Photo Credit – James Kirwan

Over 60 members, guests and invited speakers attended an industry networking event recently in the Royal St George YC, Dun Laoghaire.

The event was organised by the Irish Marine Federation in order to bring together marine trade business owners to hear about the work the IMF is doing on their behalf. On the agenda delegates also heard about the training opportunities available as well as the advocacy work carried out by the IMF. Also discussed were the government funding programmes available to businesses and the opportunities available in the developing offshore renewable industry.

Afterwards, the attendees enjoyed socialising and networking over drinks and food in the comfort of one of the top yacht clubs in Ireland. The event was heralded as a great success by the members and guests alike and is to be the first of a number of such events held around the country.

A new Irish marine trade event was on the agenda at this week’s Irish Marine Federation board meeting at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in Germany.

With plans to feature offshore renewables and the blue economy, the key topic in a round table discussion, following on from December’s Cork meeting, was the new industry showcase event scheduled for later this year, as well as this week’s upbeat Irish participation in Europe’s largest boat show on the Rhine.

Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats chaired the meeting. It included Damien Offer of Malahide Marina, Cronan O’Donnell of POD Marine, Jonathan Moneley of Carlingford Marina, Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marina, Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats, Porick Murray of Pontoons Ireland, Kenny Rumball of the INSS, Ian O’Meara of Viking Marine and James Kirwan of BJ Marine.

“The aim in 2025 is to bring together as many Irish marine businesses as possible to discuss how we build and grow our trade organisation”, Salmon told Afloat after the meeting.

The Irish trade is reporting buoyant trade at the ten-day show, with several new boat sales and a strong Irish presence this weekend, thanks to convenient and affordable flight connections.

Ireland was represented at this week’s European Boat Industry General Assembly, also at Düsseldorf, by Dun Laoghaire’s Paal Janson.

This article originally appeared on Afloat.ie

The Irish marine industry gathered at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, Cork Harbour, on Monday, December 9th, for a pre-Christmas review of its activities in 2024.

A key topic on the agenda was the establishment of a new marine industry showcase event scheduled for 2025, as well as Ireland’s participation in Europe’s largest boat show, Boot Düsseldorf, taking place next January.

The meeting was chaired by Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats (pictured centre) and included notable attendees such as Ian O’Meara of Viking Marine, Cronan O’Donnell of POD Marine, Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marina, Porick Murray of Pontoons Ireland, David O’Brien of Afloat, Mark Ring of Royal Cork, and James Kirwan of BJ Marine.

Additionally, the gathering featured a meetup with local marine businesses at the Crosshaven clubhouse.

This article originally appeared in Afloat.ie

Following a new agreement between the British Marine and the Irish Marine Federation (IMF), the first IMF member has taken advantage of this agreement to complete a British Marine-hosted course.

James Kirwan completed the Intermediate Marina Managers course, representing both the IMF and Greystones Harbour Marina, during the four-day programme at Hayling Island. This is seen as the first step in what is a fantastic opportunity for IMF members to access the British Marine training programme, which is widely regarded as the gold standard for marine businesses. The training programme covers all aspects of marine businesses.

At the Southampton Boat Show in September 2024, a delegation of board members from the Irish Marine Federation met with their British Marine Federation counterparts to explore the benefits of working closely together on various subjects. The goal was to provide the opportunity to support and strengthen Irish Marine businesses and, by doing so, improve the experience for those who use Irish waters.

Training became a focal point for a mutually beneficial arrangement and both the BMF and IMF are delighted to have this partnership up and running.

This article originally appeared in Afloat.ie

The Irish Marine Federation has given a cautious thumbs-up to the resumption of recreational boating in line with the Government’s COVID-19 Restrictions ‘Roadmap’.

The IMF, the national organisation representing both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland, has been working with Government, industry and marine trade associations worldwide during the Covid19 pandemic to ensure that our members are kept informed of the necessary measures to help to come through this most difficult of times.
With the publication of the Roadmap for reopening society and business, the IMF believes that the time for safe and responsible recreational boating is very near.

Internationally it has shown that it is possible for family-units to return to outdoor recreation in compliance with both medical and government guidelines. In addition, boats require regular safety and maintenance checks which can be best carried out by owners or qualified contractors.
The IMF says it is strongly encouraged that these actions can be carried out in accordance with the government roadmap and that Monday, May 18th is the earliest date at which there should be a limited return to recreational boating. The government guidelines are clear and restrictions such as travel distances must be adhered to for the greater public good.

As part of the industry-wide promotion of recreational boating, the IMF and its members will support the international #back2boating campaign to encourage marine recreation once again with the easing of Covid19 restrictions.

The Irish Marine Federation will continue to monitor the situation and make further updates as appropriate in line the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business.