The acquisition of SeaRegs by Ryan Tozer, managing director of iPowerboat, marks a generational handover and signals a continued focus on building skills in the UK’s commercial marine sector.
SeaRegs, based in Plymouth, has built a strong reputation for maritime training since being founded by Simon and Vicky Jinks in 2010. Now training over 2,800 people a year, the centre delivers STCW, MCA SQA, and RYA courses, as well as marine apprenticeships — earning an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating at its first inspection.
Tozer, who founded iPowerboat in Scotland at age 20, says the acquisition is both professional and personal. “Whilst setting up iPowerboat, SeaRegs was a company I aspired to. I respected Simon and Vicky massively,” he says. “SeaRegs is a natural choice for us. There are lots of training centres offering maritime courses all over the UK, but only a few that specifically focus on the commercial workboat sector.”
Both SeaRegs and iPowerboat will continue to operate under the newly formed Tozer Holdings Limited, with plans to maintain all current operations and explore crossover between their respective course portfolios.
Tozer adds: “I am really excited and enthusiastic about developing the apprenticeship schemes to assist people into the maritime industry.”
Simon Jinks says the sale allows him and Vicky to refocus on other priorities: “The key reason for the sale is to have a bit more time for ourselves and get a greater work/life balance. It will be nice to hand it over to someone who can focus on its continued growth and strength in the marketplace.”
The couple will remain active in the sector, supporting Tozer during the transition before continuing their work in regulatory compliance through MarineComply Ltd.
SeaRegs operates from purpose-built headquarters in Plymouth, with seven boats and seven classrooms, offering training both in-person and online. iPowerboat continues to run from its Kinlochleven and Greenock bases, delivering training accredited by RYA, MCA, STCW, Lantra, and Highfield.
First Peninsula Marine – a sales and acquisitions agency – aided in the process.
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