Isle of Man

Dominion Marine

Established in 1984, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> has served clients in the superyacht industry for nearly four decades. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a>’s founder, Chris Allix has led the firm for almost 40 years, and established the company proving himself time and time again that he’s an industry leader in the yacht services sector. Chris Allix has now transferred full leadership to Simon Roberts, who was previously the Director &amp; Head of Yachting for the Dominion Group. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210584/image/large-0958a0da38fb9d851844ef446f51fed1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210584">“My retirement will introduce a new generation of management,” said Allix. “I have worked with Simon for 12 years now and am confident that under his strategic leadership <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> can only go from strength to strength. This move will give me more time to pursue other ideas and similar interests which I am really looking forward to”.Following in Allix’s footsteps, Roberts is also a veteran in the maritime and yachting industries. Having worked in the industry since 1999, Roberts boasts more than 20 years of experience and has spent extended periods of time managing crew agencies in Eastern Europe, South Africa and the Philippines. Roberts’ qualifications as a QMS Lead Auditor and Assessor, ISM Auditor, and Lloyds Maritime accreditation in both Crew and Superyacht Management attests to his deep understanding of the yachting industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208032/image/large-d5134bb23c80e05286dc95e13104827b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208032">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> alumnus joined the agency back in 2010 as the Head of Crew Solutions, where he managed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion</a>’s crew employment and payroll services. From here, he transitioned into the Head of Yachting Services in 2016 until he was recently promoted as the Managing Director, where he oversees operations across the group’s offices in the Isle of Man, Cyprus, Jersey, Malta and Monaco.The legacy that Roberts will preserve is a rich one. Allix entered yacht management almost 40 years ago when working as a corporate and trust services special. A client enquired into how to register his yacht in the most &nbsp;effective way, and a lightbulb in Allix’s head went off. This led him to establish <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> in 1984. His meticulous approach to ensuring the best for his clients caught the attention of industry officials. In the late 1980s, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> was approached by the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) because it was concerned by how inconsistent and incomprehensive yacht registrations were. This prompted a collaboration between Allix and the IOM Ship Registry by which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion</a> consulted on the establishment of the first commercial yacht code, which allowed for the registration of the first commercial yacht in the Isle of Man. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/210583/image/large-40d46b63fdff401c9cf85821c77e07dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/210583">Even after 35 years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> still operates with this same sense of innovation and discretion. The group specialises in corporate ownership solutions for superyachts, complemented by its all-encompassing management services that include rental services and crew management. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> manages almost £2 billion in assets, and which includes more than 100 superyachts.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/185695/image/large-c9c5a5b65b436d9b458c9db7a9464132.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/185695">The change in management further solidifies <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a>’s position as one of the industry leaders of superyacht management. As Simon steps into the helm of the company, he sees calm waters and smooth sailing: “I am delighted to take over the management of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2808" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dominion Marine (Company)">Dominion Marine</a> global group of companies. Whilst I believe we lead the way in the corporate ownership and crew management solutions in the yachting industry, what really sets us apart is the dedication of our experienced staff, whose personalised client-focused approach is second to none. Furthermore, the strategic plans we have are already being implemented, so the future is very exciting indeed,” explains Simon.

New leadership takes the helm at Dominion Marine

Simon Roberts has taken over the management at Dominion Marine from the company's founder Chris Allix who has retired.

Isle of Man based Dominion Marine has been providing yacht and superyacht corporate ownership solutions to the yachting industry since 1984. Founder and director Chris Allix closely monitors changes to EU VAT and marine legislation to make sure the best and most cost-effective ownership structures are developed.Due to recent changes to EU VAT regulations, the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and stricter requirements for commercial registration, Dominion Marine has launched a new and unique VAT deferment structure for pleasure yacht owners.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145237/image/large-eb9da76afeb0fad707a49432c7c313f5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145237">We asked Chris to tell us more about this new product: "I am very excited to announce the launch of our new VAT solution for pleasure yacht owners. We have been working hard behind the scenes, meeting with the relevant authorities and seeking tax and legal opinions to make sure, as always, we are fully compliant.Dominion Marine SARL has been incorporated and VAT registered in the Principality of Monaco to provide this solution to our clients. We already have vessels using the structure so it has been tried and tested.This solution is ideal for pleasure yacht ownership and is based on a 5 year bare boat rental contract. The owner defers the payment of VAT on the acquisition of the yacht and only pays VAT on its depreciation, in accordance with European Court judgements.At the end of the 5 year period the client has the option to enter into a new rental period. Should the client decide to sell the yacht, there are no penalties and all options relating to the tax on the yacht remain open."The team at Dominion Marine believes there is a market for this new product due to the decrease in commercial charters and recent VAT changes affecting the commercial yacht industry. According to the Superyacht Index, published by Campers &amp; Nicholson, the total sold weeks in the charter market for the 24m-30m yachts was down 7.6% in 2012 compared to 2010 and the 30m-50m yachts down 6.9% (source: <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/SY-Index-2013/SYT-CNI-SuperYachting-Index-2013.pdf" target="_blank">(super)Yachting Index</a>).Chris Allix told us the complexities and extra costs of running a commercial yacht are increasing all the time, making it harder to offset those costs with revenue from charters. The decrease in charters together with the implications of the new MLC regulations for commercially registered yachts is giving yacht owners cause for reflection."I have been in the industry long enough to know how difficult it has become to operate a commercial yacht. I think the time has come for many superyacht owners to go back to using their yachts purely for pleasure. I highly recommend this new VAT deferment structure to yacht and superyacht owners who are no longer interested in running their vessel as a commercial enterprise.The fact it is based in Monaco will also make life easier for them as that is where the paperwork has to be signed. The vessel has to visit Monaco to sign the rental agreement but of course many yachts are already berthed there or just around the corner along the French Riviera!"Dominion Marine will be exhibiting at the Monaco Yacht Show from 25-28 September 2013. Chris Allix will be joined by Catherine Connolly of Dominion Marine, Jackie Baker of Dominion Consultants and Simon Roberts of Dominion Crew Solutions.To book an appointment at the show, please contact Jackie Baker on <a href="mailto:info@i.im?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@i.im</a>.Dominion Marine Chris Allix +44 (0)7624 490988 <a href="mailto:ca@i.im?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">ca@i.im</a> <a href="http://www.i.im" target="_blank">www.i.im</a>

Monaco VAT solution for yachts

The team at Dominion Marine Technical Services (DMTS) has recently grown in accordance with demand. Chris Allix, director and founder of Dominion Marine Corporate Services told us why: “As it is a requirement in the UK MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2) that all commercial yachts, over 24m and under 500GT, flying the Red Ensign, have an effective Mini-ISM system on board, there is great demand for the system offered by Dominion. It is a tried and tested comprehensive package that Captains find easy to implement. As our clients’ yachts increasingly fall into this category, we felt it was timely to expand our technical services team. This increase in resource means we can continue to deliver the high standard of service we are well known for. With the present economic climate and the constant pressure clients are under to cut back on costs, DMTS offers outstanding value for money.” The Mini-ISM system, designed by DMTS, has been tailor-made to meet the safety management requirements as established in the UK MCA Large Yacht Code for all commercially registered yachts greater than 24 metres and less than 500 gross registered tonnes. This Mini-ISM framework clearly defines practical and effective lines of communication both onboard and ship to shore. The system is owned and managed by the yacht and evolves with the vessel whilst being fully supported by a team of experienced and qualified ISM Lead auditors. Chris Allix added the following: “The additional team members have a maritime background, as both Master Mariners and Chief Engineer Officers. Since coming ashore they have implemented both Full and Mini ISM systems on board some of the world’s most prestigious super yachts. They are on hand 24/7 to provide support for all technical management issues and to assist in any emergency response situations. We know from experience that this kind of service is paramount to the Captain’s peace of mind. When a commercial yacht is on charter, it is essential the yacht is covered by a reliable Mini-ISM system and all the persons on board are safe”. The experience and knowledge of the Dominion Marine technical team ensures that the Mini-ISM system continues to operate effectively and develop according to relevant legislative changes. Furthermore, when required, the team can carry out non-compulsory bi-annual on board audits, which is fully incorporated in their all-inclusive fee. Dominion Marine Technical Services Ltd +44 (0)1624 682400 <a href="mailto:technical@i.im">technical@i.im</a> <a href="http://www.i.im">www.i.im</a>

Dominion Marine Technical Services team expands

During the recent MYBA yacht show in Genova, Italy, a non EU yacht was boarded by Italian Customs, suspecting it to be there under temporary admission. After three days of scrutinising documents and asking questions, the customs authorities were happy that it had been formally imported and was free to circulate in EU waters. According to Chris Allix of Dominion Marine Corporate Services, this was because it had been imported through France correctly, zero rated as a commercial vessel, under Article 262 of the French Tax Code. Chris Allix explained the current situation: “Over the past few years, the EU Commissioners have expressed concerns over the French adoption of the EU Directive on VAT exemption on commercial vessels. In their original tax code they did not include the words, ‘for use on the High Seas’. Following discussions with the EU Commissioners, the French Tax Authorities included these words in Article 262 of their Tax Code, but with no clear definition. However, it was crystal clear that they had no intention to change their stance on commercially registered yachts engaged in third party charter.This has resulted in further arguments with Brussels and as a result the Commissioners have referred France to the European Court to consider infraction proceedings.” To date the European Court has not ruled whether the French Authorities are in breach of the rules. It appears the Commissioners are not completely against the exemption but dislike the fact there is no definition of ‘High Seas’. In the meantime, the French Tax Authorities continue to apply this exemption to all commercially registered yachts with permanent crew, chartering on the high seas to third parties. Under EU Directives, all EU Member States must accept the French Rules, which gives the yachts free circulation. This was the case for the yacht boarded recently by Italian Customs during the show. The Italian authorities accepted that the yacht was eligible for free circulation throughout the EU. Chris Allix told us that yacht and super yacht captains and owners need to understand the rules: “The view that yachts imported through the French commercial exemption rules are only suitable for use in France is incorrect. I hope this helps yacht owners and their advisers understand that until the French change their rules on VAT exemption for charter yachts, any yacht imported through France will (under EU rules) enjoy free circulation. It is the same for any yacht imported prior to any changes, as it was imported in accordance with the rules in force at the time. Any action must be taken against the member state, rather than the yacht owner. A similar situation is occurring in Malta with the Maltese Leasing structures. These are in breach of many other EU Members’ VAT rules, but no one is claiming that a yacht acquired through this structure does not enjoy VAT paid status after the lease purchase finishes, because the acquisition is in accordance with the Maltese Government’s adoption of the EU Directives on VAT.” Dominion Marine was founded in the Isle of Man in 1984 and is one of the most experienced providers of specialist services to yacht and superyacht owners. The Dominion team has built up extensive knowledge of the different options open to yachts coming in to the EU. According to Chris Allix, ‘The current economic climate means that yacht owners and captains need to be particularly careful that the advice they are getting is the right one. It is not advisable to be complacent.’ Dominion Marine Jenny Oliver +44 (0)1624 682400 <a href="mailto:jo@i.im">jo@i.im</a> <a href="http://www.i.im">www.i.im</a>

Getting yacht importation right is worth the effort

Plane, boat, car and train come to mind when you think of travelling from the Isle of Man to Monaco, but if your name is Chris Allix, then you have other ideas. The 58-year-old company director is going by kayak! Even his nearest and dearest doubted his sanity when he first told them of his plan to paddle the estimated 2,000 miles by way of sea, rivers and canals in aid of five children's charities, but they all agreed, he says, that he was mad enough to succeed. Chris, director of the Douglas-based ICM Group, has a close relationship with the sea and Monaco through his pioneering company Dominion Marine Corporate Services - he is the founding director - which has been at the forefront of developing the Manx yacht registration business, a role in which he has acted as an 'ambassador' for the island. But this is his personal challenge of a lifetime and he has spent the last nine months preparing for the enormous task ahead by training in Manx coastal waters and in arduous conditions in the Lake District. He has lost three stone in weight and learned the hard way how to refine his kayaking skills in some of the toughest white water conditions imaginable. "My planned route, starting in the summer, will take me across the Irish Sea to England and down through the canal network to Dover and the English Channel where I will, hopefully, cross to France," said Chris, who now weighs in at a mere 16 stone. "As if that wasn't enough, I'll then take on the French canals and rivers making my way south to arrive in The Principality in time for the first day of the Monaco International Yacht Show on September 21. "It will be a long and incredibly difficult task but although this will be my challenge of a lifetime, it's really all about raising money for the children's charities - so I need a lot of help and support from sponsors." To help achieve his objective, Chris has set up his own special website under the banner 'Man to Monaco'. Apart from providing route details, regular information and updates, it also appeals for corporate and individual sponsors. Now, the next major training test is imminent. At Easter, Chris will take part in the gruelling 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon reckoned to push competitors to their physical and mental limits as they paddle their way along the River Thames and the Kennett and Avon canal. It is described as the UK's toughest endurance test. The route should be familiar to Chris in every sense, because he competed in the race twice in the 1970s, on one occasion receiving an award for fortitude having completed the course with 10 stitches in his knee. Hoping history will not repeat itself, Chris said: "This is a really tough event which nobody enters without very careful thought and preparation. I have to average around 30 miles a day negotiating everything the waters and the weather might throw at me. "But I reckon that it is the ideal race to tee me up for the big challenge in the summer. I know I have to do well at Easter if I am to get all the way to Monaco. I have every intention of succeeding on both counts." For his adventure, Chris will have a sea kayak built by Nigel Denis in Wales and a K1 flat water type from Marsport in Reading. He expects to take delivery of the K1 in the week before the Devizes to Westminster race. The charities he has designated are: Sailing for the Disabled (Isle of Man), Namaste Childrens Home (Nepal), Outward Bound Trust (Monaco), Encompass Trust (UK) and the ICM Charitable Trust (Isle of Man). Man to Monarco Chris Allix +447624490988 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mantomonaco.com">www.mantomonaco.com</a>