Global Marina Institute recognises marina professionals worldwide

by Global Marina Institute on 5 Jul 2014 The Global Marina Institute (GMI) presented certificates to five inspirational Certified Marina Managers (CMMs) at the recent ICOMIA World Marinas Conference, which took place earlier this month in Istanbul. During the leading industry Conference, GMI also awarded the highly desired recognition of Honorary Certified Marina Professional (CMP) to Dan Natchez, founder of DSN&A, a leading international environmental waterfront design and consulting organization.

GMI was formed in 2011 as a partnership between British Marine Federation (BMF) and Marina Industries Association (MIA). Through its partners it delivers global marina training and certification with the aim of maintaining and increasing standards in marinas across the world.

The five CMMs, all with highly impressive skills, qualifications and experience in the management of high-profile marinas and quays were: Akbulut Kahraman, Director, Marinturk Marina (Turkey); Selcuk Balci, Marina Manager, D Marin Didim Marina (Turkey); Tiago Marcelino, Marina Manager, Marina de Troia (Portugal); Onur Ugan, Marina Manager, D Marin Goek Marina (Turkey); and Claudio Schettino, Marina Operations Manager, Al Hamra Marina Royal Yacht Club (UAE). With over 70 year’s expertise between them, all absolutely deserve the industry certifications that they have achieved.

The globally recognized Certified Marina Manager (CMM) from the GMI is an international accreditation as a marina manager who has distinguished themself as an outstanding professional. Candidates looking to gain the qualification must have at least five years Marina Manager experience, should have managed a marina with an annual turnover of at least US $100 0000 and at least 100 berth/moorings and/or drystack, be an active member of a trade association, and have completed the Advanced Marina Managers School.

Mick Bettesworth, GMI Chairman, commented: 'GMI offer a number of pathways for certification which are designed to recognize outstanding professionals in the Marina industry. All of the certification pathways are awarded after a rigorous process where candidates are asked to demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience in their chosen field. The GMI certifications are recognized across the world and increasingly in the developing Marina world as a sign that staff have reached a consistently high standard. We are delighted that we have been able to recognize such a widely geographical spread group of candidates.'

At the Conference, Dan Natchez was also granted the Honorary Certified Marina Professional (CMP) by the GMI. He is an avid sailor, boater and water-skier, and is both a frequent competitor and judge at American Water Ski Association competitions as well as on many Olympic class sailboats. Dan turned his passion for the water into a vocation when he founded DSN&A over 32 years ago. Through DSN&A, he has had the opportunity to participate in the design, development and master planning of marinas, marina resorts and waterfront properties across the globe.

Some of the largest marinas in the world are DSN&A’s clients and the company is proud to have undertaken work for some very large organizations. DSN&A has had extensive experience with marina and waterfront facility design throughout the US, as well as in the Caribbean, Portugal, the Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Global Marina British Marine Marina Industries Association