Following the AGM held on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, ahead of the Inland Conference, we are pleased to announce the merger of British Marine Inland Boating and British Marine Inland Boatbuilding. The newly formed association will now be known as British Marine Inland.
This merger combines the strengths of both associations, creating a more unified and robust representation for the inland marine sector. By integrating resources and expertise, British Marine Inland will provide enhanced support for members, foster innovation, and amplify the voice of the inland boating and boatbuilding industries.
Why join?
British Marine Inland is an active group association within British Marine representing companies offering River and Canal Holidays on Hire Boats, Day Boats, Hotel boats, Passenger Boats, companies actively carrying out the business of leisure boat building or repair and Business Services on the 3,500 miles of navigable canals and rivers in the UK.
In addition our members build and refit boats, and offer a full range of maintenance services, sell fuel, gas and chandlery and provide safe and secure moorings. The membership also includes other activities such as supply chain, engine manufacture, surveyors, marine consultants, insurance, chandlery, marketing and information technology.
For 70 years British Marine Inland and its predecessors BMIB and APCO (Association of Pleasure Craft Operators) has represented its members in working for the benefit of holiday-makers and boat owners in campaigning for better facilities, safety and higher standards on the inland waterways. The association initiated and helped develop the Hire Boat Code, Boat Grading Standards and the Hire Boat Handover Scheme.
British Marine Inland represents the inland waterway industry by consulting with navigation authorities, government departments and other official bodies on the many regulations – both national and European – that affect the safety, environment and use of rivers and canals.
Our customers can therefore be confident that British Marine Inland companies are aware of and comply with the latest legislation, and are committed to providing a safe, quality holiday. All British Marine Hire Boat members are regularly independently audited for their Hire Boat Handover procedures and compliance with the Hire Boat Code.
If you are looking for a boatbuilder who is experienced, knowledgeable and works to professional standards, then look for the logo and choose a British Marine Inland member.
You'll get peace of mind knowing you'll be buying from a supplier who:
- Works to recognised professional standards
- Is a member of a recognised trade body
- Works to recognised codes of conduct
- Has insurance for your protection
Edward Helps - Chair
Russell Chase - Co Vice Chair
Simon Vayro - Co Vice Chair
Paula Syred
Carl Onens
Ann Davies
Russell Fletcher
Steve Furniss
Robert Parton
Paul Grange
Emma Fearnley
Mike Jeffrey
Heather Hewitt
Kayleigh Smith
Dave Taylor
Keith Meadowcroft
Ray Bowern
Simon Boyde
David Walker
British Marine Inland Boating (BMIB) celebrated its Platinum Anniversary year in 2024. Its direct predecessor APCO, the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators was founded on the 6 December 1953 as an independent Trade Association to represent the interests of the Hire Boat Industry.
APCO subsequently joined the British Marine Federation in 1990 and recently changed its name to British Marine Inland Boating , to better reflect the wide range of UK Inland Waterways companies we represent.
For the last 7 decades we have been an Association run for and by the Members to protect the interests of the Inland Waterways leisure industry. BMIB maintains a close working relationship with the Navigation Authorities and MCA, and has been at the forefront of raising safety standards and improving the quality of boating holidays, embracing new technology and enhancing the comfort of inland waterway boats.
Over the last twenty years BMIB initiated and helped develop the Hire Boat Code, Boat Grading Standards and the Hire Boat Handover Scheme. We work closely with the British Marine Secretariat , including the Technical Team and Training Department in meeting the challenges and expectations of a changing UK holiday market.