The document discusses the marine trades industry in Rhode Island, which generates over $2.6 billion annually and employs over 13,000 people. It notes challenges facing the industry like a shortage of skilled labor and need for more sustainable practices. The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association works on advocacy, workforce development, and environmental compliance guidance. The author has experience in marine affairs education and working with the association on a fiberglass vessel recycling pilot project and environmental support. Their advice includes collaborating across disciplines, expanding networks, finding mentors, and aligning skills with goals.

1. Facing
Facing the Legacy Fleet
Sustainable & Circular Practices in Marine Trades
Evan Ridley, Project Manager
Rhode Island Marine Trades Association

2. Rhode Island: A Hub of Marine Industry Activity
In the Ocean State, recreational boating is big business…
1,712 Businesses
13,377 Jobs
$2.6 Billion Annual gross sales
The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA)
A non-profittrade organization dedicated to advocacy, education + outreach
o Lobbying, Legislative Actions
o Workforce Development, Job Training Resources
o Guidance on Environmental Compliance, Sustainable Business Practices

3. Our industry is transforming
Since 2008, many businesses have evolved to face emerging challenges
o A skilled labor deficitthat demands new strategies for job creation + retention
o Rising seas and shifting shoreline dynamics that require enhanced coastal resilience
o Greater demands for sustainable lifecycles + green boating practices
Development of a solution for each challenge is dependent on stakeholders and their
resources
(academic institutions, federal / state / local governments, designers / manufacturers, service providers,
business operators, environmental organizations, national industry associations)
There is no singular pathway toward your involvement in Marine Trades
Trends & Opportunities in the Marine Trades

4. Education
Bachelor of Arts, Marine Affairs (2015)
Master of Arts, Marine Affairs (2017)
Rhode Island Sea Grant Program
Communications Intern (2015-16)
Graduate Research Assistant (2015-2017)
RI Fiberglass Vessel Recycling Pilot Project & RIMTA
Project Manager (2017-)
Environmental Support (2017-)
My Experience in Marine Trades

8. True progress is a product of collaboration + interdisciplinary communication
Learn to identify common objectives and be prepared to speak many languages
Take advantage of opportunities for parallel interaction + engagement
Expand your network, gain valuable experience and demonstrate your value
When seeking a solution, don’t swim against the current
Be prepared to find what you need in the place you’d least expect it
Seek Mentorship of all shapes + sizes
Put yourself in a position to learn
Identify your strengths and apply them
Create alignment between skills + your professional goals
Lessons Learned
(So Far…..)