Joe Springer Receives Certified Marina Manager Designation

Fernandina Harbor Marina Successes include Cooperative Dredging, Environmental Responsibility and Community Outreach Fitting

Fernandina Beach, FL & Encino, CA – WESTREC Marinas’ Fernandina Harbor Marina, announces that its Manager, Joe Springer, has received the designation of Certified Marina Manager (CMM) from the Association of Marine Industries at their International Marina and Boatyard Conference in January.

“CMMs represent the elite in the marina and recreational boating industry. They value true personal and professional excellence and strive to maintain the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct in their commitment to the marina industry,” says John Louis, Westrec Southern Region Manager. “CMMs are marina professionals who have completed an extensive training and certification process through the globally recognized International Marina Institute (IMI) and embrace the continuance of education and training for themselves and those who work within the marina industry,” he added.

Joe Springer joined Fernandina Harbor Marina in 2010 after the City awarded management of the facility to Westrec following a thorough RFP process. During his tenure, Joe has worked diligently to provide excellent services for marina patrons, their guests and transient boaters visiting the historic destination. With the support of the Westrec team, Joe leads his marina employees in providing excellent customer service emphasizing environmental responsibility in all aspects of marina operations as well as community outreach events.

While Fernandina Harbor Marina has just completed 2012 dredging operations, to ensure the best possible access in 2013, additional dredging operations are already underway. With a siltation rate of approximately one inch per month, maintaining a usable depth is an ongoing concern for the Fernandina Harbor Marina. Following a presentation in 2011 to the Florida Inland Navigational District (FIND), a partnership was agreed on that leveraged FIND funds with municipal budget, enabling the marina to remove over 15,000 cubic yards of dredge material for acceptable depth.

“Even though this project was just completed, we are working on the plan for the 2013 fiscal year to remove even more material. Thoughtful dredging operations allows us attract the broadest spectrum of boats and yachts,” says Mr. Springer.

Another key management goal since Westrec was awarded the Management Contract for Fernandina Harbor Marina by the City of Fernandina Beach, was obtaining the Florida Department of Environmental Protection CLEAN MARINA status. This has been a top priority for Joe Springer and his marina team.

To become designated as a Clean Marina, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.

“There are over 2500 marinas located in the State of Florida; only 257 have achieved the Clean Marina designation. We’ve all worked very hard to complete the requirements, to show our commitment to this program and are honored to have been awarded the Florida Clean Marina designation on National Marina Day last year,” he says.

Fernandina Harbor Marina also celebrates the very nature of boating. Recently, the site hosted the 2012 Marina Trawler Owners Association’s MTOA Spring 2012 Rendezvous and was a proud sponsor of the city’s Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.

About WESTREC MARINAS
As the world’s largest owner operator of marinas and marine-related businesses, Westrec Marinas provides professional management services to its properties, affiliates and clients throughout the world. Founded in 1987, Westrec manages marina facilities located both in fresh and salt water environments, handling vessels ranging in size from personal watercraft to megayachts. Solutions unique to Westrec have been incorporated into our corporate philosophy throughout Westrec’s rapid growth. Service, our most important product, has remained unchanged since day one.

About Fernandina Harbor Marina
Fernandina Harbor Marina—the first marina built on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in Florida, is located directly on the ICW (at mile 716) via a well marked, charted and easy-to-navigate Federal Shipping Channel six miles from the Atlantic and is located in Fernandina Beach’s Downtown Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The marina, including the retail store and fuel dock with high speed pumps—is open from 6:15 A.M. to 8:15 P.M. seven days a week. A full-time staff of eight ensures smooth operations for all marina guests and slip holders.

The marina features 5,875 linear feet of dockage which provides 60 lineal side-tie “slips” and 20 moorings, a 25′ depth at mean low water beyond the attenuator and 6′ at inside slips, allowing yachts up to 200′ and boats of all sizes to take advantage of the most modern of marinas while enjoying the amenities the community offers. Just 35 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport, 13 miles of pristine beaches, 5-star resorts, and first-class tennis and golf are just a short drive away.