Neil Ross, co-founder of the International Marina Institute (IMI), and the grandfather of marina training and certification has passed away peacefully at his Rhode Island home.
Neil was said to be a visionary pioneer in the marina industry with his influence on the industry immeasurable.
A Rhode Island native, Neil graduated from the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a BA in 1962, and again in 1968 with a master’s degree in education.
Following his education, he was hired by Rhode Island’s Sea Grant program as New England’s first extension agent where he began his lifelong work with the marina industry organising training classes for marina operators.
In 1986, with Paul Dodson and Dennis Nixon, Neil founded the IMI where he served for eight years as founding president.
He was key in the establishment of comprehensive training and certification programs, including the globally recognised Certified Marina Manager (CMM) programme.
Marina training
“Neil’s tireless efforts, energy, and enthusiasm have left an enduring legacy,” said the Association of Marine Industries, a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to the marina industry.
“He was instrumental in shaping the industry’s response to complex technical and topical challenges, and his impact continues to be felt today.”
In 2011, Neil was one of six to receive the Dennis Snow President’s Award from the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA).
The award is designed to recognise individuals and companies from the boatbuilding and repairing industry for their excellence in the marine industry.
During his career, Neil specialised in boatyard and marina environmental management, site planning, and professional development, and was technical advisor, consultant, and teacher for 40 years to more than 2,300 industry professionals and government officials around the world.
During his career, he wrote dozens of articles and reports, helped author marina environmental management guidelines for the US Environmental Protection Agency, helped develop the Clean Vessel Act pump-out grant program for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and was one of the initiators of the Clean Marina recognition award programme.
“Neil’s humour, creativity, and powerful presence inspired thousands of marina professionals,” added the Association of Marine Industries. “His dedication to educating and empowering marina operators has had a profound impact on the industry.
“He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.”
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