Monday's Irish Marine Federation Annual General Meeting at the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour provided a lively forum for members to discuss issues affecting the industry nationally and internationally. It also marked a change of guard in the IMF boardroom, with the retirement of two long-serving members.

Hogan Magee of Western Marine and Bernard Gallagher of BJ Marine retired after over 40 years of service.

"Our trade federation is made up of volunteers from within the industry, and giving up time and personal knowledge over 40 years to help promote our industry is a real testament to Bernard and Hogan. The IMF wish them well and is grateful for their dedication to the Irish industry". IMF Chairman, Gerry Salmon told Afloat.

The IMF is a nationally recognised trade association that represents the interests of the marine industry in Ireland.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has announced that its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Monday, April 8th, at 12.00 noon in the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. This gathering will provide an opportunity for members to meet the newly-elected board members of 2024 and discuss the current state of the industry.

Irish Marine Federation  Chairman, Gerry Salmon

Mr. Gerry Salmon, the Chairman of the Irish Marine Federation, has extended an invitation to all members to attend the AGM. "The AGM will be an opportunity to discuss our industry in general and to meet the newly-elected board members. We hope to see as many members as possible in attendance," he stated.

The IMF is a nationally recognised trade association that represents the interests of the marine industry in Ireland. It provides a forum for members to discuss issues affecting the industry and works to promote the interests of the sector both nationally and internationally.

Dubliner Gerry Salmon, a yacht broker at MGM Boats in Dun Laoghaire Harbour, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Irish Marine Federation. The announcement was made at the national marine trade body board meeting held at Boot Dusseldorf in Germany on Tuesday. Salmon expressed his delight and honour upon accepting the chairmanship role and immediately set to work furthering Irish trade interests at the world's largest indoor boat show.

The Irish Marine Federation represents both commercial and leisure sectors of the marine industry in Ireland. Salmon takes over the position from Johnathan Moneley of Carlingford Marina in County Lough.

European Boating Industry

During the pre-election campaign, Salmon promised to join the European Boating Industry (EBI), and he fulfilled his promise by joining the inaugural General Assembly of 2024 at boot Düsseldorf. The assembly provided a platform for networking and deliberation on the primary challenges and opportunities for EBI in its mission to bolster the industry. Salmon also met with the CEO of the British Marine Federation, Lesley Robinson OBE, to discuss plans of mutual interest.

Irish Marine Federation Gerry Salmon meets CEO of the British Marine Federation, Lesley Robinson OBE at boot Düsseldorf 2024

Various pivotal decisions were taken during the EBI assembly, including the unanimous approval of two new full members and one sustaining member. The Latvian Cruising Association, dedicated to the boating sector in Latvia, and the Irish Marine Federation joined as full members.

Robert Marx commented, “As President of EBI, I warmly welcome the Irish Marine Federation. Together, we can drive positive change, ensuring a thriving future for the European boating industry."

IMF AGM for April 8th 

Salmon has called an Annual General Meeting for Monday, April the 8th, at 12:00 noon in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. During the meeting, he will set out the strategy and goals for the Irish industry. The EBI now proudly represents a total of 25 members spanning 19 European countries.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) will gather in Portlaoise for its annual general meeting this Friday (March 24th)

A new National Marina Survey and a rejuvenated IMF Conference are on the table for the trade body this year.

Over the last two years, the marine leisure trade body played an important role in the advisory group for the National Marine Planning Framework that has established new jurisdiction for marine planning in Ireland.

IMF Chairman Jonathan Moneley of Carlingford Marina hopes to encourage new membership applications to the IMF, and to broaden the scope of the businesses that are represented by the federation.

“The board of the IMF is made up of marina managers, chandlers and yacht brokers, among others – and we would encourage any business with a vested interest in marine resources and recreational boating to get involved,” he told Afloat.

The IMF agm begins at 11 am in the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise.

Jonathan Moneley has been elected chairman of the Irish Marine Federation (IMF), the trade body representing marine leisure and commercial maritime interests in Ireland.

Moneley was elected at the IMF’s AGM on Thursday 24 March and takes over from Paal Janson of Dun Laoghaire Marina, who held the position since January 2019.

Thirty-three-year-old Moneley is the general manager of Carlingford Marina in Co Louth and has worked as part of the family business for most of his life.

He has a BA in Public Relations and is one of fewer than 500 people accredited as a Certified Marina Manager by the Global Marina Institute.

In one of his first charges, Moneley hopes to encourage new membership applications to the IMF, and to broaden the scope of the businesses that are represented by the federation.

“The board of the IMF is made up by marina managers, chandlers and yacht brokers among others – and we would encourage any business with a vested interest in marine resources and recreational boating to get involved,” he says.

“The call goes out to more of the same kind of businesses to join up — but we would also like to see the likes of sail makers, pontoon fabricators, yacht insurance brokers or marine mechanics join the federation.

“On the commercial side, we would like to welcome the likes of marine surveyors, fishing boat builders, shipwrights and more. This gives us the best opportunity to represent the industry on the whole.”

Moneley suggests that the benefits of membership are far reaching, as the federation speaks in unison to promote the growth and development of the industry both home and abroad, and to influence public policy as one united voice.

“The greatest benefit for me has always been the networking aspect and industry specific discussions that happen at IMF meetings,” he says.

“At each meeting we do a round table ‘business barometer’ where members of the board are invited to speak about their business, talk about any challenges they are facing, or give an update on areas of their business in which they are excelling. We are then able to advise each other if it is requested, and we all leave with a very good knowledge of current industry trends.”

Membership applications are being accepted now for 2022. If you are interested in joining the IMF, you can contact Jonathan Moneley at [email protected] for further information.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) AGM will hear how its contribution to the National Marine Planning Framework was kickstarted this week by Minister for Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan.

Over the last two years, the marine leisure trade body played an important role in the advisory group for the National Marine Planning Framework that has put in place new jurisdiction for marine planning in Ireland.

The IMF contribution is now enshrined in the significant piece of maritime legislation that will usher in a new age for the offshore renewable energy industry off the Irish coast.

The annual meeting, chaired by Dun Laoghaire Marina's Paal Janson, takes place on Thursday, 24th March at the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise. 

The Federation was also a member of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) II group that paved the way this week for Minister for Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan to formally kick-start the new maritime area consent regime

The new regime allows the minister on an interim basis to issue maritime area consents (MACs) to renewable energy developers who meet “relevant assessment criteria”.

The Irish Marine Federation (IMF) has welcomed the call by an international marina grouping to have marinas recognised as nautical tourism destinations and to be recognised officially alongside other tourist accommodation descriptions. as set out in the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003.

"This would allow marinas to extend the same advantages of a low tax rate that the Government has allowed for other providers in the tourism sector", IMF Chairman Paal Janson says.

"The marina infrastructure is a vital part of the coastal community economic and social fabric and should be afforded the same support and encouragement that other tourism accommodation providers enjoy", Janson told Afloat.

ICOMIA Marinas Group (IMG), recently published a new policy paper on marina taxation, putting the spotlight on the number of taxes marinas pay and the disparity of the tax value when compared to other tourism outlets. It received input from ICOMIA’s partner, European Boating Industry (EBI), which is actively advocating on VAT and its application for the boating and nautical tourism sector at the EU level.

"Marinas are unquestionably essential for nautical tourism"

Unquestionably essential for nautical tourism and tourism in general, marinas should be treated in the same way as hotels and other hospitality accommodations. Based on a survey carried out by ICOMIA members it is known that 40% of the countries have a reduced VAT tax for hotels and/or campsites that is not applicable to marinas. Of all the countries where there is a different VAT rate for hotels and marinas, the difference between those two vary significantly and they range between 10% to 18%. This significant difference makes nautical tourism less attractive and is known to be a big barrier to the growth of the industry.

Marinas, such as Ireland's largest at Dun Laoghaire Harbour pictured above, are not just resorts, they are clusters of companies, an attraction by themselves, a centre of activities and a hospitality infrastructure argues ICOMIA Photo: Afloat

Martinho Fortunato, IMG Chair said: “Marinas have proven to be a great booster to local economies and tourism. Marinas are not just resorts, they are clusters of companies, an attraction by themselves, a centre of activities and a hospitality infrastructure. They increase nautical tourism and nautical sports. Knowing all this, why aren’t marinas considered like that in terms of tax? Why don’t we have a bigger harmonization between activities and countries? These are the main reasons why the ICOMIA Marinas Group carried a survey among its members and developed the Policy Paper about marina taxation, a very important document for the future of our industry.”

Philip Easthill, EBI Secretary-General added: “EBI is advocating for a level playing field in the tourism sector at EU level which must include VAT rates to be adapted for the entire nautical tourism sector. This can further increase competitiveness and incentivise economic growth and jobs. We are delighted that our partner ICOMIA will also promote this globally in other regions through the policy paper on marina taxation.”

Neglecting the positive impacts of a lower and levelled VAT system applied to marinas signals for a poor understanding of the real social and economic impacts of nautical tourism in local communities, especially in countries with a big boating market potential.

ICOMIA recommends implementing policies that consider marinas as tourism organisations and as hotel-like infrastructures and therefore apply the same VAT charges. Looking ahead and for the long-term success of recreational boating and nautical tourism and its direct and indirect benefits, administrations are encouraged to work on harmonised tax policies for marinas.

The Irish Marine Federation has confirmed with the Government that restrictions against visiting vessels in Irish ports remain for the time being.

Last week Afloat.ie reported on contradictory advice that emerged in the wake of the latest update to maritime travel restrictions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic from the Department of Transport.

Following that update on Wednesday (23 June), Irish Sailing said its understanding was that “the previous ban on foreign leisure vessels travelling to Irish ports has been lifted”. As of Wednesday morning 30 June, the statement remains on the Irish Sailing website.

This view was not shared by all in the marine industry, and in response the Irish Marine Federation (IMF) says it was “contacted by a number of members who were uneasy at the apparent downgrading of the ‘essential travel only’ advice currently in force”.

The IMF sought clarification from the Department of Transport, which has since confirmed that “there has been no change” and the current restrictions on travel to Ireland remain in place until at least 18 July.

“The IMF and its affiliated body, the Irish Marina Operators Association, have been keenly watching the travel situation develop throughout this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and our members continue to suffer the financial loss of foreign leisure vessels excluded from coastal harbours and marinas,” the federation added.

“Nobody is more eager to see a safe and responsible return to marine tourism than our members are. We strongly recommend however that Government and public health advice is adhered to, as is clearly set out, and this is the only source of information used when assessing the risks and feasibility of international travel.”

Meanwhile, Afloat.ie has received its own confirmation from the Department of Transport that no cruise ships are permitted to enter any Irish port or anchor in Irish waters.

“While this decision will be kept under review, there are no plans at present for the resumption of cruises into Ireland,” the department added. “Government advice continues to be that only essential travel is to be undertaken in accordance with health authorities’ guidance.

“The focus at present is on minimising the risk of infection across all sectors. Any decision regarding the resumption of cruise tourism into Ireland will be based on the advice from public health officials.”

There is no “essential worker” exemption for foreign crews delivering boats to Ireland amid the current pandemic restrictions.

Irish Marine Federation chairman Paal Janson received the official line from the Department of Transport, following suggestions by UK delivery skippers that they could sail under the ban on non-essential international travel — which is expected to be extended until at least the Easter period.

“Some UK delivery skippers are strongly suggesting that they are considered transport workers and exempt from a lot of the current restrictions. This turns out not to be the case,” Janson says.

Irish Marine Federation Chairman Paal Janson Photo: Afloat.ie

“In addition, should the boat be big enough to have a full-time professional crew, this is also not acceptable in the eyes of the department.

“If the boat turns up regardless, the crew must have a negative PCR test result (less than 72 hours old) and have filled in all the paperwork.”

Janson says the Irish Marine Federation will continue to raise with both the Department of Transport and HSE Dublin Port Health on the matter.

The response from the Department of Transport is below:

There is a Government Advisory in operation against all non-essential international travel and this would be considered to be non-essential travel.

However, if the voyage goes ahead the crew of this vessel are not considered to be part of the maritime supply chain and therefore are not essential workers, in other words they would not be exempt from the requirements placed on normal visitors to Ireland and so must complete the passenger locator form and quarantine according to place of origin and have negative PCR test result (less than 72 hours old).

The owner of the vessel is subject to the travel restrictions placed on the general population.

The Irish Marine Trade has been giving its reaction to today's cancellation of the giant German Boat Show, Boot Dusseldorf that was scheduled for April and a key show for the Irish industry.

As Afloat reported earlier, the world’s largest indoor boat show fell due to the ongoing high infection numbers across all of Europe. 

Boot had been steadily attracting more and more Irish visitors after the collapse of the London Boat Show and the availability of direct flights between Dublin and Dusseldorf.

But while key members of the Irish trade are 'disappointed' at the loss of the European industry showcase event, the view is that it was not unexpected and many new models can be viewed at home this Spring subject to guidelines. 

Typically, Ireland was represented on many of the major marques at Boot across the 17 halls and in both sail and power brands. 

"At a time when the Covid19 pandemic is running rife through European countries, and the necessarily strict public health protocols that are in place for the foreseeable future, the priority is rightly to the health of exhibitors, visitors and service providers, Irish Marine Federation Chairman Paal Janson told Afloat.

IMF Chairman Paal Janson at Dun Laoghaire Marina

"It is also a cruel blow to the many Irish leisure marine businesses who rely on the very significant trade that is done at this annual show. Irish consumers too will undoubtedly miss the opportunity to visit the biggest indoor boat and marine leisure show in the world" Janson said.

Manufacturers and retailers have adapted remarkably well and the online content for boats and equipment has improved vastly.

Janson says dealers are also offering bespoke video tours of their stock boats to prospective customers. "Irish Marine Federation members are already seeing a pick up in interest from the public and see 2021 as being another busy year with people enjoying family time afloat in their local marinas and harbours, as they did in 2020".

While safe foreign travel is still an unknown undertaking, boating remains a safe and responsible leisure activity enjoyed by people of all ages, the IMF chair told Afloat.

Leading Irish dealer Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats also told Afloat today's decision was not unexpected.

MGM Boats John O'Kane (left) from Belfast Lough with Martin (centre) and Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats in Dublin on board at a previous boot Dusseldorf Prestige stand 

The Dun Laoghaire firm took an annual brokerage stand in Dusseldorf but they have already hatched alternative arrangements. "We will be hosting several showcase events featuring our new models for this coming season when guidelines permit, and our boatyard here in Dun Laoghaire along with Dun Laoghaire marina is the perfect setting for some new model debuts from Jeanneau, Lagoon and Zodiac," Salmon says. "We will announce the dates as the restrictions are lifted closer to the time and look forward to getting our clients on the water this season," he said.

James Kirwan of BJ Marine in Greystones Harbour County Wicklow predicts that "2021 will be another year where boating is one of the safest things you can do, and the market reflects that"

James Kirwan of BJ Marine

Responding to the news of Boot's April cancellation, the Irish Beneteau agent says "While disappointing for the industry it is not unexpected, and it is the right thing to do. Our planning for 2021 started last Spring, ordering new models to ensure we had a supply of the most popular boats, power and sail, for our clients for this season" 

Kirwan adds "Many of the boats that people would have travelled to the show to see, we can show in Ireland. We will showcase these as best we can within the guidelines as they evolve".

German organisers said today that in 2022, boot Düsseldorf will return to the "known concept" and will accompany watersports enthusiasts into a new season.