21 January 2026
The Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Conference delivered a vibrant, oversubscribed day of industry learning as 52 delegates gathered for a fully booked programme of technical updates, operational insight, and networking.
Demand was so high that the event ran with a waiting list, reflecting the growing momentum across both sectors.
The day opened with a warm welcome from John Peacock and Martina Morasanau, Chairs of the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Associations. Their introduction set the stage for what proved to be a dynamic and collaborative event.
A Full Day of Expert-Led Sessions
The first speaker, Adrien Burnand of British Marine, introduced the latest developments in BM Connect, a new digital membership platform dedicated to individuals working within the marine industry. Rob Taylor from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency followed with a detailed update on the Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code and developments within the UK MER Register, offering clarity on regulatory expectations for operators, while Richard Brooks of the Workboat Association explored the importance of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting shared challenges and new opportunities for joint working.
It was then over to John Peacock of St Agnes Boating who shared practical insight into vessel checks and Safety Management Systems, emphasising a culture of safety and daily operational rigour. Next sustainability took centre stage with Rob Burley of Gilpin, who discussed Blue Parameters and sustainable solutions for GRP, underscoring the need for environmentally responsible material choices, followed by Kimble West of TMS who delivered an informative session on survey and inspection processes, providing guidance on maintaining vessel integrity throughout its lifecycle.
The day’s speaker programme concluded with Ed Tuite of British Marine, who offered a comprehensive technical update, outlining standards, guidance and developments affecting operators in 2026.
The Passenger Boat & Commercial Marine Conference was a worthwhile event with interesting topics and presentations together with meaningful discussions and audience engagement. I made some great new contacts both within marine and outside marine, for example the amphibious vehicles team. The content from British Marine was very useful and I think the personal membership together with professional training opportunities creates a real value proposition and makes sense.
Laurence Bellamy - Event delegate from Lancing Marine
RNLI Facilities Tour
Delegates rounded off the day with a guided tour of the RNLI’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving organisation’s training, innovation, and operational support. The tour was a highlight for many and underscored the shared commitment to maritime safety.
British Marine Sector Awards - Passenger Boat & Commercial Marine Associations
A key moment of the conference was the presentation of the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Sector Awards, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and business excellence across the two sectors.
Product or Service of the Year
- Commercial Marine Winner:
Lalizas UK Ltd
- Passenger Boat Winner:
Norfolk Broads Direct Ltd
Sustainability Award
- Commercial Marine Winner:
Wave International
- Passenger Boat Winner:
Hobbs of Henley
Business of the Year
- Commercial Marine Winner:
Fireboy Xintex UK Operations Ltd
- Passenger Boat Winner:
Skipton Boat Hire Ltd
We’re absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award, thank you!
Greg Munford - Norfolk Broads DirectWe’re incredibly proud to receive the Sustainability Award for the Commercial Marine Association, it's a testament to our team's commitment to driving meaningful, lasting change across the marine industry.
Paul Gullett, MD of Wave International
The awards highlighted the breadth of innovation across the industry, from sustainable design to excellence in customer service, technical achievement, and business leadership.
A strong platform for 2026
With a full programme, engaged audience, and renewed focus on collaboration, the Passenger Boat and Commercial Marine Conference successfully brought the sectors together for a day of learning, connection, and celebration. Delegates departed with fresh insight, new contacts, and a clear sense of collective purpose for the year ahead.