// MARKET TRENDS
Atwood Lake Boats, ranked number 12 on Boating Industry’ s 2024 Top Dealers list, is a full-service dealership and marina serving boaters in Mineral City, Ohio.
Staffing pressures
While technology is streamlining operations, staffing remains a persistent challenge.
Groom pointed out that location can heighten the staffing issue. Hawks Cay Marina serves boaters in the Florida Keys, a remote destination where housing costs are high. Hawks Cay offers employee housing for certain roles, commissions on booking charter excursions, free uniforms and other incentives to attract and retain staff.
AMI’ s Certified Marina Manager and Certified Clean and Resilient Marina Professional programs also help create long-term, reliable employees.“ That’ s the biggest impact that AMI can have on the industry,” Chapman said.“ Training those professionals who are going to be responsible for running marinas in the future.”
But he said hiring technicians is the most significant challenge, noting that the aviation and automotive industries are also facing shortages.
“ Workforce recruitment and retention continue to challenge the industry,” said Redmond.“ Strong training pipelines including our university partnerships with more than a dozen hospitality schools and our internship / manager in training programs are key to keeping pace and building the next generation of marina leaders.”
Suntex began partnering with Florida State University’ s Dedman School of Hospitality about five years ago to introduce hospitality students to career opportunities in the marina space. The partnership has led to the development of marina operations curriculum, internships and a manager and training program.
Regulations and advocacy landscape
While managers focus on serving customers and retaining a strong team, they must also operate in compliance with environmental, safety and operational regulations.“ It’ s just a lot to keep up with and it’ s ever changing,” Chapman said.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration( OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency( EPA) and Department of Natural Resources( DNR) requirements remain moving targets that marina managers must constantly monitor. AMI’ s Clean and Resilient Marina Program, launched in 2022, helps operators navigate these requirements and strengthen environmental practices.
“ The Clean and Resilient Marina Program touches on all of that, but every state is different so there’ s not a one size fits all because it depends on your jurisdiction,” Chapman said.
AMI focuses on federal-level issues while state-level advocacy typically falls to local organizations.“ We’ re out there not letting something come through Washington that’ s going to affect the marina industry in a negative way.”
OSHA
Assures American workers have safe and healthful working conditions free from unlawful retaliation.
EPA
Protects U. S. waters from vessel related activities around emissions, pollution, stormwater, etc.
DNR
Blends state boating laws with specific marina rules around safety, environmental protection and managing shared water resources.
26 november / december 2025 www. boatingindustry. com