ICOMIA 60 Years History Timeline – 1966-2026
A celebratory collection of historical images, quotes, anecdotes and snippets from ICOMIA’s 60 long year rich and vibrant past.
ICOMIA Executive Committee, 1977 (pic L-R):
O Felten, TA Webb, P Boomsma, G Caretti, AA Hauser, H Wauquiez, JH Linge, DGM Sanders, KA Wiese, JM Maso
International Council of Marine Industry Associations
The voice of the recreational marine industry
Celebrating 60 Years
In June 1966, during the 5th IFBSO Congress, the International Boat Trade Association was formed, and consisted of the following representatives:
- Mr AW Mackerer (USA)
- Mr AR Moody (UK)
- Mr JP Jouet (France)
- Mr G de Vries Lentsch (Netherlands)
- Mr G Eriksen (Sweden)
With Tom Webb, the Ship and Boat Builders Federation’s Secretary General asked to provide Secretarial services.
The first meeting of this steering committee, known as the ‘Steering Committee of Boating Trade Presidents’, was held in the Avenida Palace Hotel in Barcelona on 13 November 1966. It was at this meeting the International Council of Marine Industry Associations – ICOMIA – was formed.
ICOMIA Timeline: 1966 to Present
‘International Boating, now known as International Boat Industry, was one of the first Sustaining Members to join ICOMIA’
ICOMIA Presidents Timeline
ICOMIA European Boating Family Award
‘To promote boating as a leading international recreational activity by establishing the medium for the exchange of information on all matters related to the common interest, such as safety, quality, and marinas, so as to stimulate the sale and usage of boats and their equipment’
‘To act internationally on behalf of all those concerned for the boating industry’s continued success and the public’s ability to enjoy boating at all levels in a clean environment’
ICOMIA Honorary Members
‘ICOMIA will continue to do what it does best – be the leading light of the recreational marine industry and continue to shine a safe path from which to navigate these choppy seas’ – IBI
From humble beginnings with grand ideas, ICOMIA has always been at
the forefront of the industry. Today membership is estimated to represent
more than 80% of the world’s leisure boating business.
ICOMIA Secretary Generals
Note: the appointment of Joe Lynch saw the title of ICOMIA Secretary General change to Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
In 1975, the ICOMIA Annual Statistics Book was
launched. Featuring figures obtained from across its
global membership, the Statistics Book has been an
invaluable tool for business planning for over 40 years.
The latest Book can be purchased here
In early 1988, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) took the initiative to ensure that its members became directly involved in the proposal for a directive for recreational craft. This was finally made possible after ICOMIA was accepted as an observing member at the European Union (EU) meetings in Brussels.
For several years, direct input to the draft directive came via ICOMIA’s Technical Committee and later ICOMIA’s Certification Committee.
ICOMIA Newsletters & Press Release
ICOMIA/IMEC 1990s Boating PR Video
‘Without facilities, pleasure boating is
not able to expand in Europe’ – a statement today’s IMG still agree with, however, now on a global level.
‘The key to success lies
in presenting a strong technical argument and partnering with Member States
with a strong interest in our industry.’ – Andy Williams (IMO).
Initiatives over the years have included: Blue Flag (1995), Partnership with AkzoNobel (2005), Status stakeholder in several EU directives (2005),Solvent Emissions Directive calculation tool (2008), Technical Guideline on Minimum Acceptable Finish and appearance for Superyacht Gloss Coatings (2011, updated 2018) and the ICOMIA Environment Guide (2013).
ICOMIA World Marinas Conference Timeline
Organized by the ICOMIA, the World Marinas Conference has been the premier global forum for marina development since its inception in Amsterdam in 1993. Over the years, the Conference has visited renowned waterfront cities such as Genoa, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, and the Algarve, continually shaping the industry’s vision for long-term success and sustainable growth.
ICOMIA Logos
ICOMIA Mission Statement
Cares for the environment as part of our core values.
Provides for its members a forum in which to consider issues of common concern, to collect relevant data and to formulate agreed policy.
Seeks to break down all barriers to trade, including the removal of unnecessary or unviable legislation.
Promotes awareness of the recreational marine industry’s requirements and objectives, including the improvement of boating safety.
Maintains close dialogue with international bodies, national governments and other regulatory authorities on behalf of its members.
Supports its members in every way possible and gives recommendations and guidance on compliance with new international standards and regulations. publishes its opinions and recommendations – including the renowned Statistics Book, and formulates draft international standards and codes of practice.
Promotes the concept of recreational boating as being in harmony with a clean and attractive marine environment.
Assists in the promotion of recreational boating as being fun and available for all.
Quotes
Idan Cohen, Israeli MIA, said his group is “thrilled” with the ICOMIA membership and called it an “historic day” for the Israeli maritime industry. “Israel is a coastal country, and the sea is part of its history and its culture,” said Cohen in the statement. “Due to its size and location, it faces a lot of challenges and it has the innovation capability to develop groundbreaking solutions wherever they are needed. We are certain that the exchange of ideas and collaborations within the ICOMIA community will disrupt the industry and tackle the challenges it faces around the globe. We are look forward to sharing the Israeli insights for the industry.”
‘Working together has helped improve the levels of professionalism and environmental standards within our industry,” said Pepe García-Aubert, president & CEO of MB92 Group in a statement. “It gives our clients a determining factor when deciding where to carry out refit projects. We at MB92 look forward to working alongside ICOMIA and their members to continue to drive the industry forward for the next 10 years and beyond.’
Meylin Carballo Salguedo, Executive Director of ASONAUTICA, commented, “We are proud to join ICOMIA as part of our commitment to strengthening the Colombian nautical industry and increasing its visibility within the global marine community.”
Luca Rizzotti, President of The Foiling Organization, said, “Working with ICOMIA will speed up standards, training and adoption worldwide. It also gives our community a stronger global platform and a direct connection to decision-makers and each National Member Organisation, shaping the future of the marine industry.”
ICOMIA 60 Years Image Gallery
ICOMIA Members 2026
Note: this is just a small selection of ICOMIA members, chosen at random, and doesn’t reflect the full list. To see all ICOMIA members, follow this link
In 2026, ICOMIA continues to grow with members spread across the globe. This reinforces the thinking that a collaborative way of operating is a way to strengthen all aspects of the industry we love so much.
ICOMIA 60 Years Video
ICOMIA 60 Years Download
ICOMIA at 50
Previous media showcasing ICOMIA ‘s 50 Years birthday.