40 | WATERLINE July 2025 What is your background, your industry experience, and what are you up to now? I embarked on my career at a remarkably young age. While most children were busy with paper routes, I found myself cleaning boats at the local marinas near my family home in Lymington, located on the picturesque south coast of the UK. By the time I was 16 years old, I had taken a significant step by starting my own yacht cleaning business, where I managed 16 yachts and required me to employ a team of part-time workers, all while juggling my school commitments. This early involvement truly ignited my passion for the marine industry and set the stage for my future. At the age of 19, I was fortunate enough to receive an opportunity to work at sea, which allowed me to travel extensively across the northern hemisphere on various vessels. The experience greatly enriched my understanding of the yachting industry and provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in diverse aspects of marina operations. Eventually, I returned to the UK to settle down, start a family, and reconnect with my roots. Over the last 16 years, I have cultivated a robust foundation in marina management and the broader marine industry. Since 2019, I have had the privilege of serving as the Senior Marina Director at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in Singapore, which as a 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina is renowned as one of Asia's leading marinas. In this capacity, I oversee all facets of marina operations, with a particular emphasis on berthing services. I also work closely with our business development team to assess and evaluate potential marina sites throughout Southeast Asia. Before my tenure at ONE°15, I spent 12 years in the Middle East, gaining experience in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. This period allowed me to develop and implement innovative strategies that significantly enhanced customer service standards in the marinas I managed. I take great pride in improving the overall customer experience and fostering strong relationships within both the local and international boating communities. Beyond my management roles, I have a hands-on background in sailing, having participated in numerous races across Europe and worked on Superyachts in both Europe and North America. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the sailing world but also provided me with insights into the unique challenges faced by marinas on a global scale. Through my extensive international exposure and unwavering dedication to excellence, I have established a reputation for driving positive change within the marina industry. I consistently strive to exceed expectations and elevate service standards to new heights. What do you think have been some of your greatest accomplishments in the marina industry? I take immense pride in several key achievements throughout my career. Notably, I have been honoured with the 'Marina World' International Marina of the Year Award for both 2021/22 and 2023/24. Additionally, I played a crucial role in our marina becoming the first Superyacht Ready Marina in Asia, and we received a prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation from the Marina Industries Association (MIA) in 2022. A particularly significant milestone was overseeing a US$5.1 million reconfiguration project that increased our marina's capacity by 19%, enabling us to accommodate larger vessels and a greater number of superyachts and ultimately boosting profitability of the marina. Why did you decide to become a Certified Marina Manager (CMM), and how has the globally recognised accreditation benefited you in your career? I pursued the CMM designation from the Global Marina Institute (GMI) to deepen my knowledge and enhance my professional credibility within the industry. This certification has provided me valuable insights and opened up networking opportunities that have profoundly benefited my career trajectory. What advice would you give others entering the marina industry? For those embarking on their journey in the marina industry, my advice would be to embrace every learning opportunity that comes your way. Building strong relationships and remaining adaptable will be essential as you navigate this dynamic and everevolving field. What do you enjoy doing with your leisure time? In my leisure time, I have a deep passion for sailing and have participated in various races across Europe. Although a busy schedule often limits my sailing opportunities, I have recently taken up road cycling, which serves as a wonderful way to unwind and stay active. How have your career and friendships been improved through your involvement as a CMM? Being involved as a Certified Marina Manager has enriched my career in countless ways. I have forged lasting friendships with fellow professionals who share my enthusiasm for the industry, and these connections have provided me with ongoing support and inspiration throughout my journey. What is your favourite part about working in the marina industry? What I cherish most about working in the marina industry is the opportunity to create memorable experiences for our guests. There's something incredibly fulfilling about being a part of their journeys on the water, and it drives my passion for this work. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. How has being a certified member helped you succeed at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards? Having ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove inducted into the Hall of Fame is a significant honour that reflects our entire team's dedication and hard work. The resources and guidance provided by the MIA have been instrumental in our success at the Awards, showcasing our unwavering commitment to excellence. Participating in these awards allowed us to highlight our achievements and continue striving for improvement in all that we do. CERTIFIED MEMBER, JAMES ROY CMM The Marina Industries Association (MIA) recognise Certified Marina Operators, Managers and Professionals who are committed and experienced industry professionals, globally recognised through the Global Marina Institute (GMI) for their extensive experience and demonstrated knowledge and who have completed the Intermediate and Advanced Marina Management training programs. There are over 500 Certified Members accredited globally through the GMI and endorsed by ICOMIA - the International Council of Marine Industry Associations and as such open opportunities to work in the industry in all parts of the world. MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE
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