EURMIG will also monitor all evolving EU regulations likely to impact on the industry and make coordinated representations to the European institutions.

"The recreational marine industry is a young, growing and increasingly successful sector of the European economy, " said chairman Jurgen Tracht. "Our industry is comprised of small firms and generates revenue of ?13bn annually and sustains 164,000 jobs across Europe."

I am delighted to have been elected as the first chairman of EURMIG, he added, and I aim to ensure that it delivers a strong and united voice for our industry in Brussels.