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Marine industry labour shortage a critical issue - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter

21/05/2026


Marine industry labour shortage a critical issue - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter

Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS Leaderboard

Maritimo M50

Marine jobs and skills remain in high demand across Australia - photo © Boating Industry Association


Dear Recipient Name

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.

Seawind 2026 Seawind 1370   Dragonfly Trimarans

Australian Marine Industry Awards 2026 - photo © Salty Dingo
Australian Marine Industry Awards 2026 - photo © Salty Dingo

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.

Gineico 2022 - Idromar Watermaker MPU   Maritimo M75

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

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.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2026   MS 2023 July Power MPU

World Sailing Day Coverage - photo © World Sailing Day
World Sailing Day Coverage - photo © World Sailing Day

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.

V-DRY-X   Pegasus Yachts

Maritimo S50 Sedan motor yacht - photo © Maritimo
Maritimo S50 Sedan motor yacht - photo © Maritimo

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.

Sunbeam 29.1 GT   X-Yachts Australia XR 41

Marina and Boatyard Conference - photo © New Zealand Marina Operators Association
Marina and Boatyard Conference - photo © New Zealand Marina Operators Association

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

Marine Auctions 2019 600x500   Spirit Yachts
Marinas 26   Glisenti


Yacht Racing Forum 2026 - Performance, industry and business
The 2026 Yacht Racing Forum programme is taking shape and promises two days of high-level discussions dedicated to sailing and yacht racing.

SCIBS 2026 sets sail in style!
From the excitement of the Show's first champagne boat christening, to world-leading marine brands, packed pontoons, live entertainment and waterfront dining, the atmosphere was electric, with perfect weather making Day One even more spectacular.

DAVCO partners with Oceanpower Marine Systems Limited to bring award-winning cranes throughout Asia
DAVCO announced today it has entered into a strategic alliance with distributor Oceanpower Marine Systems to bring its military-grade heavy-duty hydraulic marine cranes across the Pacific and throughout Asia.

Antal MPU 1   Rolly Tasker Sails 2023 MPU
Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner
The Australian Marine Industry Awards Gala Dinner, a highlight of ASMEX 2026, was held on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at The Langham Gold Coast, bringing together 203 guests from across Australia and internationally to celebrate Australia's marine industry.

Caribbean 40F & 27F Flybridge Motor Yachts - Global Launches
Maritimo, the world-renowned long range luxury motor yacht manufacturer, unveil a new era of Caribbean with the Global Launches of the Caribbean 40F and 27F Flybridge Cruisers at SCIBS 2026, on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Maritimo S50 Sedan motor yacht - Global launch
Maritimo, Australia's world-class luxury motor yacht builder, expands its next-generation model line-up with its highly anticipated global launch of the all-new S50 Sedan Motor Yacht at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 2026.

ALT Composities 2020 West System 2 - 300x250   Elvstrom Sails Australia
NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference - change of date
We made a big effort to set dates for this year's NZ Marina and Boatyard Conference in advance, and at the time planned carefully to avoid the dates of another big event happening in Tauranga, AIMS Games.

Adelaide Careers Expo
The BIA team in South Australia attended the Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo over three days in early May, which was attended by more than 18,500 students, young people and job seekers, exploring opportunities.

Get Ready to Be Blown Away: SCIBS 2026's Hot New Launches at Gineico
This year, Gineico Marine is bringing serious innovation to Sanctuary Cove. Join them at The Promenade, Stand PR16, where they'll be unveiling 3 hot new product launches designed to redefine comfort, performance and onboard experience.

Simrad NSS 4 AUS   Pantaenius 2022 - POWER MPU
BIA launches new Marine Brokers Accreditation Program to boost consumer confidence
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.

SCIBS kicks off tomorrow!
Get organised before you arrive by checking our ‘Getting Here' page and downloading the official event app for easy navigation and live event updates throughout the day.

Mini Tank underway with DuFLEX panel system
When the Roger Hill-designed, 13.9-metre (46-feet) monohull known as "The Tank" emerged from Noosa Marine in 2023, she turned heads for her sturdy shape and attracted a legion of fans.

Icom Australia MPU SCIBS 2026   MarkSetBot
National survey highlights critical workforce shortages as marine sector navigates skills crunch
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).

Pacific Manufacturing appointed Metal Shark's Australian manufacturing partner
Pacific Manufacturing is proud to announce its appointment as the Australian manufacturing partner for Metal Shark Boats, marking a significant step forward in sovereign Australian capability across the commercial, law enforcement, defence marine sectors.

RWB Marine appointed exclusive Australian distributor for AquaAmp wireless charging solutions
RWB Marine Australia has been appointed the exclusive Australian distributor for AquaAmp, introducing its advanced wireless charging solutions to the local marine and outdoor markets.

Race Yachts 2026 v1   Southern Wind
Horizon Yachts announces the Lexus LY680 built by Vision Shipyard
Horizon Yachts is proud to highlight the Lexus LY680, which has solidified its position as a masterclass in automotive excellence on the open water since its impactful global debut at the 2026 Horizon Open House in Kaohsiung.

Experience the world-renowned ILIAD 53F at SCIBS
Experience the world-renowned ILIAD 53F at this week's Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from 21-24 May on Australia's Gold Coast and discover why this long-range power catamaran is setting a new benchmark in luxury cruising.

Grand Banks on display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Join us at Sanctuary Cove Marina to explore this motor yacht as we mark 70 years of Grand Banks—a legacy shaped by timeless design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a continued pursuit of performance and efficiency on the water.

Vetus-Maxwell 2020   Cyclops 2024 Smartlink2 atto
Australia's back!
Like, did we ever leave? Not really… Ever since Sir Frank Packer KBE kicked it off, we've been there, or thereabouts. For instance, Grant Simmer OAM has been involved with every one of them since winning it in 1983.

Palm Beach Motor Yachts on display at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
We look forward to welcoming you to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, where the beautiful Palm Beach 70 model will be on display.

SCIBS 2026: Less than one week to go! Finalise your plans!
The countdown is on! Make sure your transport and accommodation are all set so you can focus on enjoying every moment at SCIBS.

North Sails Loft 57 Podcast   A+T QBD7
Looking towards the future: First World Sailing Day - 28 May
The sailing and maritime media can play an important role in bringing together the global sailing community.

FFS Africa returns as sponsor of African Boating Conference 2026
The African Boating Conference is pleased to announce the return of FFS Africa as an official sponsor for ABC 2026, taking place on 20-21 October at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Short videos from the Team Australia America's Cup launch
Team Australia's challenge for the 38th America's Cup was launched yesterday at the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.

Vetus-Maxwell 2021 v2 FOOTER

Simrad NSS 4 AUS

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Elvstrom Sails AustraliaVaikobi Custom TeamwearVetus-Maxwell 2021 v2 FOOTER