Organising council was busy over summer establishing the infrastructure of the new association

The organising council of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA) has reported a busy six months over the Hong Kong summer establishing the infrastructure of the new association.

The association chair Simon Boyde confirmed to IBI: “The membership has expanded to 40 companies, with more applications already in the pipeline, and the council is looking forward to welcoming members to the association’s first networking event to be held in mid-September.

“The HKBIA is now the newest member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), which means that HKBIA members will have access to documents published by ICOMIA on subjects such as boating industry standards and guidelines. In a major vote of confidence, the ICOMIA Executive have asked the Hong Kong BIA to host their 2019 Spring Executive Committee meeting in Hong Kong. This is a substantial international event, and will give the council and our members the opportunity to meet up with the leaders of the marine industry worldwide.

“Our members cover a great many areas of the boating industry in Hong Kong. We are delighted to be the representative body of the leisure boating industry in Hong Kong, and we look forward to growing the association’s membership and voice in the coming months.”

The HKBIA has joined the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and has already, via the Hong Kong Government Liaison Group, initiated discussions with appropriate government departments. The main focus has been to engage the Marine Department (MarDep), and the association is now working with different sections of this government body to promote the views of the pleasure boating industry.

Mentioning association work in progress, Boyde added: “While the acute shortage of moorings in Hong Kong is an ongoing pressing concern, forming a major part of planned discussions with government, the liaison group is reviewing international regulations and encouraging MarDep to embrace environmental policies and clean water initiatives. Other areas being addressed are construction and safety standards for pleasure vessels, and clarification on the required documentation for registration of vessels newly arrived in Hong Kong.

“The council has also formed a professional standards sub-group, which will work on guidelines for fair and professional business dealings for members to use in their businesses – not only between themselves, but also with end-user purchasers of boats and equipment. Membership of ICOMIA will be an important source for this project, as will guidelines published by other professional bodies around the world.”

The association has a new logo and a bilingual website with a member login facility for members-only content and online event booking. In addition, social media platforms are being prepared.