Responsible Boat Owner campaign launched for Safe Boating Week

Responsible Boat Owner campaign © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is a backing a Trans-Tasman effort to promote Responsible Boat Ownership, according to BIA CEO Andrew Fielding.

Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) today launched a new public education campaign aimed at promoting safe and responsible boating practices to the millions of people who go boating each year. The "Responsible Boat Ownership" campaign officially kicks off for the start of Safe Boating Week 2025, which runs across Australia from 6 to 12 October.

The campaign is a key initiative of ANZSBEG which is a collaborative body that brings together all maritime regulators across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and peak bodies in aquatic recreation such as Surf Life Saving, Royal Life Saving, Australian Sailing, Paddle Australia, Marine Search and Rescue, Bureau of Meteorology and the BIA. The collaboration ensures that all advice provided is trustworthy, consistent and relevant.

The "Responsible Boat Ownership" campaign's initial phase is designed to help people make informed decisions when buying a boat.

Fielding said BIA was proud to have played a leading role in this national initiative to support a culture of safer boating in Australia.

"We want all Australians to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water," he said. "This campaign is about empowering boaters with the knowledge to make responsible choices. It's a joint effort to foster a culture of safety that goes beyond just one week of the year."

The BIA is supporting this effort with the launch of a new BIA Marine Accredited Broker program, requiring brokers to meet criteria which helps to protect and assure the best interests of the public. BIA has also formed alliances with marine surveyors to further promote opportunities for the public to not only buy boats from a trusted source but to consider engaging a qualified marine surveyor where appropriate.

"We are taking these steps to help the public make informed decisions when buying a boat, particularly used boats, because a great day on the water is a safe day," Fielding said.

The Responsible Boat Ownership campaign provides essential knowledge covering three key pillars of safe boating:

• Own it: Helps potential and new boaters navigate the process of buying a new or used boat, understanding what to look for and spotting potential safety risks.
• Maintain it: Provides tips on proper storage and maintenance to keep a vessel in top condition and ready for the next outing.
• Enjoy it: Aims to help boaters make informed, safe and sustainable decisions to make the most of their boating experience, emphasising that an informed skipper is a good skipper.

More information:

• BIA Accredited Marine Broker program
• ANZSBEG/ Responsible Boat Ownership