The 7th edition of the India Boat and Marine Show (IBMS) commenced on Wednesday, January 21, at the Bolgatty Palace Event Centre in Kochi. Overlooking Vembanad, the largest lake in India, it provides a scenic and fitting backdrop for the exhibition that displays various maritime equipment, from basic fishing gear and water sports equipment to luxurious boats and water safety awareness initiatives.
Joseph Kuriacose, the director of Cruz Expos, organising the event, expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the growth of water sports in India, owing to its vast coastline. “Although all states in India have water bodies, the country has only tapped into five per cent of the market. The equipment and technology related to water sports is one of the things that this exhibition hopes to showcase.”
Joseph Kuriacose, the director of Crus Expos, organising the India Boat and Marine Show
With 65 companies and 110 stalls at the event, the show has garnered support from the Coast Guard, The Southern Naval Command, and the Maritime Board. “We are not only attracting visitors from Kerala. Around seven state tourism departments have sent their delegates as well,” Kuriacose added.
Wanting to expand their business to the global market, South Korea-based company Seafirst is one of the exhibits at the event. Talking to Lee Dong Young, Deputy Manager at Seafirst, he highlighted the company’s longstanding presence in the hydraulic steering business, saying, “We have been travelling around the world to assess the consumer base and found a lot of potential in India for our product to succeed.”
Exhibit of the National Institute of Watersports
The National Institute of Watersports, which operates under India’s Ministry of Tourism, was also present. The institute's main aim is to educate and bring out licensed professionals in the field of water sports by providing them adequate training by proritising skill over education. The organisation also conducts safety audits, inspections and feasibility studies on water bodies to assess which water activities can be done in the area. “Once they meet our standards, will we provide them with a 2-year license that will require periodic renewal,” said Nithin, a representative from the institute.
Among the other exhibitors were also educational institutions like the Indian Maritime University and Aries International Maritime Research Institute, who hope to broaden India’s knowledge of maritime activities.
On January 23, the IBMS will also conduct a Vendors Development Program for the exhibitors at 2 pm. This program, organised by the National Small Industries Cooperation, aims to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ease their connection with the maritime sector like the Cochin Shipyard.
“Under the Make in India initiative, 60 per cent of the equipment will come from SMEs, but shipyards find it difficult to reach the target. We aim to mobilize SMEs across India for better access,” Kuriacose said.
The India Boat and Marine Show is being conducted at the Bolgatty Event Centre from January 22-24 from 11 am to 7 pm.
