ICOMIA FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Is ICOMIA?

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) is the global voice of the recreational marine industry. Founded in 1966, ICOMIA is a not-for-profit membership organisation that brings together national marine industry associations from around the world and represents their interests at an international level. Its mission is to support a safe, sustainable and successful future for recreational boating worldwide.

To find out more about ICOMIA’s history, click here

What Does ICOMIA Do?

ICOMIA works on behalf of the global recreational marine industry by:

• Promoting boating safety.
• Supporting environmental sustainability.
• Encouraging international trade.
• Representing industry interests with governments and international organisations.
• Supporting the development of ISO boat building and marine equipment standards.
• Providing technical guidance, market intelligence and industry research.
• Hosting committees, working groups, conferences and networking opportunities.

More info about what we do can be found here

Who Can Become an ICOMIA Member?

ICOMIA offers two membership categories:

Full Membership

Available to national marine industry associations worldwide. Full members help shape ICOMIA’s direction through committees, working groups and voting rights.

Sustaining Membership

Available to companies, organisations and brands operating within the international recreational marine industry and supply chain. Sustaining members can participate in many ICOMIA activities and committees while benefiting from industry representation and networking opportunities.

Click here for additional membership info

What Are the Benefits of ICOMIA Membership?

Members gain access to:

• Industry committees and working groups.
• International advocacy and representation.
• Regulatory updates and guidance.
• Market intelligence and statistical reporting.
• Member-only reports and resources.
• Networking opportunities with global industry leaders.
• Access to industry experts.
• Invitations to the annual ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress.
• Discounts on selected resources and events.

Full membership details can be found here

What Committees and Working Groups Does ICOMIA Operate?

ICOMIA facilitates a wide range of specialist groups, including:

• Sustainability
• Technical
• Trade & Market Intelligence
• Grow Boating
• Marinas
• Superyacht
• Superyacht Refit
• Marine Engines (IMEC)
• Diversity
• Coatings
• Asia Working Group

These groups bring together experts from across the global marine sector to address key industry challenges and opportunities.

Details regarding committees can be seen here

How Does ICOMIA Support Industry Standards?

ICOMIA plays a direct role in the development of ISO boat building and marine equipment standards. By working with international experts and regulatory bodies, it helps ensure safe, high-quality and globally recognised standards across the recreational boating industry.

What Research and Data Does ICOMIA Provide?

ICOMIA collects and analyses data from member countries and publishes industry-leading market intelligence, including its annual Recreational Boating Industry Statistics Report. The organisation also supports major research initiatives that help guide the future development of the recreational marine sector.

You can find current and previous Recreational Boating Industry Statistics Reports here

What Events Does ICOMIA Organise?

ICOMIA organises and supports a range of international events, including:

• ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress
• ICOMIA World Marinas Conference
• Industry forums and workshops
• Committee and board meetings
• Partnerships with leading marine industry organisations, brands, exhibitions and conferences

These events provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and industry collaboration.

See ICOMIA’s events programme here

What Are ICOMIA Strategic Sponsorship Opportunities?

ICOMIA’s Strategic Sponsorship Programme allows organisations to partner with the association and support its work across research, events, communications, committees and industry initiatives. Sponsorship provides visibility among key decision-makers while helping advance projects that benefit the global recreational marine industry.

What Sponsorship Opportunities are Available?

Sponsorship opportunities may include:

• Committee and working group support.
• Event sponsorship.
• Research and industry projects.
• Website and communications partnerships.
• Newsletter promotion.
• Podcast sponsorship.
• Industry resource and publication partnerships.

Opportunities can be tailored to align with an organisation’s objectives and industry interests.

Why Should Organisations Partner with ICOMIA?

Partnering with ICOMIA demonstrates a commitment to the long-term success of the recreational marine industry. Sponsors benefit from increased visibility, engagement with senior industry leaders, and association with a respected global organisation that advocates for safety, sustainability and industry growth.

Find out more info about Strategic Partnerships here

Can I Share My News With ICOMIA?

ICOMIA shares news and updates from members, serving to amplify and add additional impact to messages within the global recreational marine and boating industry. In many instances, these news and updates add further value to ICOMIA members, often signposting initiatives and activities that benefit the industry. Sharing news and info from non-members is something the association does if it is impartial and is positive for the industry.

Contact us to share your news here

Can a Non-Member Purchase Items from the Shop?

Most products and download items in the ICOMIA Shop are available to purchase for everyone. However, members do receive a discount.

See all products and downloads here

Are Resources Available to Non-Members?

ICOMIA hosts a wide and varied library of resources – many of which are available to non-members. There are some resources which are strictly for members only. These may be represented in snippett form publicly.

See the Resources section here