On Tuesday 6 May, the industry gathered to celebrate the best of the best in the 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the year awards.
In this series, we celebrate the those that were recognised as finalists and winners of each award.
Marina Industry Emerging Talent Award
This industry award is to recognise outstanding achievement, determination and contribution by a young person (under 35 years) to the marina industry.
Winner – Jacob Morris
Jacob Morris, a Director at Marine Structures, has built a dynamic career within the marine industry by combining hands-on experience with strategic leadership and innovative problem-solving. He’s worked across various roles including concreting, steel fixing, piling operations, logistics, and overall site management, and has developed a deep understanding of project execution from the ground up.
Jacob continues to drive innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth. His career to date reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, client-centric solutions, and forward-thinking leadership.
Finalist – Scott Cotton
Scott Cotton’s journey in the marine industry began at a young age through school-based work experience and hands-on work as a rigger. Before long Scott was working as dockhand at Jones Bay Marina and Sydney Wharf Marina.
Today, Scott serves as the Marina Manager at Sydney Wharf Marina and Jones Bay Superyacht Marina, where he is committed to providing a world class experience in world class facilities. His dedication has helped him become one of the youngest Certified Marina Operators (CMO), and he is on track to achieve Certified Marina Manager (CMM).
Finalist – Jarvis Binkin
Jarvis Binkin, our third finalist, and Marina Manager at Shellharbour Marina, has the marina industry in his blood. After finishing school in Newcastle, he moved to the Gold Coast where he completed his qualification as a Marine Diesel Fitter. He worked casually at the hallowed halls of GCCM as a Weekend Dockmaster and finished up doing six years at Riviera.
Jarvis joined his family at Shellharbour Marina as a dockmaster in 2022 and worked his way to the Marina Manager role in mid- 2024. Jarvis has been instrumental in the development of the Marina Master (MM) at the Shellharbour & Pelican Waters marinas and assisting Marina Master to develop of the technology platform for the Asia-pacific market. Jarvis is now highlighting how important young people; technology and efficiency changes are in developing the industry.
For more information, visit or contact the Marina Industries Association HERE
Full MIA 2025 Awards Picture Library
