The BIA addresses Australian Government on visa rules - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 8 Oct 14:00 PDT

OS 108 close in shore © Pat Bray Yacht Design and Research
The BIA is calling upon the Department of Home Affairs to adjust visa rules for international private cruising vessels.
Recent changes to Subclass 600 Visitor Visas, imposing three-month stay limits and "No Further Stay" conditions, threaten regional tourism, marine trade productivity, and boater safety.
Australia's largest Sail Expo is just days away and will bring together an impressive range of yachts, equipment and services at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Newport, on 17-18 October. Free to attend, with free parking and complimentary tender services from nearby Pittwater wharves, Sail Expo 2026 will offer something for all.
The BIA used the recent Parliamentary Drop-In Day at NSW Parliament House to champion crucial boating issues directly with key decision-makers. Conversations focused heavily on the urgent need to protect and modernise infrastructure for marinas and boatyards across NSW, and sailing clubs, Sailability and the Sydney Heritage Fleet. The BIA used the engagement opportunity to brief politicians on key policy and priorities across marinas, boatyards, moorings and not for profits.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) has welcomed Sydney Brewery as an Official Supplier to the 2026/27 Monday Twilight Series and Club Marine Wednesday Twilight Series, and as an Official Supplier to the 2026 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Sydney Brewery will also provide accommodation for race officials and a media boat for the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge and Rolex Sydney Hobart.
Time is running out to book your spot on the MIA's Manufacturer to Marina Study Tour, running 5-6 November in partnership with PIANC. Maximum 50 places, which are filling up fast! A blend of manufacturer factory tours, marina and wharf facility visits, and networking opportunities. Delegates will get a first-hand look at marina infrastructure being manufactured; a tour of the world's first major Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) & composite fibre marine wharf structure built by Wagners at the commercial Pinkenba Wharf.
The Yacht Racing Forum 2026 will once again bring together the CEOs, decision-makers, sailors, event organisers, designers, engineers and industry leaders who are shaping the future of yacht racing. Taking place in Amsterdam on November 19-20, after Metstrade, the Forum provides a unique platform for the international yacht racing community.
As Southern Africa works to establish a stronger position within the global superyacht cruising network, international yacht agency Pesto Sea Group is increasing its involvement in the region, supporting industry collaboration and the development of a more accessible, service-ready environment for visiting yachts.
Scandinavian Marine is proud to announce its appointment as the exclusive distributor for HullWell+ marine coatings in Australia, introducing game-changing AXE Antifoul and Epoxy Paint Removers to the local marine industry. Following successful trials on premium yachts and motor yachts, the results have been outstanding. The AXE product range eliminates the need for expensive, labour-intensive, and environmentally damaging sandblasting and soda washing — replacing these harsh methods with a revolutionary, solvent-free and chemical-free solution.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania updated daily.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media