Cowes of the North - Isle of Man Government

2.1.2 Support Facilities
Support facilities are under-developed, particularly in comparison with the services and
facilities available in leading marinas. For example, users have to climb steep ladders to
access the quayside; the toilet and shower facilities are very basic or users may have to rely
on the facilities of a Yacht Club and other sailing clubs. Some of the most basic services
such as fuel are not available within the harbours.
These facilities are suited to the committed boater who is prepared to work around the
constraints, but will deter many users and prevent people from upgrading their boats.
The introduction of tidal barriers at Douglas and Peel (providing non drying out berths)
combined with new marina pontoons at Douglas has demonstrated existing owners will
upgrade their boats. New boat owners wanting larger boats will start to take part in leisure
boating activities, once they are provided with a safe environment that will protect their
investment.
2.1.3 Employment
We estimate that 41 people are currently employed on the Isle of Man in the in the marine
leisure industry, representing about 0.05% of the population. In the southeast of England the
British Marine Federation (BMF) estimates that 0.1% of the population is employed in the
marine leisure sector. Compared with other small islands, the participation is even lower: in
Jersey the proportion is estimated at nearly 0.8% and on the Isle of Wight at 2.6%.
Employment in marine leisure is therefore relatively low, reflecting the number and quality of
boats and berths.
Figures 2.1 and 2.2 compare employment in the marine leisure industry by sub-sector in the
UK and the Isle of Man, based on the classification used by the BMF and using data from the
BMF and from our research respectively. Although the BMF figures are two years older than
the IOM figures, the situation is still representative.
Insurance and finance
Brokerage
Hire and charter
Wholesale distribution
Professional services
Moorings / berthing / storage
Boatyard services / repairs
New boat sales (dealers)
Retail
Boatbuilding and manufacture
Sea school
Waterside electronics dealer
Figure 2.1: UK marine leisure employment by sub-sector, 2004
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