Frequently Asked Questions

The global voice of the recreational marine industry.

Answers to the questions we’re asked most — about ICOMIA membership, committees, standards, research, events, and how national marine associations gain a seat at the international table.

Browse FAQs → For Member Associations

About ICOMIA

A not-for-profit uniting the world’s national marine industry associations.

The ICOMIA FAQs page answers the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t covered here, our team is always happy to help — get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

1966

Founded

100+

Countries represented

Specialist committees

IMO

International representation

FAQs

Everything you need to know about ICOMIA.

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.

What does ICOMIA do?

Promoting boating safety
Supporting environmental sustainability
Encouraging international trade
Representing industry with governments and international bodies
Developing ISO boat building and marine equipment standards
Providing technical guidance, market intelligence and research
Hosting committees, working groups and conferences

Who can become an ICOMIA member?

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.

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What are the benefits of ICOMIA membership?

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

What committees and working groups does ICOMIA operate?

ICOMIA operates specialist committees and working groups covering sustainability, technical standards, trade and market intelligence, grow boating, marinas, superyachts, superyacht refit, marine engines, diversity, coatings and regional industry development.

How does ICOMIA support industry standards?

ICOMIA plays a direct role in the development of ISO boat building and marine equipment standards. 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 sector.

What events does ICOMIA organise and support?

ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress
ICOMIA World Marinas Conference
METSTRADE
IBEX
Industry forums and workshops
Committee and board meetings

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 — providing visibility among key decision-makers while advancing projects that benefit the global recreational marine industry.

Can I share my news with ICOMIA?

Yes. ICOMIA shares news and updates from members to amplify their impact within the global recreational marine and boating industry. Non-member news may also be shared where it is impartial and positive for the industry.

Can a non-member purchase items from the shop?

Most products and downloads in the ICOMIA Shop are available to everyone. However, members receive a discount on selected items.

Are resources available to non-members?

ICOMIA hosts a wide and varied library of resources — many of which are available to non-members. Some resources are strictly for members only and may be represented as a summary publicly.

For Member Associations

A powerful international platform for national marine industry associations.

ICOMIA gives Member Associations the means to influence marine policy, access global market intelligence, collaborate with industry leaders and strengthen the value delivered to their members. Through ICOMIA, associations gain direct representation on international issues, practical resources and opportunities to help shape the future of recreational boating worldwide.

Advocacy · Standards · Intelligence · Network

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Global Advocacy & Representation

International Representation: Direct representation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other international forums, ensuring the recreational boating industry’s interests are heard as global regulations evolve.

Regulatory Intelligence: Up-to-date information on international legislation, technical requirements and regulatory developments.

Collective Industry Voice: Work alongside other national associations and global industry experts through ICOMIA committees and working groups, shaping policy positions and coordinated responses to emerging legislation.

Industry Collaboration & Best Practice

Committee Participation: Participate in specialist committees covering sustainability, technical standards, market development, statistics, decarbonisation and regulatory affairs.

Knowledge Sharing: Exchange best practices with counterparts worldwide, learning from successful programmes, industry campaigns and emerging market developments.

Standards Development: Contribute to practical guidance, technical resources and industry standards that benefit the wider recreational boating sector.

Market Intelligence & Resources

Global Market Data: Exclusive access to international market intelligence, economic analysis and the highly regarded Recreational Boating Industry Statistics Report.

Technical Resources: Free or discounted access to technical publications, ISO standards information, sustainability guidance and environmental compliance resources.

Industry Insights: Regular updates, research reports and briefing papers on global opportunities, emerging technologies and key market developments.

Networking & International Engagement

Global Industry Network: Become part of a worldwide community of national marine associations, manufacturers and industry stakeholders — creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Exclusive Events: Invitations to ICOMIA’s international meetings, including the annual ICOMIA/IFBSO Congress and ICOMIA World Marinas Conference.

Partnership Opportunities: Develop international relationships, collaborate on industry initiatives and pursue strategic sponsorship opportunities.

Still have questions?

Talk to the ICOMIA team.

If the ICOMIA FAQs don’t cover what you’re looking for, get in touch — we’ll be happy to help.