2023 BMEEA Apprentices Competition

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2023 BMEEA Apprentices Competition

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Marine business Level 3 apprentice teams are set to compete in real time to produce a fully working electrical system at the BMEEA Apprentices Competition to be held this year at Seawork .

Up to twelve teams will take part in this year’s edition of the annual competition which will take place on the morning of Thursday, the 15th of June during Seawork’s Training and Careers Day.

Derek Gilbert, Chair of the BMEEA said:

“I am absolutely thrilled that the BMEEA is able to support the apprentices and delighted that so many teams are going to participate. We are especially pleased that this annual competition is taking place on Training & Careers Day at Seawork highlighting apprentices as the future of our industry.”

The winners will be announced on the day at Seawork and will also be invited to attend the BMEEA Annual Conference in October.

Full article is available here

Call Derek Gilbert

07713 510798

Email Us

secretary@bmeea.co.uk

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March 3, 2021August 30, 2025

2020 BMEEA Apprentices Competition

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2020 BMEEA Apprentices Competition

Due to the ongoing COVID situation, the BMEEA postponed the annual conference but held the 2020 Annual General Meeting via Zoom.

Normally several awards would be presented during the conference, but due to the circumstances, only two awards were made for 2020, these being to the Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the year and to the Newly certificated Electrical Technician of the year.

The BMEEA is determined to recognise the efforts and achievements by apprentices and engineers alike within the leisure marine industry, to continue to drive standards up through attaining industry relevant qualifications.

BMEEA Newly Certificated Electronic Technician

The award for Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the year, sponsored by Raymarine was presented by Tim Davies of BMEEA to Joshua Ross, a fourth year Apprentice at Berthon boat Company.

Joshua Ross, BMEEA Newly Certified Electronic Technician of the Year 2020 Photo Credit: Berthon

BMEEA Newly Certificated Electrical technician

The award for Newly Certificated Electrical technician of the year, sponsored by Fischer Panda , was presented by Keith Meadowcroft of BMEEA to Jack Penty of P & S Marine

Jack Penty, British Marine Newly Certified Electrical Technician of the Year 2020 Photo Credit: Tom Pattle of P & S Marine.

The recipients were chosen by the BMEEA based on their excellent exam results as well as feedback from their course tutors, they were both delighted to receive their awards in recognition of their hard work and commitment to raising standards and qualification.

Call Derek Gilbert

07713 510798

Email Us

secretary@bmeea.co.uk

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October 20, 2019August 30, 2025

2019 Conference

Newly Certificated Electronic technicians of the Year

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2019 Conference

– The British Marine Electrical & Electronic Association held one of their largest and most successful conferences at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton on

the 15th October.

The Chairman, Derek Gilbert, opened the Conference by welcoming the speakers and special guests, including Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine; he also thanked the Event Sponsors, especially Victron Energy as Headline Sponsors of this year’s event and welcomed a group of apprentices, invited to join the conference and to participate in a competition during the day.

The general theme of the day was biased towards environmentally friendly technologies and training support for apprentices Delegates were treated to a wide range of subject matters including presentations from John Haynes of Shock Mitigation, introducing latest developments in Hybrid Power utilisation in marine vessels, Marine Electronic Interfacing and its future presented by Phil Whitehurst of Actisense and an ‘Overview of Marine Electrical Apprenticeship Standards’ presented by Ulrika Lawrence of British Marine Training.

After lunch, Ross Wombwell, British Marine Technical Manager briefed the conference on updates to ISO standards relevant to the leisure marine market and the impact of Brexit on CE marked products. This was followed by James Scott-Anderson of British Marine Environment presenting environmental issues which need to be addressed by the leisure marine industry. Ross completed the presentations with an update on ‘The World Sailing launch challenge 2024’.

The formal section of the Conference was followed by the Association’s AGM – which then opened up to a round table discussion by all delegates identifying how best to promote the professionalism, qualification, training and the quality of BMEEA members specifically to boat owners.

Concurrent with the main conference during the afternoon was an apprentice’s competition in which teams from RNLI, Sunseeker, Berthon Boats and Dolphin Marine completed an electrical technical task. The eventual winning team, in a close-run competition, being Joshua Ross and Kian Cotterill-Clark of Berthon Boats. Both Joshua and Kian received toolkits presented by Ian Lewis of Weidmuller as part of their award as well as receiving the trophy sponsored by Navico and presented by Lesley Robinson.

The day was rounded off with presentations of awards for BMEEA’s ‘Product of the Year’, the BMEEA’s ‘Dealer/Installer of the Year’, the BMEEA ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ and BMEEA’s ‘Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year.

“The Apprentices – I spent a lot of time talking to them. Having developed and run training I know hard it is to ‘teach’ people. They need to want to ‘learn’ – yours do!”

– John Haynes – Managing Director, Shock mitigation

“Congratulations on another great day . . . . . The guys from MEEMA told me they were really impressed!”

– Rod Boreham – Managing Director, Advance yacht Systems Ltd

Apprentice Competition

Joshua Ross and Kian Cotterill-Clark

Running concurrently to the main conference during the afternoon was an apprentice’s competition in which several teams completed an electrical technical task. The eventual team winners of a close competition being Joshua Ross and Kian Cotterill-Clark of the Berthon Boat Company.

Both Joshua and Fred received tool packs as part of their award as well as receiving the trophy, both of which sponsored by Weidmuller and presented by Ian Lewis from Weidmuller.

The day was rounded off with presentations of awards for BMEEA’s ‘Product of the Year’, the BMEEA’s ‘Dealer/Installer of the Year, the BMEEA ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ and BMEEA’s ‘Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year:

Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year

Scott Simpson

The ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ was awarded to Scott Simpson of STS Electrical by (on the right) David Payne of Fischer Panda UK Ltd, the company that sponsors this award

Newly Certificated Electronic Technicians of the Year

Chris Orchard & Connor Moore

The ‘Newly Certificated Electronic technicians of the Year’ being presented with the trophies. There is actually only one trophy but both these technicians scored 100% in their MEI courses and they are taken here by, L to R Chris Orchard, Connor Moore and presented by Derek Gilbert of Raymarine UK Ltd and Chairman of BMEEA. As Connor Moore was unable to attend, his trophy was taken here on his behalf by Peter Harwood.

Both the winners are from Princess Yachts International Sales/Service

DealerInstaller of the Year

Rowlands Marine Electronics

The ‘Dealer/Installer of the Year’, presented here on the right by by Derek Gilbert of Raymarine UK Ltd to Ian Loffhagen of Rowlands Marine Electronics

Product of the Year

Advance Yacht Systems Ltd –

Frigomar BLDC Inverter Drive Variable Speed Air Conditioning

The winner of the ‘Product of the Year’ award was Advance Yacht Systems Ltd for their Frigomar BLDC Inverter Drive Variable Speed Air Conditioning. The award is sponsored by Boating Business and on the right is Katina Read, Editor, to Rod Boreham of Advance Yacht Systems Ltd

BMEEA Chairman Derek Gilbert commented that he was delighted that the Conference had been so well received, the variety and quality of presentations provided thought for all delegates and it was very rewarding to see so many apprentices join the event and participate in the competition.

October 14, 2018August 30, 2025

2013 Conference

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2013 Conference

– The 2013 British Marine Electronics Association Conference took place on Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 at the Novotel, West Quay, Southampton. This annual event provides an opportunity for all sectors of the marine industry to get together not only to discuss topics of mutual interest but also to create and build beneficial business relationships.

Introduced by Derek Gilbert, BMEA Chairman, the Conference included presentations by well known speakers. John Adey, President of ABYC, gave an interesting overview of their work with comparisons with the UK.

He made the point that in terms of training, our apprentice schemes are far ahead of the US and congratulated us on this approach. Dr Martin Unwin, principal GNSS engineer from Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd gave a very comprehensive overview of the new Galileo European satellite navigation system. Pointing out the fact that GPS is now quite dated, he discussed an extended list of facilities that this system would be able to carry out over and above navigation. Additional carrier frequencies and today’s technology will allow not only seriously increased positional accuracy but also enable the system to take part in SAR, additional to COSPAS/SARSAT. Gavin McGee, senior investment consultant for St James Wealth Management gave an amusing but relevant overview of today’s needs for personal savings to provide decent pensions.

A return visit by Keith Longman, Berthon Boat Company, updated the delegates with emphasis on their award winning apprenticeship schemes that allows the company to provide employment as older staff retire, something that is very important to all industries.

Chris Harris, sales manager from MG Duff Ltd had been requested to give a detailed overview of corrosion matters and how this natural phenomena can be minimized in the marine environment by using the best materials and protecting them from natural corrosion under water. Finally, Ken Wittamore discussed his views on government and EU based grants that were available for development work especially when related to ‘green’ use of energy.

The Association’s AGM approved a new constitution, name (BMEEA) and logo, the latter two making it clear that the Association was a specialist group within the Federation and provided expertise in electrical supplies and its on-board distribution, additional to all the electronics that has been the mainstay of the Association since its inception some 25 years ago.

Apprentice Electrical Competition

Kane Watts and John Smyth

For the first time, the Association organised an electrical competition aimed at young apprentices coming into the industry. This was won by a team of two, Kane Watts and John Smyth currently employed by Oyster Yachts and being trained by Southampton City College. Seen here is Kane Watts receiving the award on behalf of the team

Retirement award

Ian Lockyer

A special award was given to Ian Lockyer who, after more than 10 years, has had to retire from looking after the BMEEA website, BMEA Direct the on-line magazine he developed for the Association and many other related activities. Derek Gilbert thanked Ian on the Association’s behalf and presented him with a suitably engraved tankard which we are sure will be put to good use

At dinner, three major awards were announced:

> ‘Newly Certificated Technician of the Year’ – sponsored by Raymarine

> ‘BMEEA Waterside Dealer of the Year’ – sponsored by Garmin.

> ‘BMEEA Product of the Year’ – sponsored by Boating Business

Newly Certificated Technician of the Year

Robert Stone

The BMEA Newly Certificated Technician of the Year Award, sponsored by Raymarine plc, was given to Robert Stone from Boat Electrics and Electronics Ltd, seen here with Derek Gilbert, current Chairman of BMEA

Waterside Dealer of the Year

Ships Electronic Services Ltd

The BMEA Waterside Dealer of the Year Award, sponsored by Garmin UK Ltd, was awarded to Ships Electronic Services Ltd. Presented to Simon Wood for SES Ltd, Bob Fry of Garmin Europe Ltd did the honours

Product of the Year

Actisense – EMU1 Engine Monitoring Unit

The BMEA Product of the Year Award, sponsored by Boating Business, was presented to Phil Whitehurst of Actisense by Tim Morgan of Dyfed Electronics, the incoming BMEEA Chairman.

The product that Actisense had developed and for which the award was given is their EMU1, Engine Monitoring Unit, interfaced using NMEA2000.

October 14, 2018August 30, 2025

2015 Conference

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2015 Conference

– Yet another great Annual Conference, well attended and with a variety of presentations from electrical power supplies, the Internet and its future control from domestic devices, to complex marine electronics, insurance matters to B2B marketing, the use of hybrid power and propulsion for energy support vessels and the design of RNLI lifeboats to last 50 years!

John Adey, president of ABYC and at the last minute unable to fly over, had sent his presentation to be delivered by Paul Holland of Energy Solutions UK Ltd on John’s behalf. Andrew Webster of Mercator Media dealt with B2B marketing and was followed by Paul Sumpner of Digital Yacht who provided a fascinating look at the way the Internet is moving to provide amazing and intelligent remote control of products from domestic to high tech marine electronics.

Russ Coxon, Senior electrical & electronic engineer for the RNLI provided video demonstrations of the latest lifeboat designs fitted with complex flat screen displays to enable the total control of comms and machinery from any part of the craft.

David Melville and Chris Foyer of Fischer Panda discussed in detail the benefits of variable speed generators and the resultant high efficiencies. Andy Page of South Boats talked about the development of energy support vessels, their flexibility using hybrid power, He was followed by Mike Jeffrey of G J W Insurance with a light-hearted look at insurance for the maritime world.

> ‘Newly Certificated Engineer of the Year’ – sponsored by Raymarine

> ‘BMEEA Dealer of the Year’ – sponsored by Garmin Europe Ltd.

> ‘BMEEA Product of the Year’ – sponsored by Boating Business

The apprentice team competition was won by Ashley Cobb and Will Hicks, again from Sunseeker Interational Ltd, presented here by Nigel Vincent of Victron BV. The apprentices are studying at the Bournemouth & Poole College

Newly Certificated

Engineer of the Year

Simon Ward

The ‘Newly Certificated Engineer of the Year’ sponsored by Raymarine UK Ltd and presented by Derek Gilbert was won by Simon Ward of Selcraig Marine Ltd.

Dealer of the Year

Landau UK Ltd

For the second year, Landau UK Ltd won the ‘Dealer of the Year’ award received here by Chris Doran of Landau from Nick Meadow of Garmin Europe Ltd

Product of the Year

Yacht Surfer – YachtSonic on-board internet system

The ‘Product of the Year’, sponsored by Boating Business was presented by Peter Nash to Warren D’Souza of Yacht Surfer with their YachtSonic on-board internet system.

October 14, 2018August 30, 2025

2016 Conference

2016 'Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year'

2016 Conference

– The BMEEA regrettably had to cancel its annual Conference and AGM planned for October 2016 at the RNLI headquarters in Poole, so chose to present the annual awards at the following Committee meeting and AGM held on the 30th November at Marine House Egham.

We are delighted to confirm the competitions for:

> ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ – sponsored by Fischer Panda

> ‘Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year’ – sponsored by Raymarine

> ‘BMEEA Dealer of the Year’ – sponsored by Garmin.

> ‘BMEEA Product of the Year’ – sponsored by Boating Business

These were all awarded at or shortly after the AGM. We were delighted to receive a new award from Fischer Panda, especially for the ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ as

We firmly believe that training and qualification are both key to raising standards within our industry and offering our customers ever better levels of support and performance, particularly as products become ever more complex and integrated into vessels.

It is indeed heartening to see the commitment and focus of companies on the development of staff and resources, as we all know, people are our best asset.

Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year

Barry Marson

Barry Marson (right) of Richardson’s Leisure Ltd receiving the award as ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’, from Barry Fower, MD of Fischer Panda UK Ltd who sponsor this new award.

Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year

Rachel Oliver

Rachel Oliver (left) of Osprey Technical Consulting Ltd receiving the award as ‘Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year’, from Derek Gilbert, of Raymarine UK Ltd who sponsored this award.

Dealer of the Year

Landau UK Ltd

Derek Gilbert presenting the award to Chris Doran (left) of Landau UK Ltd, sponsored by Garmin Europe Ltd. Landau has won this award for the third time.

Product of the Year

Icom UK Ltd – IC-M25EURO handheld VHF

Boating Business sponsor the ‘Product of the Year’ award, won this year by Icom UK Ltd for their IC-M25EURO handheld VHF. Award received by Ian Lockyer (right) of Icom

UK.

August 25, 2018August 30, 2025

2018 Conference

2018 Conference

– The British Marine Electrical & Electronic Association held yet another successful conference at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton on the 10th October. The Chairman, Derek Gilbert, opened the Conference by welcoming the speakers and special guests; he also thanked the Event Sponsors, especially Victron Energy as Headline Sponsors of this year’s event.

The Delegates were treated to a wide range of subject matters during the day, including presentations from Professor Cathryn Mitchell explaining ‘The Resilience and vulnerabilities of GNSS’, Richard Daltry presented an ‘An Overview of Autonomous Vessel Technology’ and Dr Richard Jales Principal Engineer at Raymarine presented ‘The Latest Radar Technologies’.

After lunch, Dan Cox from E-Plex presented ‘How to meet changing customer expectations associated with networked Monitoring and Control systems’, clearly explaining the reasons for forward planning! This session was followed by Jamie Marley describing the issues associated with the Electrification of boat propulsion’.

The series of presentations concluded with a presentation by Ross Wombwell, BM’s Technical Manager who covered ‘Technical updates and a look to the future’ raising issues associated with the latest ISO updates and changes happening within British Marine to adapt to meet the needs of its members.

The formal section of the Conference was completed with the Association’s AGM followed by a round table discussion by all delegates identifying how best to promote the professionalism, qualification, training and quality of British Marine members in general and BMEEA members specifically to consumers.

“An excellent event with very interesting presentations”

– Richard Daltry, ASV Global Ltd, who also gave an exciting presentation on autonomous maritime vessels

“What a fantastic event it was and real credit must go to Tony Johns, hon Secretary to BMEEA for organizing it!”

– Tom Merriman, South Coast Regional Executive for British Marine

Apprentice Competition

Jordan Warren and Fred Wills

Running concurrently to the main conference during the afternoon was an apprentice’s competition in which teams from RNLI, Sunseeker and Berthon Boats completed an electrical technical task. The eventual close team winners being Jordan Warren and Fred Wills of Sunseeker.

Both Jordan and Fred received vouchers for tools as part of their award as well as receiving the trophy Sponsored by Navico.

Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year

Henry Castledine

The ‘Newly Certificated Electrical Technician of the Year’ for 2018 was awarded to Henry Castledine from the Berthon Boat Company, on the left and presented here by David Melville of Fischer Panda UK Ltd who kindly sponsored this award.

Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year

Rebekah Hancock

The ‘Newly Certificated Electronic Technician of the Year’ for 2018 was presented to Rebekah Hancock from Mylor Yacht Harbour, presented here by Derek Gilbert, BMEEA Chairman and from Raymarine UK Ltd, the company sponsoring this award.

DealerInstaller of the Year

Fox’s Electronics Ltd

The ‘Dealer/Installer of the Year’, presented here on the right by Ian Cooke, President elect of British Marine to George McCormick of Fox’s Electronics Ltd

Product of the Year

Fischer Panda UK Ltd – Panda Neo generators

The winner of the ‘Product of the Year’ award was Fischer Panda UK Ltd with a new generator. The award is sponsored by Boating Business and on the right is Katina Read, Editor, presenting the award to David Payne of Fischer Panda.

The presentation of awards was followed by a very entertaining after dinner speaker, Watson, focusing on ‘Enigma, the unbreakable broken’ describing the development of secret codes, the development of the Enigma machines and how they operated as well as the efforts by the teams at Bletchley park to identify the keys required to read coded messages.