September 2025 WATERLINE | 19 What do you think have been some of your greatest accomplishments in the marina industry? Notable accomplishments would definitely be as a company owner. Guiding Scope Marine’s growth into a respected & valued management company in the marina and superyacht sectors is something of immense pride. Other achievements include my CMM certification in 2017 at a relatively young age, our flagship marina, Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, gaining approval for redevelopment (nearly unheard of on Sydney Harbour), winning the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year – under 140 boats category and Superyacht Australia - Service Provider of the Year 2025. Along the way, Scope Marine has helped many young professionals find their feet in the marine sectors as crew, trades, captains and so on. This too is extremely satisfying. Why did you decide to become a Certified Marina Professional (CMP) and how has the globally recognised accreditation benefited you in your career? I embarked on the journey with a clear purpose: to engage with the peak industry professionals, deepen my expertise and elevate my standing within the marine industry. This prestigious certification became more than a credential—it was a gateway to a world of insight and connection. Along the way, I gained a richer, more nuanced understanding of marina operations, and forged meaningful relationships with seasoned professionals from around the globe. These experiences have not only sharpened my professional edge but have also significantly shaped and accelerated the course of my career and Scope Marine. What advice would you give others entering the Marina Industry? For those beginning their careers in the marina industry, I encourage you to approach each opportunity with an open and inquisitive mindset. This is a dynamic and ever-evolving field—one where continuous learning, adaptability, and strong relationships are key to long-term success. Be proactive in seeking out new knowledge, whether through formal training, hands-on experience, or thoughtful conversations. Often, the most impactful lessons come from moments of uncertainty and the willingness to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Recognise the value your voice brings to the table. In a sector enriched by diverse perspectives, speaking with clarity and purpose can help shape the future of the industry. Don’t hesitate to engage in challenging discussions or ask the difficult questions. Stay anchored in your values and look for mentors who will both support and stretch your thinking—regardless of their background or yours. What is your background, your industry experience and what are you up to now? I grew up in Ireland where I was always close to the ocean and boats. I learned to sail Mirror dinghies at age 10 in the Irish Sea and after my family emigrated to Australia, at age 14, I started sailing and working in a small family-owned marina & yard on Lake Macquarie Australia. After school and hospitality college, in the early 2000’s, I spent seven years sailing on superyachts, completing near two circumnavigations as cook, deckhand,1st mate, delivery crew and even a few jobs as Captain (all on sailing yachts). I joined Scope Marine full-time in 2007. Scope Marine was started in 1999 by my older brother Dara and when I joined, I was already well entrenched in the marina and superyacht world, which allowed me to quickly move through the ranks in the world of marina management. I took over full management & ownership of Scope Marine in 2013 and since then I have played lead roles in marina operations, managed restructures, re-designs and full facility builds of several high-profile facilities as well as consulting on a range of marine based initiatives. During this period, I was proud to be the lead sailing strategy consultant on Australia’s largest sailing sponsorship portfolios; AUDI Sailing Sport (2008 – 2018). Which at its peak included – Audi Geelong Week, Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta, Audi Sydney – Gold Coast Yacht Race, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, Audi IRC Australian Championship, Australian Sailing Team. NAIRN JOHNSTON CMM GENERAL MANAGER JONES BAY SUPERYACHT MARINA MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE What do you enjoy doing with your leisure time? I spend my leisure time with my wife and kids. I surf a lot, and I am always planning our next adventure be it by boat or camping & travel. Could be road tripping around Iceland, planning a 4WD trip through central Australia or cruising Fiji with friends. How have your career and friendships been improved through your involvement as a Certified Member? Becoming a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) has significantly enriched both my career and the professional relationships I've built along the way. It has opened doors to a global network of like-minded marina professionals who are not only leaders in their field but also generous in sharing their insights and experiences. Through industry events, collaborative discussions, and ongoing learning opportunities, I’ve developed a deeper, more strategic understanding of marina management—knowledge that has directly informed my decision-making and leadership approach. The CMM community has fostered genuine friendships rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a passion for the industry. These connections have provided support during challenges, fresh perspectives during times of change, and inspiration when setting new goals. This network has reminded me that professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in conversation, collaboration, and community this has directly informed how I help my staff succeed and grow. What is your favourite part about working in the Marina Industry? One of my favourite aspects of working in the marina industry is the incredible diversity of people and experiences it brings together. Every day offers something different—from working with passionate boaters and skilled tradespeople to navigating the operational and environmental challenges unique to our waterfront settings. There’s a dynamic rhythm to marina life that keeps you engaged and constantly learning. I also deeply value the sense of place we help create. Marinas are more than just facilities—they’re vibrant hubs that connect communities to the water. Being part of that and playing a role in shaping spaces that are both welcoming and sustainable, is immensely rewarding. It’s a privilege to work in an industry that blends technical knowledge, customer service, and environmental stewardship in such a meaningful and tangible way.
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