singapore. The Irish Marine Federation is a member of ICOMIA, the world boating industry body.

"The impressive turnout at the conference this year has shown that Asia is the new frontier," commented YP Loke, Chairman of Singapore Boating Industry Association. "SBIA are really delighted to have hosted such a successful conference. From the content presented and discussions that took place, it was clear that there is dramatic development and huge growth happening in the region."

The conference programme covered content in marina operations and management as well as planning and development. Panel sessions and presentations saw discussions on the state of the global marina industry with a big focus on emerging markets. Discussions included topics on drystack storage, best practice operational issues, effective online marina promotion and marina industry education and training.

Networking breaks allowed for delegates to visit the sponsor booth arena, where over 25 marina suppliers showcased their products. Silver Sponsor, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas announced their newly formed partnership with BR Marinas. The partnership marks the cooperation towards the growth of luxury marinas in Brazil. The agreement reflects the growing importance of international networks in the marina business combining various experiences, knowledge and skill base.

 

Published in IMF
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Dublin Bay

Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland stretches over seven kilometres, from Howth Head on its northern tip to Dalkey Island in the south. It's a place most Dubliners simply take for granted, and one of the capital's least visited places. But there's more going on out there than you'd imagine.

The biggest boating centre is at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the Bay's south shore that is home to over 1,500 pleasure craft, four waterfront yacht clubs and Ireland's largest marina.

The bay is rather shallow with many sandbanks and rocky outcrops, and was notorious in the past for shipwrecks, especially when the wind was from the east. Until modern times, many ships and their passengers were lost along the treacherous coastline from Howth to Dun Laoghaire, less than a kilometre from shore.

The Bay is a C-shaped inlet of the Irish Sea and is about 10 kilometres wide along its north-south base, and 7 km in length to its apex at the centre of the city of Dublin; stretching from Howth Head in the north to Dalkey Point in the south. North Bull Island is situated in the northwest part of the bay, where one of two major inshore sandbanks lie, and features a 5 km long sandy beach, Dollymount Strand, fronting an internationally recognised wildfowl reserve. Many of the rivers of Dublin reach the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay: the River Liffey, with the River Dodder flow received less than 1 km inland, River Tolka, and various smaller rivers and streams.

Dublin Bay FAQs

There are approximately ten beaches and bathing spots around Dublin Bay: Dollymount Strand; Forty Foot Bathing Place; Half Moon bathing spot; Merrion Strand; Bull Wall; Sandycove Beach; Sandymount Strand; Seapoint; Shelley Banks; Sutton, Burrow Beach

There are slipways on the north side of Dublin Bay at Clontarf, Sutton and on the southside at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, and in Dalkey at Coliemore and Bulloch Harbours.

Dublin Bay is administered by a number of Government Departments, three local authorities and several statutory agencies. Dublin Port Company is in charge of navigation on the Bay.

Dublin Bay is approximately 70 sq kilometres or 7,000 hectares. The Bay is about 10 kilometres wide along its north-south base, and seven km in length east-west to its peak at the centre of the city of Dublin; stretching from Howth Head in the north to Dalkey Point in the south.

Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the southside of the Bay has an East and West Pier, each one kilometre long; this is one of the largest human-made harbours in the world. There also piers or walls at the entrance to the River Liffey at Dublin city known as the Great North and South Walls. Other harbours on the Bay include Bulloch Harbour and Coliemore Harbours both at Dalkey.

There are two marinas on Dublin Bay. Ireland's largest marina with over 800 berths is on the southern shore at Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The other is at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club on the River Liffey close to Dublin City.

Car and passenger Ferries operate from Dublin Port to the UK, Isle of Man and France. A passenger ferry operates from Dun Laoghaire Harbour to Howth as well as providing tourist voyages around the bay.

Dublin Bay has two Islands. Bull Island at Clontarf and Dalkey Island on the southern shore of the Bay.

The River Liffey flows through Dublin city and into the Bay. Its tributaries include the River Dodder, the River Poddle and the River Camac.

Dollymount, Burrow and Seapoint beaches

Approximately 1,500 boats from small dinghies to motorboats to ocean-going yachts. The vast majority, over 1,000, are moored at Dun Laoghaire Harbour which is Ireland's boating capital.

In 1981, UNESCO recognised the importance of Dublin Bay by designating North Bull Island as a Biosphere because of its rare and internationally important habitats and species of wildlife. To support sustainable development, UNESCO’s concept of a Biosphere has evolved to include not just areas of ecological value but also the areas around them and the communities that live and work within these areas. There have since been additional international and national designations, covering much of Dublin Bay, to ensure the protection of its water quality and biodiversity. To fulfil these broader management aims for the ecosystem, the Biosphere was expanded in 2015. The Biosphere now covers Dublin Bay, reflecting its significant environmental, economic, cultural and tourism importance, and extends to over 300km² to include the bay, the shore and nearby residential areas.

On the Southside at Dun Laoghaire, there is the National Yacht Club, Royal St. George Yacht Club, Royal Irish Yacht Club and Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club as well as Dublin Bay Sailing Club. In the city centre, there is Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club. On the Northside of Dublin, there is Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club and Sutton Dinghy Club. While not on Dublin Bay, Howth Yacht Club is the major north Dublin Sailing centre.

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