Intermediate Marina Managers Course a success

by Media services on 20 Apr 2006 The Marina Association of Australia (MAA) ran a highly successful Intermediate Marina Managers Course in late March in Sydney, with a total of 22 students from all mainland states in Australia and New Zealand’s north and south islands attending the 5 day residential course. As a prerequisite to the internationally recognised Advanced Marina Management course and Certified Marina Manager (CMM) designation, the strong turnout showed a strong commitment to self-improvement and professionalism within the marine industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Mark Amaral, seconded from the International Marina Institute (IMI) in Washington DC to facilitate the course, was highly complimentary of the calibre of students and presenters. 'Overall I found the course to be a solid step in the right direction. Congratulations to the MAA for its investment in this school and for its overall commitment to professional training for the marina industry' he said. Amaral’s continuing feedback and guidance will assist the MAA in delivering high quality education at an international standard, with curriculum equivalent to IMI courses in the United States and the UK.

The goal of the Intermediate Marina Management School is to present the highest quality educational experience to marina professionals drawn from a global audience that have at least one year or more of marina management experience. The school builds intermediate skills, knowledge and attitudes that will distinguish graduates as top-tier marina managers.

The course content covers many aspects of marina management including leadership and management skills, environmental practices and compliance, marine law, insurance and liability, marketing and customer service, human resource management, future trends in the industry, health and safety, and emergency response procedures. The comprehensive program provides a thorough introduction to Australian and New Zealand standards in marina operations and maintenance.

Feedback from the course participants was complimentary of the content, and everyone came away from the course with a powerful network of industry professionals. 'Great course, excellent content, brilliant networking opportunities' said one student at the end of the week.

Courses of this nature are not complete without a marina facility at which to conduct them and the MAA is grateful for the support of St George Motor Boat Club and Burraneer Bay Marina for allowing access to their facilities for the field trip portion of the curriculum. Bellingham Marine and d’Albora Marinas also provide ongoing sponsorship for the MAA education program which has been instrumental in the success of the program.

Future MAA courses now being planned include a Fundamental Marina Management Course in Auckland, New Zealand in July 2006, another Intermediate Marina Management Course in Sydney in October 2006, and the first Advanced Marina Management Course to be held in Australia since 1999 is tentatively scheduled for Sydney in April 2007. One day Boatyard courses will also be held in Queensland and New South Wales in October 2006.

Please email education@marinas.net.au or phone Tony Castles on +61 2 9439 5806 for further course information.