First Thailand Marina achieves international environmental accreditation

Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand has achieved accreditation under the International Clean Marina Program. © Marina Industries Association

Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand has achieved accreditation under the International Clean Marina Program. The marina is the first in Thailand to achieve this recognition. Royal Phuket Marina has well protected facilities for 100 yachts within the site that includes a hard stand, dry stack, luxury apartments, villas and retail outlets.

Clean Marina accreditation is based on a site assessment by an independent auditor using a 103 point checklist developed by industry and government specialists in Australia. The audit includes inspections of mechanical activities, boat maintenance and storage, fueling, facility and waste management, workshop, risk management and emergency planning and boater education. A detailed written report is provided to the Marina following the site audit.

Commenting on the professionalism and dedication of Royal Phuket Marina staff the auditor said "the systems used to manage the marina operations are exceptionally well thought through and adhered to by the entire marina team."

The Clean Marina Program is administered by the Marina Industries Association (MIA). MIA Chairman Andrew Chapman said the accreditation of Royal Phuket Marina is very significant. "As the recreational boating industry matures and continues to grow strongly in this region of Asia it is vital that high environmental standards and practices become the norm. If this were not the case the quality of the boating experience would diminish over time and industry growth suffer. Royal Phuket Marina is to be congratulated for striving to achieve international best practice in marina environmental management and operations. The Marina is providing leadership for other marinas in the region to follow."

Royal Phuket Marina Manager Ben Mccrory said Royal Phuket Marina facilities and environmental management practices reflected the standards expected by Royal Phuket's discerning clients including boat owners, guests, captains and crew. "We also continue to hold Global Gold Anchor accreditation as a 5 Gold Anchor marina. These accreditations demonstrate our commitment to continually improving the experience of our clients."

MIA CEO Colin Bransgrove said "across the Asia Pacific region we are seeing more marinas including new developments using industry driven accreditation standards to inform their planning and development; to address market-place needs and to keep ahead of regulatory requirements."