14 May 2025

This year’s TYHA Marina Conference (Thursday 8 May, 2025), sponsored by Walcon and held at the impressive CIM Business Centre in Cookham, Berkshire, attracted a full house of delegates.

Its packed and informative agenda covered a broad range of new and emerging issues spanning the ever-growing number of moving parts affecting marinas and harbours.

Topics included updates on the new TYHA Code of Practice work, and the forthcoming British Marine Marinas & Moorings study and Inland and Coastal Safety Management courses. Delegates also heard about progress on guidance for the Safe Shoreing of Boats and Working on Vessels Ashore, while an overview of latest developments and implications of the government’s decarbonisation agenda highlighted the need for strong industry collaboration in the face of imminent changes.

At the heart of the day’s programme were three excellent in-depth case study sessions. Jon Eads of Boatfolk Marinas, Rob Dunford of Langstone Harbour Board and Will Higgs of Marine & Boat Recycling provided first-hand practical information regarding issues surrounding end of life boats.

The whole room was silent when Richard Birch of Tingdene Marinas recalled the dreadful experience of dealing with the accidental drowning of a berthholder. Claire Rawle of Blake Morgan followed with a clear explanation of the legal ramification of this incident and how, by meeting or exceeding standards and codes, marinas and their staff are protected if this worst happens. Dan Hughes of Vitae Vi provided concise, thought-provoking advice on the dangers of cold-water shock and how to mitigate the risks.

The final case study examined a serious boat fire with resultant pollution risk – presented by Mike Glanville of MDL Marinas and Matthew Perkins of Adler & Allan. Look out for more detailed accounts of some of these presentations in future editions of Fore and Aft Magazine.