Code of Practice

As previously announced The Yacht Harbour Association’s (TYHA) renowned code of practice is being revised and updated with the support of specialist international marina design consultancy Marina Projects Ltd. The Marina Code of Practice is a widely recognized industry guide that outlines best practices for the design, construction and operation of marinas.

We have received some very useful feedback from the TYHA members after requesting input via a questionnaire. This information will help shape the final document, which will be launched at the World Marina Conference (ICOMIA) in Venice in October 2025. The stake holder consultation has been completed, and the first draft is now in progress.

The original Code of Practice was initially created in 1977 and now requires modernization to reflect their global use as the primary reference for marina design and operations. TYHA and Marina Projects will collaborate to update these standards, incorporating their expertise to ensure comprehensive guidance, and capture all areas that have evolved since the document was first established. The revised guide will address key factors such as, sustainability, environmental changes, evolving boat types and usage, boatyard operations, superyacht requirements, whilst considering global trends to ensure the standards remain relevant and future proofed.

The Marina Code of Practice refers to a set of guidelines and standards developed to ensure safe, responsible, and sustainable management of marinas. It covers a wide range of issues as follows:

  • Safety Standards: Guidelines for ensuring the safe operation of vessels, equipment, and infrastructure within the marina, as well as the safety of personnel and visitors.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Encouraging environmentally friendly practices such as waste management, pollution control, and energy-efficient operations.
  • Operational Excellence: Recommendations for the smooth running of the marina, including management practices, customer service, staff training, and emergency preparedness.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Advise on national and local maritime regulations, including harbour, pollution control, and other legal frameworks.
  • Sustainability: Encouragement for marinas to operate in ways that reduce their environmental impact, such as reducing carbon footprints, promoting eco-friendly technologies, and supporting sustainable practices in boating.
  • Maintenance and Infrastructure: Emphasis on maintaining high-quality, functional infrastructure that meets the needs of boat owners and ensures the safety of all users.

Jon White of TYHA remarked:

The leisure marina sector is growing and evolving at a rapid pace, putting increasing pressure on marina designers, builders, and operators to maintain the highest standards and deliver exceptional service to customers. Ensuring that our code of practice offers the best possible guidance for our members across 30 countries is therefore crucial. We are thrilled to collaborate with the renowned industry experts at Marina Projects on this important review. Led by Mike Ward, the Marina Projects team not only brings exceptional skills and experience to the table but also genuine enthusiasm about partnering with TYHA to create a new, outstanding code of practice for our industry.

Mike Ward Managing Director at Marina Projects Ltd commented: “We fully support the need for a comprehensive update of TYHA’s Code of Practice and we are delighted to be working with Jon and the wider TYHA organisation on this very important piece of work. TYHA’s expanding international presence and the general expansion of the marina sector across the world has the code being applied in an increasing range of varied circumstances. Furthermore, the industry is changing at an increasing pace, customer demands are evolving, and it is essential that the industry led design and operational guidance provided by TYHA not only keeps pace but also sets the course for improving standards across all aspects of marina design and operations for the foreseeable future.”