International Council of Marine Industry AssociationsTranslation site

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) is the global, not-for-profit trade association representing the recreational marine industry. Since its establishment in 1966, it has served as the unified voice for national marine industry associations worldwide, advocating for sustainable growth, safety, and the removal of trade barriers.

History and Organizational Structure

• Founding: ICOMIA was formed in 1966 with the mission to bring together national boating federations and bodies involved in the recreational marine industry into a single global organization.
• Membership Scale: The council represents a vast network, comprising 38 national federations from major boating markets across North America, Europe, Asia (including Japan and China), and Oceania (such as Australia and New Zealand).
• Leadership Transition: As of the 2025 Annual General Meeting in Palma de Mallorca, the new President is Frank Hugelmeyer (President of the U.S. association NMMA), succeeding Darren Vaux. The Vice President is Jarkko Pajusalo of the Finnish association.
• Headquarters: ICOMIA operates with a Secretariat Office in Surrey, United Kingdom (The Post House, Kitsmead Lane, Longcross), while its Registered Office is in Brussels, Belgium.

Core Mission and Strategic Objectives

ICOMIA’s mission is defined by a commitment to fostering a healthy global industry while protecting the marine environment:

• Policy & Advocacy: It provides a forum for members to formulate agreed policies, collect data, and present a “strong and united voice” to international bodies, national governments, and regulatory authorities.
• Trade Facilitation: A primary objective is to break down barriers to trade, including the removal of unnecessary or unviable legislation that hinders the industry.
• Standardization: ICOMIA produces internationally agreed standards to ensure high product quality and safety. It collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), holding “A” liaison status with committees such as ISO/TC 8 (Ships and marine technology) and ISO/TC 188 (Small craft).
• Environmental Harmony: The association promotes recreational boating as being in harmony with a clean marine environment, caring for the ecosystem as a core value.

Key Initiatives and Industry Impact

• Decarbonisation Research: In November 2023, ICOMIA released the Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry report. This peer-reviewed research outlines a portfolio of technologies for boats under 24m, noting that recreational boating accounts for less than 0.1% of global GHG emissions but remains committed to reducing its footprint.
• Biofouling and Invasive Species: In collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and IUCN, ICOMIA published the Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating Report to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species (like the “killer shrimp”) via hull fouling.
• Asia Working Group (IAWG): Launched in 2022, this group focuses on developing the leisure marine sector in Asia. It works on promoting the International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) and implementing “Grow Boating” campaigns in emerging markets like China, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Superyacht Division: ICOMIA actively engages with the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to address greenhouse gas reduction proposals affecting the superyacht sector.

Major Events and Networking

• Annual Congress: ICOMIA hosts an annual congress, often coinciding with the IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organizers) conference. The 2025 Congress was held in Palma de Mallorca, hosted by the Spanish association ANEN, featuring key discussions on the Recreational Craft Directive revision and trade tariffs.
• METSTRADE: ICOMIA often announces major research and initiatives at METSTRADE in Amsterdam, the premier marine equipment trade show, where the global industry gathers to share emerging science.

Contact Information

• Secretariat Office: The Post House, Kitsmead Lane, Longcross, Surrey, KT16 0EG, United Kingdom.
• Phone: +44 1932 509 686.
• Key Personnel:
  • Joe Lynch: Chief Executive Officer (joe@icomia.com).
  • Patrick Hemp: Technical Director (patrick@icomia.com).
  • Su Lin Cheah: Asia Regional Representative (sulin@icomia.com).
• Website: www.icomia.org