Susan Amos has become the first woman in New Zealand to achieve certification from the Global Marina Institute (GMI). GMI President John Hogan CMP said Susan’s certification as a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) was an important milestone for the marina industry. “The industry needs more women in leadership roles. Women make up just 7% of the certified marina personnel in the Asia, Australian and New Zealand regions. Susan’s certification highlights the pathway for other women to emulate.”

Susan has been involved in the marina industry since 2007. She was appointed Marina Manager at Whangamata Marina in October 2016. The marina is located on the Coromandel Peninsula and it has 209 berths ranging from 10.5m to 20m in length. The marina achieved NZ Clean Marina certification in March 2012.The marina is owned by an Incorporated Society (under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908) and is a not for profit entity. Susan is also the Treasurer for the New Zealand Marina Operators Association.

Susan completed her course work for CMM through the Marina Industries Association (MIA). Susan said “I am really thrilled about this qualification. I have had tremendous support from the previous Manager and from the Management Committee. I have always admired those who have achieved this qualification. Through the MIA I have been fortunate to participate in the intermediate and advanced marina management courses which are pre-requisites to applying for certification. I was also very fortu-nate to have been successful in being awarded the Bellingham scholarship to assist with participating in this education process. The standard of these courses is excellent and the networking invaluable.”

There are 34 CMM’s and six Certified Marina Professionals (CMP) across the MIA regions of education course delivery. Globally there are over 250 certified members and the number is steadily growing.