‘On behalf of AINA members I would like to express our enormous gratitude for all that Ian has done to champion the work of navigation authorities over many years,’ said Philip Burgess. ‘Under Ian’s chairmanship, AINA has matured as it has focused on the issues facing operational navigations. This focus has helped us to deliver significant benefits to members through the issue of good practice guidance, by setting industrywide standards and by providing a single voice that has become increasingly welcomed by legislators and regulators.’

We can look back on our successes under Ian and take the renewed confidence that we will need to address the challenges that lie ahead, he added.

Mrs Julia Simpson, head of Recreation, Navigation and Marine for the Environment Agency took over as AINA chairman on February 1 for a three-year term of office.