July 2025 WATERLINE | 41 What is your background, your industry experience, and what are you up to now? I’ve spent over 20 years in the maritime industry, starting as a commercial vessel owner/operator on Sydney Harbour. My background is in commerce and law, and I previously worked as a government policy advisor in Canberra. For the past decade, I’ve been based at White Bay 6 Marine Park (WB6), and I now manage both WB6 and Sydney Harbour Boat Storage (SHBS). My focus is on continually improving operations, enhancing safety and quality, and delivering the high level of customer service we’re known for. I have the support of exceptional teams who’ve helped shaped my approach to best practice in dry stack and boatyard management. What do you think have been some of your greatest accomplishments in the marina industry? I'm proud to have contributed to the growth and strong reputation of WB6 and SHBS. Not just as a workplace, but as a thriving community. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame and winning Boatyard of the Year at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards 2025 were proud moments that reinforced our industry standing. There’s nothing more rewarding than stepping back and seeing a well-functioning, happy, safe boatyard where everyone’s on the same page and takes pride in what we deliver. The Awards are icing on the cake. Earning my commercial skipper’s tickets and becoming a Certified Marina Professional were key personal milestones. Serving on the Marina Industries Association (MIA) Board has been a big highlight, allowing me to support broader industry growth and learning from some of our top professionals. Why did you decide to become a Certified Marina Professional (CMP), and how has the globally recognised accreditation benefited you in your career? After many years in the industry, I wanted to formalise my experience and make sure I was measuring up against global best practice. It was important to me to know that what we were doing here stacked up internationally, especially as expectations around safety, sustainability, and service continue to grow. The program really helps deepen my understanding across site operations and gives me greater confidence when tackling more complex challenges. The CM cohort is brilliant. Connecting with other marina professionals around the world who genuinely care about the industry is gold. It’s opened doors, sparked new ideas, and reminded me that even though every marina/boatyard is different, the core values of quality, safety, and service are so important and shared across the board by this high-performing group. What advice would you give other women entering the marina industry? Your voice matters - when you speak, make it count! The industry is evolving, and diverse voices bring real value. Stay curious. Keep learning through training, experience, and asking questions. Some of my best lessons continue to come from admitting what I don’t know. Embrace tough conversations and hold to your own values. Seek mentors who challenge and support you, regardless of gender or background. Above all, trust that you belong here. What do you enjoy doing with your leisure time? If I’m not working, I’m still either on or by the water. While I used to snow ski when living in Canberra, a recent attempt showed I now belong firmly on the bunny slope—so it's back to the waterfront for me! Giving back to my community is personally rewarding. I’m currently training as a Youth Mentor with the Raise Foundation, CERTIFIED MEMBER, LORRAINE YATES CMP supporting high school students through early intervention programs. At home, my peaceful Balinese garden is my happy place and a project I’ve nurtured over many years. I also love a sumptuous hotel so travel planning gets plenty of attention. How have your career and friendships been improved through your involvement as a CMP? Being part of the Certified Manager community has been inspiring. It’s opened the door to a wealth of industry knowledge and experience with real, practical things that you can take back to your team and share. I’ve had the chance to connect with some of the most respected and capable operators in our region, and many of them have become more than just associates, they’ve become genuine friends. It’s powerful to share challenges, swap ideas, and learn from others who truly understand the work we do and are equally passionate. That kind of support network has had a huge impact on my personal growth and leadership journey. Additionally, what I gain through those relationships and shared experiences ultimately helps strengthen the team around me too. What is your favourite part about working in the marina industry? I love the dynamic nature of the work, the challenges it brings, and the constant problem-solving. No two days are the same. But above all, it’s the people. Our industry brings together passionate operators, boaters, and team members who genuinely love what they do and care about making our industry a great place to be. There’s a strong sense of fun and a stronger sense of community. And of course, being on the water – it's just good for the soul! Sydney Harbour Boat Storage (SHBS) was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, and White Bay 6 (WB6) was named Boatyard of the Year – Under 20 Boats. How has being a Certified Member helped you succeed at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Awards? The Certified Marina Manager/Professional (CM) program continues to be an important part of my journey. It keeps me focused on continuous improvement and professional development. Those things can easily get lost in day-to-day activities. The support, advice, and inspiration from other CMs pushes me to raise the bar. We all hold ourselves to high standards when it comes to safety, environmental awareness, team culture, customer service, innovation and just doing great things for our industry. That shared mindset has absolutely driven us to succeed. It’s an honour to be part of the CM network and winning these awards feels like a true reflection of the values we as CMMs and CMPs promote. MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE Congratulations to the following members who have been approved as Certified Members of the MIA; Scott Cotton CMM, Marina Manager, Jones Bay Wharf and Sydney Wharf Marinas. (Scott has moved from CMO to CMM) Mike Keown CMM, Marinas Asset Manager, Eke Panuku Development Auckland (Westhaven Marina) David Marginet CMP, Quality Manager Marinas, Eke Panuku Development Auckland (Westhaven Marina)
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