In 1996, the IBFC achieved consensus on recommendations for universal uniform symbols for signage at marinas. This was a joint project with PIANC designed to assist boaters in visually identifying facilities and services available to them. The IBFC’s preferences among the wide array of symbols and pictograms in use around the world were largely accepted by the PIANC Working Group on the subject. EUROMARINA, a federation of marinas and yacht harbors in Mediterranean countries frequented by cruising yachtsmen, was also consulted in the process. The resulting joint ICOMIA/PIANC/EUROMARINA Pictogram Book has since been published and distributed worldwide. Individual copies can be purchased from ICOMIA. Contact ICOMIA Secretary General at: icomia@ msn.com.

In addition, the IBFC regularly consults with ICOMIA’s Environmental Support Committee on environmental laws and regulations and recommended environmental management practices for the recreational boating industry. Thus, the group has had some input, insofar as marinas are concerned, on an ICOMIA Code of Recommended Environmental Management Practices for the European Community.  

The committee’s outreach efforts are notable. For example, they have met directly with government tourism agencies in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Israel, and Cyprus with the object of stimulating government support for marinas. Earlier this year, they met in Brazil with a similar objective, and provided several speakers for a Brazilian Waterfront Development Projects Conference. IBFC members have been featured speakers at other conferences underscoring the importance of marinas to nautical tourism development in China, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.

ICOMIA’S INTERNATIONAL MARINA EDUCATION CONFERENCE PROGRAM

The IBFC has provided no greater service to marina operators universally than by conducting ICOMIA’s continuing marina education conference program. Under ICOMIA aegis, since 1993 the committee has produced three highly acclaimed international marina conferences (IMCs) — two in Europe and one, last year, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. IMC ‘99 drew marina operators, consultants, publishers, and equipment manufacturers from 22 countries around the world.

The next in the conference series is set for March 7-10, 2002, in Sydney, Australia. The conference is being organized in cooperation with the Australian Marine Industries Federation, representing more than 1400 recreational marine equipment manufacturers as well as marinas across Australia. The federation owns and operates five boat shows, in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

The conference emphasis will be on the practical, answering questions marina operators commonly have on how to succeed in business. Case studies and panel discussions as well as an all-day field trip to area marinas are important features. In conjunction with IMC 2002, the International Marina Institute will conduct an additional all-day seminar on successful marina management practices. A two-for the-price-of-one package will be offered.  

If you are interested in signing up for the conference, and would like further details, contact Ron Stone, ICOMIA/IBFC Chair. Telephone: (808) 695-1142; fax: (808) 695-1370; or E-mail: Stone_Ron@msn.com.

In summation, the challenges U.S. marina operators face in their day-to-day operations are not unique. International studies have found that marina operators all over the world experience the same kinds of problems. It follows that marina operators worldwide have a strong community of interest and are well-advised to learn from one another’s experiences and success stories. As this article suggests, the easiest way to do that is through the International Council of Marine Industry Associations and its Boating Facilities Committee.

Ron Stone is a senior advisor with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and chairman of the ICOMIA Boating Facilities Committee. He served as NMMA’s director of facilities and government relations for more than four decades. He is the founder of the States Organization for Boating Access.