Marine industry labour shortage a critical issue - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 21 May 14:00 PDT
Marine jobs and skills remain in high demand across Australia © Boating Industry Association
More than 90 per cent of Australia's marine industry is deeply concerned about a critical lack of skilled labour, according to the latest data released by the Boating Industry Association (BIA).
The National Jobs & Skills Survey has laid bare the immediate and long-term workforce challenges facing the recreational boating sector nationwide, revealing that severe shortages are actively impacting the operational capacities and financial performance of marine businesses. 88% of businesses are anxious about the widening shortage of apprentices and 52% are experiencing an immediate, direct loss of revenue.
The Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner, a highlight of ASMEX, was held on 19 May at The Langham Gold Coast, bringing together 203 guests from across Australia and internationally. Designed to recognise the people and businesses driving Australia's globally respected marine sector, the Awards honoured standout achievements across export, superyacht and commercial marine categories.
The Boating Industry Association has launched a new accreditation program for its Marine Broker members to further enhance consumer confidence in the boat-buying process. Marine brokers are vital to the boat ownership lifecycle, managing vessel listings, negotiations, sales contracts, and the secure distribution of funds. The new Program ensures customers experience transparent adherence to best practices and statutory requirements, effectively managing risks without detracting from the appeal of boat ownership.
Looking towards the future: the first World Sailing Day is 28 May. At a time when much of the news cycle is dominated by division, uncertainty and negativity, sailing continues to represent something increasingly valuable: freedom, adventure, nature, heritage, education, sport and human connection. World Sailing Day has been created as a neutral, non-political annual day for the entire sailing and marine community to benefit from.
Maritimo, the world-renowned long range luxury motor yacht manufacturer, will unveil a new era with the global debut of the Caribbean 40F and 27F Flybridge Cruisers at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Maritimo will also stage the global launch of the all-new S50 Sedan Motor Yacht at the Show, this month. The vessel beautifully blends contemporary European-inspired styling with extended, blue water cruising in mind, and then wraps it all up cohesively into the brand's hallmark offshore capability.
Organisers have made the difficult decision to reschedule this year's NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference. Despite careful planning to avoid a clash, the AIMS Games (which brings around 14,000 people into town) are now being held a little later than expected. Accommodation is going to be in short supply and very expensive, and getting to and from the venue is also going to be difficult. The conference will now be held from 23-25 September.
More daily news from your region at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media