Safer Boating initiative launched by the BIA - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 28 Aug 2025 14:00 PDT
Responsible Boat Owner (RBO) campaign © Boating Industry Association
The BIA, with support from Transport for NSW, have announced the soft launch of the new Responsible Boat Owner (RBO) campaign, a national initiative focused on promoting a culture of safer boating.
The campaign has kicked off with a series of briefings to key stakeholders across the country. The first of these presentations was held for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Victorian Regional Safety Committee yesterday, where BIA outlined the critical need and value of the RBO campaign in ensuring a safe and enjoyable boating experience for everyone.
The 15th annual BIA State of Industry survey, conducted in July, provided a valuable set of data to help guide BIA advocacy and industry representation, with over 180 member businesses giving feedback on business conditions over the 12 months to end June 2025 and looking at prospects for the year ahead. Headline numbers showed a steady year in terms of overall industry revenue, with aggregated industry data showing a value of just over $10.2Bn. Overall employment numbers were slightly up on 2024; however, a shift to contractor engagement was noted in the split in workforce engagement.
The newly released National Recreational Boating Statement confirms that the industry is growing fast, but the shortage of skilled labour and apprentices is holding us back. With over 35,000 people employed across marine trades nationally and with a high need for more, demand is outpacing supply. BIAV, through Boating Careers, is working on solutions from school engagement and profile building, to numerous industry immersion days each year. There's been good progress. Most recently Boating Careers was part of Australia's first international pathway to the industry, via the new Certificate IV in Boating Services.
The International Maritime Rescue Federation's (IMRF) Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) training course and IMRF Australia Regional Seminar has just been completed following five successful days in Sydney. Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteer Alison Cameron-Brown and Marine Rescue Merimbula's Sonia Teston were selected to attended the training.
Australia's largest sailing boat show, the Pittwater Sail Expo 2025, will take place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 October at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), Newport. This free three-day event will bring together yacht enthusiasts, boat owners, marine professionals, and the local community for an unmissable celebration of sailing.
After 20 years of service, warranty and support for Maritimo motor yacht owners in New Zealand, Motor Yacht Service Centre has joined the Maritimo family as an authorised sales partner. Headed up by Dean and Glynis Ryder, and their daughter, Sophie, and son-in-law Shanon Robertson, Motor Yacht Service Centre, based at Hobsonville Marina, Auckland, has earned the respect and reliance of Maritimo owners all over the country and across the region. "Wherever they need our support, we fly or travel to meet them," said Dean, who has specialised in marine service for 40 years.
SEA.AI, a global leader in advanced marine vision systems, is proud to announce the opening of its new Australian office, marking a major step in its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. The move reflects increasing demand across commercial, recreational, and defence marine sectors for innovative artificial intelligence-powered situational awareness solutions.
Leading amphibious boat builder Smuggler Marine, has expanded its range with the release of the new 800 Super Sport. The new 'Bowrider' style RIB joins the Centre Console and Mid Cabin models in the 8-metre amphibious range. Derived from the very popular 780 Super Sport RIB (non-Amphibious), and catering to the water sports, diving and fishing market alike, the Super Sport's bowrider style layout provides seating for up to five in the bow area and when added to the six seats in the main cockpit, this gives the boat a remarkable 12-seat capacity, whilst still capable of being a serious blue water performer, family day boat, fishing boat, or dive tender.
More marine industry news from our region at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media