April 2026

eNews

Our newsletter is an opportunity to keep you informed about the latest research, news,  and projects we have underway.

Get ready for the Marine Structures

Tropical Gala Dinner at Marinas26!

Elite Dynamics and Hamilton Island to Sponsor Breakout Rooms at Marinas26

The Marinas26 conference will feature two standout sponsors, Elite Dynamics and Hamilton Island, who are naming the dedicated breakout rooms and helping deliver specialist sessions packed with practical insights and expert advice across both days.

Elite Dynamics provides management software for the marina and leisure industries, offering integrated platforms powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365 that streamline operations, bookings, finance, and customer engagement. In addition to sponsoring the Elite Dynamics Room, they will be exhibiting at the Marinas26 conference, giving delegates the opportunity to explore their solutions and see how digital innovation can enhance marina operations.

Hamilton Island, in the heart of the Whitsundays within the Great Barrier Reef, is one of Australia’s premier island destinations. Its world-class marina, with over 300 berths including capacity for superyachts, offers direct access to iconic cruising grounds and a full range of resort, hospitality, and recreational amenities. Delegates registered for the Whitsunday Study Tour will visit Hamilton Island, gaining an inside look at its marina operations and marine tourism offerings.

The Elite Dynamics Room and the Hamilton Island Room will host concurrent sessions across both days of the conference, giving delegates the chance to dive deeper into the topics most relevant to their operations. Their support ensures a richer, more valuable Marinas26 conference experience.

Spots Still Available on Both Marinas26 Study Tours

With the Marinas26 International Conference and Trade Exhibition fast approaching (24–27 May 2026, RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast), delegates still have the chance to extend their conference experience by joining one of two exclusive study tours.

The Whitsundays Study Tour (27–29 May 2026) is a two-day behind-the-scenes journey through one of the world's most iconic cruising destinations. Limited to just 30 delegates, the tour includes guided visits to Coral Sea Marina, Hayman Island Marina, and Hamilton Island Marina.  Participants will gain insights into luxury destination operations, superyacht services, and environmental best practices, with on-water transfers, premium accommodation, and hosted dining included.

The Local Study Tour (27 May 2026) is a one-day immersion into the Gold Coast's newest luxury marina developments and industry-leading facilities. Highlights include Mantaray Marina & Residences, Main Beach Superyacht Marina, Marina Mirage, The Boat Works, AkzoNobel's marine coatings facility, and the award-winning Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard. The day features exclusive site access, expert commentary, and a networking lunch overlooking The Boat Works' superyacht basin.

Spots are still available on both tours. If you've already booked your conference tickets and would like to add a study tour to your Marinas26 experience, contact Silvia at info@marinas26.com or call +61 (2) 9439 5806.

For full study tour details, visit marinas26.com

Crane Licensing Changes Proposed

What Marina Operators Need to Know

Straddle Carrier Course 2026 Enrolments Open

Enrolments are now open for the 2026 Straddle Carrier Courses - the only program of its kind in the region delivering recognised industry training. Ensure your team is certified and up to date with industry best practice by securing a place at one of the upcoming courses:

• 18–19 April 2026 – White Bay 6 Marine Park (WB6MP), NSW

  Presented by Angela Melville, Service Manager, WB6MP

  
  

• 2–3 May 2026 – Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, QLD

  Presented by Ben Shooley CMM, General Manager, Shellharbour Marina

  
  

• 1–2 August 2026 – Fremantle Sailing Club, WA

  Presented by Steve Ottaway CMM, Boatyard Service Manager, Fremantle Sailing Club

Advanced Marina Management 2026

Enrolments Open

Enrolments are now open for the upcoming Advanced Marina Management Course, held at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron from 30 August – 4 September. Secure your place early as positions are limited and expected to fill quickly.

This highly regarded program offers the opportunity to learn from industry leaders across key areas including customer retention, capital budgeting, strategic planning, and marina design and construction. Participants will also complete a major capstone project, gain valuable insights through site visits, and build strong industry connections through dedicated networking opportunities.

Enrolment is by application only. Apply online via the link below.

MIA Bird Control Webinar

Superyacht Australia has generously extended an invitation to MIA members to attend their upcoming webinar series on the newly reformed Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations.

From 1 July 2026, most marine businesses will be required to verify the ownership of the entities they invoice and be ready to prove their own. Two obligations. One deadline.  This webinar series is designed to make sure every member meets both.  

The Australian Tranche 2 AML/CTF reforms extend Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations, until now confined largely to the financial sector, across the marine industry. For the first time, businesses operating in this sector must verify the ultimate beneficial ownership of the entities they service and maintain documentation of their own. No verification means no service. Non-compliance carries civil penalties of $33 million per contravention and criminal liability for individuals.

Webinar Sessions

Two sessions will be held - please register for the one that best suits your business.

After registering, the online link will be emailed 24 hours before the scheduled webinar session.

The sessions will be presented by Zac Bailey, Principal, Maritime Lawyer & Strategic Advisor at Indo Pacific Solutions. A former superyacht captain with over 30 years’ experience across maritime operations and legal practice, Zac now advises clients across the Indo-Pacific on compliance, legal, and strategic matters.

What You Will Learn

• Exactly what documentation satisfies the UBO verification obligation for the entities you invoice

• How to prepare your own ownership documentation before your clients request it

• What ongoing monitoring looks like and when your records need updating

• Why identifying the ultimate beneficial owner is only half the obligation

• And what adequate screening looks like in practice

We thank Superyacht Australia for providing our members with the opportunity to be part of these timely and informative sessions, highlighting the strong and collaborative relationship between our associations.

2026 Australian Marina, Boatyard & Clubs Employment and Salary Survey

The 2026 biennial Employment and Salary Survey closes next week — and we encourage eligible members to take part.

This survey monitors market rates and workforce conditions across waterfront facility operations in Australia. With many in the industry finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain skilled operational staff, broad participation means stronger, more useful data for everyone.

NB: This survey is open to Australian members only and is not available to International members.

All responses are strictly confidential, reported in aggregate by state and nationally. The survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete

Closes Friday 10 April 2026.

Round 3 Expired Marine Flare Collection Set for NSW

Boaters across New South Wales are being reminded to check their safety equipment, with Round 3 of the Expired Marine Flare Collection Program set to take place this April.

Delivered by Transport for NSW Maritime, the statewide initiative will run from 3 April to 19 April,providing a free and safe way for vessel owners to dispose of expired or unwanted marine flares at designated locations.

The program forms part of a three-round seasonal effort aligned with peak boating periods, ensuring the community has regular opportunities to responsibly manage hazardous safety equipment.

Marine flares are a mandatory safety item for vessels operating in open waters, but they typically have a shelf life of around three years and must be replaced before expiry. Once out of date, they are classified as explosive material and must not be disposed of in general waste or set off outside an emergency.

By participating in the collection program, boaters help reduce the risk of accidental discharge and ensure flares are handled and disposed of in accordance with strict safety regulations.

Boaters are encouraged to review their onboard safety gear ahead of the season and take advantage of this final collection round. Dates, times and locations vary across NSW, so checking the official schedule before attending is recommended.

Agriculture Victoria and VFA Update Noxious Aquatic Species List

Agriculture Victoria, in collaboration with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), has amended the list of declared noxious aquatic species under the Fisheries Act 1995. This list helps protect Victorian aquatic environments from the negative impacts of marine and freshwater pests.

Fourteen new high-risk species (11 marine, 3 freshwater) have been added to the List of Noxious Aquatic Species in Victoria, and the declaration of carp now covers the entire Cyprinus genus, including all varieties and hybrids. Most are not currently in Victoria but pose a high risk of introduction. Many are also nationally recognised as priority high-risk aquatic species on the Australian Priority Marine Pest List and the National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases

The declaration enables regulations to control their entry, use, and spread. It is prohibited to bring, take, hatch, keep, possess, sell, transport, or release noxious aquatic species unless permitted. Vessels suspected of carrying these species may be managed, and Authorised Officers can seize and remove them to minimise risk.

For more information and identification guides,  please visit Marine pests and List  of Declared Noxious Aquatic Species in Victoria

Stay tuned for more updates from MIA