This year sees a host of first time exhibitors, plus a few companies that have returned after watching the show expand in size and reputation over the years.

This year's show includes two new sections - DiveWork and RibWork.

DiveWork is dedicated to the commercial diving industry. It will represent the contribution that the sub-sea industry makes to many aspects of research, survey and construction in coastal and port contracts.

RibWork will be interesting to a lot of leisure marine companies. There's the RibWork forum, which presents a series of conference sessions focusing upon relevant issues affecting the RIB and small craft market.

And there's the RIB Trail, which makes it easy for visitors whose interest is the RIB market to fast track their way to stands of interest. The RIB Trail will be highlighted in the official Seawork catalogue, 5000 copies of which are distributed at the event, and on strategically placed boards at the show.

Many exhibitors who supply to the commercial marine market also manufacture and distribute product to the leisure market and see Seawork as a valuable means of targeting both sectors.

Companies that have tried and tested Seawork and keep coming back for more are ASAP Supplies, Cleghorn Waring, Avon Inflatables, C-Map, EP Barrus, Gecko Headgear, Halyard (M&I), Jeanneau (Sea Ventures), Krueger, Lee Sanitation, Marine Electronic Systems, Ocean Dynamics, Ribcraft, Saxon Wharf (MDL), Seafresh Desalinators, Vetus den Ouden, Victory Marine Fittings, Walcon Marine, Whispaire and Wave Seven Marine.

Brand new exhibitors More importantly, brand new exhibitors and those returning after an absence - having watched the exhibition grow in size and reputation over the past few years - include Ampair, Aquafax, Aqua Marine Manufacturing, Chartwork, Chugoku Paints (Marine and Industrial), Cooney Marine, Henshaw Inflatables, Honda UK, International Coatings, Jetfloat, Keto, Lalizas, Lymfox, Manuflex, Evo Distribution, Marclear 2000, Marine Fire Safety, Mariner computers, Mastervolt, Poralu, Toomer and Hayter, Vulkan Industries, Wet & Wild Clothing and Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd.

There is an extensive conference programme that includes papers from the MCA, the MoD, the RNLI, DMA, BOSCA, AMRIE, RIN, Wessex Archaeology and Transec and other leading maritime organisations.

It also features papers from companies such as Sony, Lester Aldridge solicitors, Land & Water and Marico Marine which address the latest developments in innovation and technology, directives and legislation governing the operation of commercial craft and their activities and new methods of working that aim to streamline the manufacturing processes.

The Innovations Showcase is looking more impressive than ever, with entries submitted so far including everything from new types of RIB fender (Compass Marine) to an alarm system that's activated the minute anything foreign blocks the cooling water seacock (Halyard [M&I]).

Keto is promoting Thermoduct, which improves heater performance, and Newage Transmissions will introduce its two-speed gearbox.

PCAL will launch a software program that analyses the integrity of bathymetry data and Ruco will be introducing the Swathe Surveyor, which is particularly appropriate for configuring rivers, ports and all shallow waterways.

MG Duff will be showing its Zingard Galvanizing system and Ultra Dynamics has put forward its new 575 Ultrajet. Other entries include a SOLAS/Ships Wheel approved lifebuoy light from Ocean Safety and the Rescue Egg lifebuoy from Restech Norway, can be thrown easily up to 30m. New vessels entered into the showcase include the Classic 915 from B-W Seacat and Terra Marique, a submersible barge from Damen Shipyard.

Announced at the event Judging of the entries takes place on Tuesday June 22 and the overall winner of the Spirit of Innovation Award will be announced at the event, with the award being presented by sponsors Bond Pearce at the Gala Dinner.

Due to the high standard of entries in previous years, the award will be split into four categories this year - vessel equipment, marine construction and civil engineering, vessel design, marine electronics and safety. The showcase is expected to highlight some 60 new products, vessels and projects that have been launched onto the market in the past year.

The press coverage surrounding the award and presentation will be extensive, including postshow releases to all the relevant marine press and articles within the official Seawork newsletters. The Seawork Gala Dinner is becoming a "must go" event in the commercial marine calendar and is open to all exhibitors and their guests. It takes place, once again, at St Mary's Stadium, home to Southampton Football Club, on the evening of Tuesday June 22 and offers a drinks reception with 3-course dinner - including wine - followed by first class entertainment: last year's entertainer had the audience rolling in the aisles.

The 2003 Gala Dinner was oversubscribed with a final headcount of 512 and the Seawork organisers say they expect a similar situation this year. Exhibitors be warned!

Reserve your tables or individual tickets as soon as possible.

A table of 10 costs only £400 and provides exhibitors with the opportunity of networking with industry peers and socialising with existing and potential customers, all in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The Gala Dinner is sponsored for the third consecutive year by ZF.

In addition to all of this, Seawork 2004 will feature demonstrations on the water of all the latest vessels and technology; a tank on the quayside - supplied by Searchwise - will be available for exhibitors to demonstrate their ROV's, cameras and underwater equipment; television and video coverage provided by DSTV with a floating screen showing still and moving footage of exhibitors and their products and the opportunity for exhibitors to be included in the official Seawork DVD.

Product launches There will be numerous product launches and press conferences;

attendance by all of the major marine associations and organisations including a champagne reception on the quayside for the UK Harbour Masters on Wednesday June 23; some extraordinary vessels including the 80 metre barge Ter ra Marique, which featured widely in the press recently carrying Concorde on its final journey to a museum in Glasgow, and a jetski that has been adapted by Compass Hydrographic in conjunction with Ohmex for use as a Hydrographic Survey craft.

"With 5000 visitors expected over the three days from all over Europe and America, " said Wilson, "Seawork has become the exhibition for anyone who supplies to, or works in, the commercial marine and leisure sectors."

For an instant overview of the event, including an up to date exhibitor list, log onto www.seawork.com Entrance to the show is free and registration is quick and easy via the website. If you think you would benefit from exhibiting at Seawork 2004, some stands and berths still remain - contact Jane Wilson on 01329 820485. Small Business Sites start at only £425+VAT for BMF members.