Addressing the Compliance Gap: ICOMIA Session at METSTRADE 2025
Peter Wallbank, Co-Founder and Group Technical Director of August Race Group, was invited to speak on the METSTRADE main stage alongside Patrick Hemp, Technical Director of ICOMIA, as part of an ICOMIA-led session focused on regulatory awareness and compliance within the recreational marine industry.
The session, titled “Navigating the regulatory landscape: a technical guide for the recreational marine industry”, took place on Thursday 20 November 2025 on the METSTRADE Stage and explored the increasingly complex and evolving global regulatory environment facing manufacturers, suppliers, and operators across leisure marine.
A key theme of the discussion was the gap between regulation and day-to-day operational understanding, particularly in relation to international anti-pollution legislation. The session addressed MARPOL, with specific reference to Annex V, which applies to all vessels and governs the discharge of waste - including certain substances commonly associated with onboard cleaning and maintenance activities.
The presentation highlighted the importance of practical interpretation of legislation, supporting standards, and harmonisation efforts between international frameworks. It also explored how clearer guidance, improved transparency, and shared technical tools can help reduce compliance risk while supporting environmental protection, product development, and global market access.
By bringing together regulatory insight and real-world industry experience, the session aimed to support greater confidence across the recreational marine sector when navigating international requirements. The discussion reflected a broader industry commitment to collaboration, clarity, and responsible operational practice as environmental and technical expectations continue to evolve.
August Race Group is proud to support ICOMIA’s work in helping the recreational marine industry better understand and respond to global regulatory change.
