BIA launches new Marine Brokers Accreditation Program to boost consumer confidence

BIA launches new Marine Brokers Accreditation Program to boost consumer confidence © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched a new accreditation program for its 60-plus Marine Broker members to further enhance consumer confidence in the boat-buying process.

As the peak industry body representing Australia's $10.2 billion boating sector, the BIA is committed to supporting safe, responsible and enjoyable boating through continuous professional development.

Marine brokers are vital to the boat ownership lifecycle, managing vessel listings, negotiations, sales contracts, and the secure distribution of funds. The new BIA Marine Brokers Accreditation Program ensures customers experience transparent adherence to best practices and statutory requirements, effectively managing risks without detracting from the appeal of boat ownership.

Crucially, this program aligns with broader national efforts to elevate safety and accountability. The initiative delivers on formal recommendations made by the NSW Coroner following the Beeby Inquiry, which urged the implementation of a robust broker program.

Furthermore, the BIA is leveraging this launch to bolster the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) 'Responsible Boat Owner' campaign, promoting owner responsibility from the very moment a vessel is purchased. This national campaign is a unified effort supported by maritime regulators and leading non-government organisations - such as BIA - in aquatic recreation. Phase one of the campaign specifically aims to help people make informed decisions when buying a boat, ensuring the advice consumers receive is trusted, consistent and relevant to the Australian boating environment.

BIA CEO Andrew Fielding highlighted how the initiative answers these calls while addressing evolving market conditions.

"With market and regulatory forces driving preferences toward increased consumer protection, proactive self-regulation is always the superior path for our industry," Fielding said. "This program directly addresses these shifting expectations, lowering costs and regulatory burdens on businesses while delivering rigorous standards that protect the public and elevate industry professionalism."

To achieve accreditation, brokerage businesses must hold BIA membership, use approved documentation, participate in dispute resolution, and utilise an independent bank account for client funds, among other industry best practice and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, individual brokers must complete Marine Card workplace health and safety training and participate annually in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.

Fielding emphasised the widespread benefits of the program for both buyers and industry professionals.

"Our accredited brokers will rightfully be recognised as preferred providers in the eyes of consumers," Fielding added. "This initiative lifts consumer confidence across the entire boating ecosystem, ensuring everyday Australians can buy and sell their vessels with peace of mind."

Accredited brokers gain exclusive rights to display approved branding, backed by a dedicated promotional program to help consumers easily locate accredited brokerages.

As part of today's launch, the BIA has activated a dedicated public-facing platform under its Discover Boating website. This feature provides the public with detailed information about the accreditation program, alongside a live search function allowing consumers to immediately find an accredited broker near them.

More information at BIA Accredited Marine Broker | Discover Boating

Brokers interested in joining the program should contact: