For over ten years the British Marine Federation, the leisure marine business governing body and group that runs the London and Southampton Boat Shows, has had a great interest in PW. Within the Federation there is a divsion called MEEMA (Marine Engine & Equipment Manufacturers Association). Within that is a sub-committee that represents all the members that are involved in PW.

The committee has had a unique proactive approach to the use and control of PW for over 10 years. It is comprised of delegates from BMF, Kawasaki, Polaris, Sea-Doo & Yamaha, plus RJP & Mardon insurance companies, CSL Publishing & Datatag. The RYA have a co-opted member on the committee.

The MEEMA committee have been the driving force behind all programmes over the last ten years to ensure that water is kept available for PW users where ever possible, with all members working together to achieve this goal.

In 2002 the committee decided that it was necessary to go one step further and have a person appointed to give the whole PW sector one contact point for anybody needing assistance in the use and management of craft. The representative would also monitor all the Authorities, Associations and government departments that can influence water availability. The new partnership would also represent the sixty authorisied craft dealers in the UK plus the interests of users.

Chris Neville-Parry was appointed to be Executive director of the new Partnership. Chris had been with Sea-Doo since the craft were first imported in the late 1980s and has always taken a very active part in all safety and management issues.

We asked Chris what qualities he believes he brings to the PWP. "I am a great believer that there is room for everybody, provided you appreciate the needs of others. Over the years I have gained experience from many parts of the world in the significant benefits of club activities. I believe clubs to be an effective way of gaining more enjoyment from a hobby as well as leading to more responsible behavious from members, who self monitor the behaviour of their group."