Logbook - Summer 2017-18

Merry Christmas

LOGBOOK NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of the Boating Industry Association Ltd

PO Box 1204 CROWS NEST NSW 1585 Ph: 02 9438 2077

Offices in Sydney, Adelaide & Gold Coast

Email: info@bia.org.au

Web: www.bia.org.au & www.myboatinglife.com.au

Board of Directors

President: Alan Blake Vice-President: Robert Cuming

Directors: Allen Buckley, Simon Cook, Craig Evans, Matthew Hodson, Nicholas Kitchen, Nathan Nichols, Paul Phelan, Darren Vaux.

BIA Staff

National Chief Executive Officer — Howard Glenn

General Manager, Member Services Nik Parker

National Manager, Member Events & Marketing Domenic Genua

Financial Controller — Simon Hazelbrook

Operations Manager — James Thompson

Marketing, Events & Special Projects — Phil McDermott

Marketing & Events Coordinator — Robyn Wingrove

Marketing & Communication Coordinator — Megan Robson

General Manager, Houseboat Hirers — Peter Tucker

General Manager, South Australia — George Bolton

Queensland Manager — Aaron McKenna

NSW Member Services Representative— Shane Wilson

Education & Training Coordinator — Corrina McMillan

Membership Support Officer — Jenny Bellaver

Office Administration and Reception — Linda English

Office Coordinator & EA to CEO — Julie Harris (On secondment to NSW Governmant — Alan Barrett )

Please send editorial contributions to Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au For advertising rates contact the BIA (02) 9438 2077

Please send editorial contributions to Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au

Logbook gratefully acknowledges those that contributed and in particular Robin Copeland from SPINS (0414 266 758) for his assistance in producing this publication.

©

From the CEO

We’re racing towards Christmas, trying to wrap up a busy year, plan for the years ahead and still juggle all those other issues that people want resolved before year end. But the BIA team is finishing 2017 with a sense of satisfaction for jobs well done.

It has been a most intense and productive year for the organisation. We have delivered three boat shows directly and supported a couple of others, hosted an international conference, a national conference and trade show, built a new boating consumer campaign, and kicked some goals with advocacy on key issues in each state.

Moving from delivery of one project to the next has meant little time for documentation and reporting, other than the continuing fortnightly news bulletins. This edition of Logbook is the only one for the year – and you’ll see why through the following pages describing our work.

All staff have contributed enormously to the delivery of this workload.

Domenic Genua leads a highly skilled and committed events team, with Phil McDermott as Events Manager, James Thompson as operations manager, ably supported by Robyn Wingrove and Megan Robson. Nik Parker has coordinated member support staff Aaron McKenna, Shane Wilson and George Bolton who have all contributed to all the events, as has Peter Tucker to the Adelaide Boat Show.

Simon Hazelbrook with Linda English’s support has collected the revenue and provided the administration back up. Julie Harris has coordinated invitation lists for numerous events and provided logistical support for a host of related meetings, with support from Jenny Bellaver in Queensland.

Corrina McMillan coordinated a working in the industry stand, as well as maintaining our key business and training systems. A range of short term and medium term contracted staff have also worked very well with the core team.

There are some great statistics on our growth in membership, and in the performance of our boat shows. Beyond the statistics, it is really pleasing to get good feedback from members that they are enjoying new levels of engagement, and that our events have been delivered so confidently.

The centrepiece of our year’s engagement was of course the return of the Sydney International Boat Show to Darling Harbour, with all space sold out, and with a big increase in visitation over the previous year. The opening breakfast commemorated this being the 50th Sydney Boat Show, was well attended by industry and government.

Minister Mel Pavey spoke of the strong relationship, and announced early plans for a single coastal boating infrastructure unit. Life membership was presented to Roy Privett. Two new features at the Sydney Boat Show were “My First Boat”, an independent advice section for those new to boaters; and the Event Deck, with three outdoor pools and styling creating a boating/beach environment, together with displays of racing boats and tinnies.

Brisbane Boat Show also expanded, from 3 halls of the exhibition centre to all 4 halls, and was largely sold out. There was also strong growth in visitor numbers, particularly on the Saturday which saw just under half of the total attendance. Adelaide Boat Show delivered strong sales to the exhibitors, but static numbers, and will be our next event for a rework in 2018.

Reaching out to boaters

Over the last year, the BIA Board has invested in a

new project to connect the organisation to boaters – the Advanced Skipper program. While we represent around 800 businesses, there are 2 million Australians who have a recreational boating licence. If we want to grow boating participation, we need to connect with and engage our best customers – and work with them to get the message out about the joys of boating.

Advanced Skipper is delivered as an online course to refresh and improve the knowledge of recreational boaters – to run them through the sort of issues that have caused incidents in the past. In return for doing the course, they become eligible for a range of benefits – which far outweigh the cost of the course. A $55 enrolment in the program delivers five years of benefits – including 5% - up to $100 a year - off boat insurance from Nautilus, and discounts on some goods and services.

Advanced Skipper was completed just in time for previewing at Marine 17, but not in time for a full technical

(… cont. over page)

Christmas Closedown

The office of the Boating Industry Association will be closed over Christmas and New Year from Saturday 23rd December and will re-open on Monday 8th January

The BIA team will be available throughout this time for any urgent matters.

During this time, please contact:

Shane Wilson – 0484 813 881

George Bolton – 0417 818 434 Queensland Aaron McKenna – 0430 115 043

Marine Card Enquiries

Shane Wilson – 0484 813 881

For any business or media matters contact Domenic Genua – 0412 642 357 or Simon Hazelbrook – 0412 605 071

From the CEO ...

review ahead of the launch. Consequently the promotion at the Sydney and Brisbane boat shows focussed on raising awareness of the product, and getting leads for later sales..

Marketing of the product commenced in September, and will increasingly be rolled out through member and partner networks.

The other big system development reported on here is the new Australian Vessel Identity Register, which will over time become a single source for data about new and imported vessels. It will allow manufacturers to issue Hull Identification Numbers, include data on the vessel, and allow government registration agencies to simply verify that a HIN has been properly issued.

As well as delivering these events and projects, it is pleasing to see that we are covering a wider range of boating organisations. BIA has long had members in the hire boat area – our members from the Whitsunday charter industry and our Houseboat Hirers Division are the core of this. Some 60 new members joined in 2017 with the merger of the NSW Commercial Vessels Association, and this gives us a very strong presence now in boating tourism issues.

Advocacy work

We report on many of the issues we take up through our advocacy work through the year in our fortnightly E-news. In general terms we pursue improvements to Access, Boating Destinations, Safety, Environment, and regulatory reform.

Some of the highlights through 2017 include:

• Launch of a boating infrastructure strategic plan with the SA Government

• Announcement of a new Coastal Infrastructure Unit and Strategy by the NSW Government

• Access for commercial vessels to government wharves, including the new wharf at Barangaroo

• Release of new commercial leasing policies for properties owned by Roads and Maritime Services in NSW, and a workshop to brief the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on developing similar policies.

Have your say ... Member communications and feedback

BIA sends out regular communications – including Logbook and the fortnightly e-news, plus topicspecific messages from time-to-time – but often we don’t hear back from members. Of course, not every member is involved with every issue BIA is working on, but as a member association our core duty is to ensure members are kept informed of and involved with the work of the BIA.

Members across SA, NSW, Qld and NT are always welcome to provide comment on local issues or topics likely to be of relevance to members around the country and should feel free to address such to their local Member Services team representative or directly to Nik Parker at nik@bia.org.au.

• New lifejacket wear rules in South Australia, and an Old for New Scheme.

Coming up is more work on riverbank erosion, working with our partners BIA Victoria to sort out proposed boating restrictions on a big stretch of the Murray. We have also benefited greatly from our association with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has provided access to many key political leaders through the year to promote awareness of our industry.

There’s rarely been a dull moment at the BIA this year, and we’re looking forward to a good end of year break.

While it’s the busy summer period for many of you, I do hope you get to enjoy a Merry Christmas with your friends and family, and I look forward to a happy, safe and prosperous new year.

Howard Glenn Chief Executive Officer

National update

Building a strong membership

The core objective of the BIA as a member association is to support the membership and to help grow and sustain the industry. Many projects support this objective, including boat shows, boating promotion and specialist industry development programs, all complementary to the core focus of member engagement and representation. An overview of activities to build a strong membership covers work at the state, national and international levels, as reported here by BIA General Manager Policy and Member Advocacy, Nik Parker.

Membership profile 2017

Membership numbers as at end November 2017 had reached 823, consisting of a make-up of 796 full financial members and 27 life members.

The annual membership renewal for 2017 was a great success with 642 members renewing from the membership list covering principally NSW, SA and Qld. With a number of businesses ceasing to trade, a number of mergers and then a limited number of members deciding not to renew (47 in total), the overall retention rate from 2016 was over 94%, one of the best years in recent history. This is ahead of the norm in industry associations (as reported by Associations Forum Member Retention Survey October 2017).

In addition, 92 new members joined during the year, almost double those leaving: this is good for the future of the boating industry and association itself, showing confidence in the industry and the value of being a member. Adding further to this, 62 new members were registered following the merger of NSW Commercial Vessel Association in July 2017.

Membership by state

The state-by-state breakdown of members shows 435 located in NSW, 228 in Queensland and 113 in SA, with 20 reporting a head office based in another state. The NSW membership was swelled in 2017 with the Commercial Vessel Association formally merging with the BIA in mid-year.

Membership and Industry profile

The turnover-based membership subscription system provides BIA with a good insight to the make-up of the industry, with members’ election of one of five tiers of turnover giving a benchmark value of the industry for future years.

The profile of members’ business also helps shape the creation of new value-adding services and benefits, as BIA is better able to identify what works best for different sizes of businesses.

Across the national membership, 45% of companies reported a turnover of less than $500,000, in line with previous national surveys of the value of the sector. Of this number, around a quarter are sole-traders, the remainder employing two or three people. The highest proportion of these tier one members is in South Australia, with around 75% being considered micro-businesses. Queensland members showed the lowest percentage of tier one memberships at 38% and the highest level of tier five memberships at 3%.

Members’ support in reviewing and confirming the accuracy of their turnover declaration as part their renewal will greatly assist this understanding of the industry profile in the future. BIA will also continue to gather more industry data as part of the annual state of the industry survey, providing an even better insight to the value and profile of the boating industry in Australia and in keeping with such datasets in other industry sectors.

BIA Membership application –assuring credibility

An important part of BIA membership application process is confirming and assuring the quality, reliability and credibility of member businesses. This provides assurance to both the consumer looking to transact business with the member and also to the membership as a whole that their peers are upholding standards expected of members of the BIA.

The membership application form requires an applicant to provide trade references and evidence of ASIC registration, in addition to the application being endorsed by a proposer and seconder, both of which are financial members of the association. Where a business is looking to become a member of the BIA, these simple steps provide a good measure of the standing of the applicant among their peers. The completed application is reviewed by the relevant State Council, with approvals usually being granted during the bi-monthly Council meeting.

Occasionally, due to various circumstances, an applicant is unable to satisfy these criteria at the time of submitting the application. In such cases, the usual approval process can be delayed and the applicant may be waiting several months between Council meetings to receive feedback on their application.

To streamline this process, while continuing to uphold standards, the BIA Member Services team now works with applicants and the State Councils to source suitable references where necessary: this extra assistance has helped speed up and finalise applications from many aspiring member companies, and has contributed well to the excellent growth in BIA Membership numbers during 2017, while losing nothing in the process of assuring quality of members.

Welcome new members

During 2017 BIA has welcomed a number of new members (see opposite) from across the three principal states of BIA membership and also from WA and Tasmania.

These new members demonstrate the continuing growth and success of the boating industry in Australia and the appreciation of the importance of being a member of the national industry association.

Plan for 2018

New members

Membership numbers vary each year, based on resignations, new members joining or those who simply drift away. Having now reached the 800-mark, the target for 2018 will be to increase this number by around 20-25 members.

We are reaching full market penetration, particularly with professional, active businesses, so the task of recruiting new members very much depends on having a high-quality membership offering, and support from existing members to encourage non-member peers to consider membership of the industry association.

Membership tier review

Following two years of operating the turnover-based subscription model – to accommodate the variations across the three states’ previous fixed-fee model and to more closely align the subscription with a member’s ability to contribute to the operating costs of the BIA – there were understandably a number of members who were unsure about how the system worked and what impact it had on their membership.

The Membership Services team has worked with these members to explain the benefits of membership and to help them determine the appropriate tier of membership subscription for their business, noting most importantly that

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the tier of membership subscription did not in any way impact their access to member services, with all members being of equal standing.

In September, at the request of the Board, the team provided a report to State Councils which provided recommendations on review of members’ self-allocated tier, with approximately 130 memberships noted as appropriate for an uplift in tier. All recommendations were confirmed by the State Councils.

Members subject to a tier uplift were contacted directly to explain the change and to advise of a new membership subscription for the 2018 renewal.

Having welcomed the NSW Commercial Vessel Association members on-board during the year, all CVA members were assigned to Tier 1 on joining BIA, supported by a lump sum payment from CVA to cover membership fees. From January they will be allocated to a tier based on their turnover, in line with all BIA members.

Membership fees

The Board of the BIA has confirmed that Membership subscriptions for 2018 will rise by 3%, to keep in line with increasing costs of doing business, while still offering excellent value to member companies.

Fees per tier for 2018 will be:

$500,000 to $2million 2

$2million to

Membership renewal 2018

The BIA membership renewal for 2018 begins around the time you are reading this edition of Logbook. Members should have received an invitation to renew with an accompanying invoice for their membership subscription to end December 2018.

The invoice is based on the allocated tier of membership: if a new tier and invoice is required, simply email membership@bia.org.au with your original invoice number and selected new tier and a replacement invoice will be issued.

Prompt payment ensures BIA has ready access to the funds required to deliver services to members and demonstrates a member’s commitment to the association and the BIA team thanks Members for their continuing support.

As part of a wider upgrade of BIA’s IT and communications systems, the new CRM system also provides the BIA team, whether in the office, at the show or on the road, with real-time access to the membership database, ensuring accuracy of member information and importantly the ability to readily record discussions with members.

NEW BIA MEMBERS

BIA Councils of NSW, SA & QLD together with BIA staff warmly welcome the following businesses into our Association and look forward to your participation in BIA activities and services:-

NSW

316 Distribution Pty Ltd T/as 316 Fastening Shop – Contact: Paul Montague

33 South Marine Electronics Pty Ltd – Contact: Levi Schofield

All Marine Spares Pty Ltd – Contact: Jason Mitchell

ASIAEVENTS Exsic Pty Ltd – Contact: Ness Puvanes

Australian Lifestyle Syndications Pty Ltd T/as Boating Partnerships – Contact: Tom van Vliet

Blue Sky Products Pty Ltd T/as Southern Cross Textiles –Contact: Wayne Gates

Callesen Diesel Australia Pty Ltd – Contact: George Mannasz

Canobolas Caravan and Marine Centre – Contact: Lee Mackenzie

Cockatoo Island Slipway & Mechanical – Contact: Rodney Forman

Crafoord Investments Pty Ltd T/as Sail Exchange – Contact: Carl Crafoord

Elliott Marine Limited – Contact: Gregory Elliott

Glendaze Pty Ltd T/as Sydney Harbour Marine – Contact: Ian McKnight

Gulf Rubber Australia Pty Ltd – Contact: Cameron Allison

Hydraulic Specialists Pty Ltd – Contact: Trevor Butchart

JMG Australia Pty Ltd T/as Aussie Boat Sales ACT/NSW – Contact: Johanna Graham

Johnson Bros Marine Services Pty Ltd – Contact: Ben Johnson

KB Marine – Contact: Parmindere Kohli

Koolewong Marina – Contact: Symantha Suprain

Life Cell Marine Safety Pty Ltd – Contact: Leigh Townsend

Logix Enterprises Pty Ltd – Contact: Jessica Gatt

Marine Products Australia Pty Ltd – Contact: Paul Were

Marine Valet – Contact: James Faulkner

My Yacht Pty Ltd – Contact: Mia Park

Riverina Marine Centre – Contact: Petroulla Artemiou

Sail-World.com – Contact: Contact: Peter Rendle

Shellharbour City Council – Contact: Matthew Youell

Silver Spirit Cruises Pty Ltd T/as Maritime Training School – Contact: John Koutsouras

Spirited Designs Pty Ltd – Contact: Craig Schionning

Standen Marine Pty Ltd – Contact: Steve Williams

Sydney Diving and Construction Services Pty Ltd – Contact: Mitchell Curtis

Sydney Perfect Storm Pty Ltd T/as Sydney Harbour Slipways – Contact: Peter Klumper

The Multihull Group Pty Ltd – Contact: Peter Hrones

Windcraft Australia Pty Ltd T/as Team Windcraft – Contact: Anthony Bishop

Windward Mark Pty Ltd T/as Onesails – Contact: Paul Eldrid

Yachtworx Australia – Contact: Dave Tomlinson

QLD

Boat Gold Coast – Contact: Andrew Kancachian

Cameron Engineering Pty Ltd T/as P & W Marine Engineers and Fieldings Foundry – Contact: Ross Cameron

Cannonvale Marine Pty Ltd – Contact: Andrew Kancachian

Coomera Houseboat Holidays Pty Ltd – Contact: Mark Smith

Copley Marine Consulting Group – Contact: Alister Copley

Geoff Lovett International – Contact: Perry James

Good Times Watersports Pty Ltd T/as Brisbane Ski Boat Centre – Contact: Trent Souwer

Legacy Boats Pty Ltd T/as Bonito Boats Australia – Contact: Roger Barnes

Marine Safety Innovations Pty Ltd T/as Kapten Boat Collar – Contact: Patrick Jones

Me Tender Pty Ltd T/as Me Tender Boats – Contact: Joseph Bleakley

ORCA Marine Services Pty Ltd – Contact: Peter Kilpatrick

Ray White Manly – Contact: Graeme Sharp

Sealander Pty Ltd – Contact: Robert James

Spitfire Trailers – Contact: Peter Ebbott

The Yacht Brokerage Pty Ltd – Contact: Peter Nicholson

Whisperpower Pacific Pty Ltd T/as Whisperpower – Contact: Roy Jervis

Whitsunday Discount Marine – Contact: Bruce Goldman

Yacht Products Australia Pty Ltd T/as Whitsunday Outboard Centre – Contact: Mark McNally

Yorkeys Knob Boating Club Inc – Contact: Andrew Tulloch

SA

Long Island Caravan Park Pty Ltd T/as Murray Bridge Marina and Caravan Park – Contact: Mydwan Crabtree

Maitland Marine Services – Contact: Benjamin & Renae

Groombridge

New Wave Aerospace Pty Ltd T/as Marina St Vincent –

Contact: Stephen Marks

Peter & Lorraine Struik

Sharpcraft Boats & Marine – Contact: Nick Sharp

Sunland Park Pty Ltd T/as Cheetah Concepts – Contact: Ross Hutchens

HHA – NEW MEMBERS 2017

Welcome to the owners of the following houseboats in South Australia.

Absolute Bliss Houseboat: Steve Sharp

Break Free: Jason Kilic

Carpe Diem: Fiona & Martin Altmann

Cocktails & Dreams: Malcolm & Jodie Kalms

Fantasy: Dennis & Jodi Weckert

Houseboat Escape: Wendy Scheiner

Islander: Antonio Barila

Magnum: Trevor & Margaret Stoeckel

Mystique: S. Burr & W. Burns

Possum: Peter Kelley

River Breez: Suzette Sheppard

Rivermist Houseboats: Mark Crosby

Riverstar: E & O Sandrini

Vonni Diva Houseboat: Benjamin Watkins

Wildlife: Trevor Brauer & Susan Jungfer

Connecting with members

CRM – myBIA

In late January BIA launched its new membership database and CRM, delivered by specialist association software management providers IVT.

The member facing side of the CRM is known as the myBIA Member Centre, providing members with an easy to use and secure portal for access to a wide range of membership entitlements, benefits and information.

With the bringing together of multiple state and divisional membership databases, it was imperative that BIA upgraded its in-house membership record management processes and the choice to employ the IVT system was made following an extensive tender process in mid-2016.

The roll-out of myBIA commenced at the end of last year with the membership team taking ownership of the system for pre-launch testing over the summer period.

The launch saw over 700 members connected with the system with a level of automation not enjoyed previously within the BIA. Standard messages went out to members to advise of the access to myBIA and within days more than 50% of the membership had logged on and explored the Member Centre.

Membership renewals for 2017 were processed by the CRM in mid-February and within two weeks more than 25% of members had arranged payment via the Member Centre; by mid-June, this number was closer to 95%, an excellent testament to providing members with access to information tools online to manage their membership account in their own time.

As a web-based system, the myBIA system can be accessed by the BIA team wherever they are, particularly useful for the membership officers out and about in Far North Qld or up the creek somewhere along the Murray River. With the myBIA system connected, they’re never without a paddle…

The ability to readily record communications with members following planned or chance meetings has delivered a rich new resource of member feedback, accessible by all the team. To date, over 1650 communications with individual members have been logged, providing a great tool for the CEO to track his members’ feedback and be on top of issues when engaging at events.

Members have access to a range of resources at the myBIA Member Centre, including standard contract documentation, industry statistics, insurance programs and specialist technical advice. A new member-driven jobs board and map-based member search and listing portal were launched in mid-2017, adding further benefit for members choosing to access myBIA for speedy updates and information.

You can access the myBIA Member Centre by logging on at www.bia.org.au and entering your registered email address as the username and self-selected password. If this doesn’t work, you may not have been set up with access: speak to your organisation’s BIA primary contact or drop a line to the BIA Membership team at membership@bia.org.au

BIA member engagement

As an industry association and a members association first and foremost, the role of the BIA team is to serve members needs to help sustain and grow their businesses.

Much of this is achieved behind the scenes in advocacy work to tackle adverse regulatory issues, much is achieved via the high-profile consumer boat show program.

But much is also achieved by engaging directly with members: whether via the new myBIA Member Centre, as part of member visit programs or members networking events such as the 2017 Member Forum program, the state council and annual member meetings.

During the year, the BIA Member Services team has met members in locations up and down the East Coast and across South Australia, with eight member forums being the setting for over 200 members to meet with BIA staff and board members to air their views, hear what’s being done about them and to be kept up to date on the range of programs and issues BIA is always working on on behalf of members.

A well-received program of events in Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Airlie Beach set the scene for this to become a regular feature of the member engagement program. A program of events for 2018 will be published early in the new year.

State Councils and BIA National Board

Running

alongside member forums are the regular state council meetings, one of the key elements of BIA governance where member-elected representatives gather to provide oversight of state-specific issues and projects and provide local guidance and input to the national board and executive. The state councils meet every six to eight weeks, just ahead of the national board convening.

A chairman of each state council is supported by up to 10 councillors, drawn from the varied cross-section of BIA membership: from this number, three councillors are then nominated to serve on the BIA national board.

As purely volunteer positions, state councillors put in a great deal of effort to represent their peers and thanks are due to them for their dedication in looking after local affairs.

The state council AGMs in NSW, SA and Qld saw some change to each council’s make-up with some old names stepping down after several years of service and new names rising to the challenge.

Contested elections in SA and Qld confirmed the interest members take in the governance of their association and their willingness to contribute of their expertise and time.

The make-up of each state council for 2017-18 is as follows:

NSW State Council 2017-2018

Alan Blake Blakes Marine Chairman

Adam Brown Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency Councillor

Paul Burgess Bluewater Marine Surveyors Councillor

Simon Cook Cook Family Enterprises Councillor

Ian Ford Bass & Flinders Councillor

Jon Hunt Hunts Marine Councillor

Michael Jarvin Advanced Marina Management Councillor

David Randall Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club Councillor

Alan Steber Stebercraft Councillor

Shannon Stocks Shannon Outboard Service Councillor

Terry Wise Pacific Sailing School Councillor

Queensland State Council 2017-2018

Councillor Member Company Position

Andrew Fielding Anchorline Yacht Brokers Chairman

Norm Ambrose Ausail Marine Group Councillor

Ross Geurts Brisbane Sea-Doo & Can-Am Councillor

Aaron Goodchild Brisbane Yamaha Councillor

Johan Hasser Mulpha Sanctuary Cove Boat Show Councillor

Matthew Hodson John Crawford Marine Councillor

Nicholas Kitchen Yamaha Motor Australia Councillor

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Councillor

Paul Phelan Telwater Councillor

Peter Ruhle Boating & RV Councillor

Steve Sammes Gold Coast City Marina Councillor

SA State Council 2017-2018

Councillor Member Company Position

Rob Cuming Christies Beach Marine Chairman

David Binks Binks Marine Councillor

Allen Buckley Riverdance Houseboat Councillor

Tim Cook Club Marine Councillor

Andrew Craddock Marina Adelaide Councillor

Craig Evans Cruising Yacht Club of SA Councillor

Trish Flaherty Nautilus Marine Insurance Agency Councillor

Dean Forster Stress Free Marine Pty Ltd Councillor

Stuart Myles Elite Skiboats Councillor

To wrap-up the state council AGMs and undertake the formal business of the BIA as a member association, the national AGM was held in early May.

As an exercise in engaging with a national membership spread across three states and beyond, the use of an online ballot process proved highly successful with close to 20% of the membership taking part, adding weight to the votes cast by the board when they met formally in Sydney.

The principal business to resolve was the confirmation of state council nominations to the national board, to serve as directors of the BIA for a period of three years.

The board was confirmed with three representatives for each of NSW, SA and Qld and a board appointed director serving at the gift of the board, as follows:

BIA National Board 2017-2018

Director Member Company Position State

Alan Blake Blakes Marine President NSW

Rob Cuming Christies Beach Marine Vice President SA

Allen Buckley Riverdance Houseboat Director SA

Simon Cook Cook Family Enterprises Chairman of FARC NSW

Craig Evans Cruising Yacht Club of SA Director SA

Matthew Hodson John Crawford Marine Director QLD

Michael Jarvin Advanced Marina Management Director NSW

Nathan Nichols Cruise Craft Boats Director QLD

Paul Phelan Telwater Director QLD

Darren Vaux Empire Marina Bobbin Head Director NSW

State Council and National Board meeting and AGMs 2018

In2018, the National Board will meet quarterly, starting in March, with the three state councils to meet two weeks ahead of the board.

As required, to provide advice and guidance on topical local issues, state councils may meet additionally between the formal meeting program, at the request of the council chairman. Each state council will be supported by its local state membership officer and BIA advocacy team: at formal meetings, the CEO or one of the senior managers from BIA will always be present to provide a full national overview of BIA activities.

The AGM program for 2018 will commence slightly earlier than in previous years, with state council AGMs to be held in March to provide an opportunity to elect a new state council and then nominate director representatives to the National Board.

The good experience of using the online AGM platform will continue, ensuring members have the best opportunity to be involved and make their ‘voice’ heard. Invitations to nominate for state councils will be circulated in late February and members interested in helping shape and guide local or national activities should consider getting involved.

Statistics and data

Updates to boat registration data

Members with an interest in boat registration numbers have benefited throughout 2017 with an improving availability of registration data, now being released quarterly to provide month-by-month registration number reports for Queensland and NSW.

The reports are by brand, for the period July 2016-June 2017 (vessel registration data is reported by state governments on a financial year basis), with a further update for data to end September 2017 also now available.

BIA has worked with the registration agencies in each of Queensland and NSW (TMR and RMS respectively) to validate the data, noting that the raw data sets previously used in reporting to members were compromised by the quality of data being captured.

A review of the data available has been completed and the new report presents an update on the top brands being registered in each state, based on a minimum of four registrations per year, or the brand being on display at the Brisbane Boat Show or Sydney International Boat Show.

The month-by-month reports can be accessed at the myBIA Member Centre, along with the accompanying report of brands on display at BBS16, BBS17 and SIBS17. Annual

fleet reports are now being processed for each state and will be available at end of February. At the same time, monthly reports for SA will join those of Queensland and NSW, with work to expand this to include Victoria and WA to continue.

The boating industry big picture numbers

The Marine17 conference saw a great deal of data presented on a range of topics, all of it being of value to delegates attending. This covered data from the Australian census, boating incident reports, financial and economic data, boating participation in the US and more.

The BIA completed the reporting with an infographic summary of its initial review of the 2017 State of Industry survey, noting that the boating industry in Australia now reports a turnover of $8.28bn with over 25,000 people directly employed by boating industry businesses.

The infographic report (opposite and over page) provides a good insight to the big picture numbers that defines the boating industry and community in Australia and is recommended as a talking point guide for anyone discussing the state of the industry. The infographic can also be downloaded from the myBIA Member Centre.

State-by-state business performance and outlook

An overview of state-by-state industry performance has been developed from data captured in the survey, with snapshots of industry metrics in NSW, Queensland and SA as follows:

(percentage of companies reporting growth minus those reporting contraction)

This snapshot suggests recent business performance and confidence for the future is very strong in NSW and Qld, although this may not be reflected in every sector of the local industry. However, the considerable variation between the east coast states and SA is a concern that local SA industry members have been discussing for some time.

However, the market would appear to have improved, in a small way, during the last couple of months and combined with the sentiment of expectations of change in the forthcoming state election, the 2018 State of the Industry report will hopefully present a much more healthy outlook.

The boating industry in Australia by

the numbers

2017 Industry data

Turnover in 2016/17

8.28 bn $

25,340

People are employed by the industry, with a flow on of thousands more in tourism jobs

Industry profile by sector

The boating industry covers a broad range of sectors, with boat sales, storage, yard services and charter operators leading the way.

2,250 Businesses +

Companies in the boating industry are predominantly smaller businesses, typically employing less than 5 people.

But

Australian Builders Plate

The Australian Builders Plate was introduced over 10 years ago as a mandatory requirement for all new boats sold in Australia, with the principal objective to improve safety of boats and for boaters by defining minimum standards for powered vessels covering buoyancy, maximum load and powering.

Ten years on, the success of the ABP is unquestioned in having improved boat design standards and alongside recent campaigns to improve lifejacket wear rates, the ABP has been an important element of making boating even safer.

However, as with all such things, recent reports from state boating safety agencies have suggested that some of the finer detail of the ABP may have been forgotten or misunderstood by designers, builders, importers and dealers.

A recent inspection exercise conducted by one state agency visiting boat builders and dealers’ showrooms identified a considerable number of non-compliances across a range of manufacturers and the agency is now working with concerned parties to address problems with design or process improvements.

Industry Turnover

BIA is not aware of which companies are involved, but it serves as a reminder to all with a responsibility under the ABP to ensure proper compliance at all times.

30 19 18 19

The boating industry has seen steady, healthy growth over the last two years, picking up from a down turn in 2013 – 2015

A nation of boaters

2 million

68,000

Strong growth in non-powered sector outdoor, healthly lifestyle. are forecasting growth over the next 12 months

BIA is always available to support members with queries about the ABP and related requirements, by contacting Nik Parker at nik@bia.org.au or members are recommended to review the ABP requirements, including the ABP standard, available online at http://www. anzsbeg.com.au/index.php/boating-safely/australianbuilders-plate/

Boating is one of the leading pastimes in Australia – over 2 million Aussies have a boat licence

900,000 More than registered boats plus as many again paddle craft, SUPs, sailing dinghies

15,000 new registrations each year The fleet is growing with now registered

PWC are the fastest growing sector of powered vessels

Marine engine emission regulation

To conclude one of the most drawn-out debates in the marine industry, about when, or not, emissions standards for marine engines might be introduced in Australia, in September 2017 the Commonwealth Government implemented legislation in the form of the Product Emissions Standards Act 2017, finally confirming regulation for Non-Road Spark Ignition Engines Emissions would be in place.

A transition period is provided for, which essentially means that from 1 July 2018, all imported product (SI (petrol and gas) engines) must comply with the standards: non-compliant will no longer be permitted to be imported.

From the same day 12 months later, the sale of noncompliant SI engines will no longer be permitted.

As with all legislation there are some exceptions to this, however in terms of the majority of units being sold, this will mean post 1 July 2019, only emission standard-compliant engines will be available on the market. Importantly, the action is not retrospective…

The Department of the Environment provides the following explanation and information on the changes:

Which engines and equipment will the standards apply to?

The standards will apply to new non-road spark ignition engines used in a wide range of equipment. They will not apply to engines and equipment people already own, or to second-hand engines and equipment. The categories that will initially be covered are:

• spark ignition engines rated at 19 kilowatts and below used in household and commercial operations, including: lawn mowers, ride-on mowers, mulchers, brush/line cutters, generators (includes onboard marine), pumps, chain saws, and other small handheld or pushed/pulled equipment.

• spark ignition engines used in marine vessels including: outboard engines, personal watercraft and stern-drive/inboard engines.

‘Non-road’ excludes stationary engines and road vehicles which are subject to other regulations. ‘Spark ignition’ excludes diesel, battery or electric-powered, but includes petrol, LPG, CNG and LNG.

What will the standards include?

The new emissions standards will be based on United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and equivalent international standards. A working group of experts - made up of industry, government and community representatives - have provided advice on implementing the standards.

The proposed requirements will vary depending on the type of engine or equipment. In general the new standards will:

• make it an offence to import new engines or equipment that do not meet the standards or to supply them within Australia

• provide a certification process for new domestic and imported products which are not already certified to US EPA or equivalent international standards

• provide mechanisms to consider requests for exemptions from the standards

• provide cost recovery provisions to support government administration of the standards.

Which engines and equipment don’t meet the standards?

The standards are performance rather than technology based, but modern four-stroke and direct injection two-stroke engines are expected to meet the standards. Other two-stroke engines for outboards and non-handheld equipment will not

usually meet the standards. There is a range of conventional two-stroke handheld equipment (e.g. chainsaws and brush cutters) that already meet the standards.

When will the new standards start?

The new emissions standards are expected to be in place by end 2017 but will be phased in to allow industry time to transition. From:

1 July 2018 – all new non-road spark ignition engines and equipment imported into Australia from this date must comply with the rules.

1 July 2019 – any new non-road spark ignition engines and equipment supplied to the Australian market from this date must comply with the rules.

BIA has worked on the topic of NRISEE standards for many years, in partnership with engine manufacturer representative groups and the ICOMIA Marine Engine Committee.

The end result is good news for the environment and thereby for boaters in Australia, although there are still some details to be finalised and amended to ensure the new standards and compliance systems operate effectively and efficiently.

Consultations on a cost recovery levy to pay for compliance and the detailed technical standards is concluding as Logbook goes to print and BIA will update members early in 2018 as to the final outcomes.

However, the final message from the Department is key to the issue:

Manufacturers, retailers, and importers should start planning to move their product lines to meet US EPA and equivalent international standards now to ensure they have compliant products when the standards commence.

Australian Vessel Identification Register

For many years, the requirement for all new vessels entering the Australian market to be identified with a unique number, known as the Hull Identification Number or HIN, has been one of the few ways in which the provenance of a vessel can be confirmed.

The HIN is required for registration of a new vessel in several states, but not all, and in those states that do record the HIN, only one does so in a way that can later be interrogated to establish characteristics of the vessel. Add to this that with HIN data held only locally in each state and that there is therefore no national database, and it is clear that the HIN system is not fulfilling its potential. Both industry and the registration agencies have agreed for some time that this is far from ideal.

To address this failing, the BIA has invested in a new project that will deliver a solution. Known internally as SmartHIN, the project will provide an online platform for defining and recording a HIN, allowing registered boat manufacturers and importers to do away with completing paperwork and sending multiple copies of documentation to owners and registration agencies.

A registered manufacturer or importer is any entity that has a Manufacturer’s Identity Code, the three-digit code known as the MIC. Currently, this is a code issued and renewed manually by the BIA office in WA. The time saving to be delivered by the new system managing these tasks online in a single setting will be considerable.

BIA will be launching SmartHIN – to be known publicly as the Australian Vessel Identification Register – in early 2018 to provide registered boat manufacturers and importers with the ability to define a HIN and record details of the vessel on the national AVIR database.

The AVIR will provide for all characteristics of a vessel required for registration to be entered to the database –including compliance data for the Australian Builders Plate – so that, as required, paper-based documentation/certification for use in registering the vessel with state agencies can be outputted. Ultimately, AVIR will talk directly to state registration databases to provide confirmation of a vessel’s identity and associated characteristics.

All current MIC holders will be automatically entered on to the new AVIR database and will then be invited to login to the system and validate key data held about the company. From there, a MIC holder will be able to set up templates for each brand and model variant in their range, entering key data for the vessel such as length, beam, hull colour, flotation and buoyancy, on-board systems, powering (where known) and related attributes.

When the time comes to assign a HIN to a new-build vessel, the MIC holder selects the template for the vessel, enters the 5-digit yard number and the AVIR system then defines the remainder of the HIN based on the AU country code, the MIC and current date for month and year of build, plus model year. As required, these latter date details can be amended as part of the process. The HIN is then confirmed and registered on the AVIR database.

In addition to streamlining the process for manufacturers and importers, and providing a much better connection to the registration process, the AVIR will also provide the BIA

with access to real-time, validated data on what new vessels are entering the market. This will allow for a much more accurate new vessel data collection and reporting system, further helping members with commentary and data on the state of the market at any given time.

Further details on AVIR will be provided to MIC holders before the end of the year, or are available from Nik Parker at nik@bia.org.au

Commercial vessel low-risk operations qualifications

One of the key tenets of the National Law for Domestic Commercial Vessels is that operators of DCVs will be suitably qualified.

Across the wide range of vessel types, sizes and type and area of operation, there is an equally varying level of qualification that is suitable for the role of master, skipper, crew, engineer etc.

In almost all cases, operators of DCVs have long-established training and qualification requirements and protocols, with crew undertaking and retaining formal, professional qualifications.

However, in some sectors which are ‘new’ to the DCV world, or were perhaps treated differently under the previous statebased regulatory system, there is a misunderstanding of the need for a recognised commercial vessel qualification to be able to operate a DCV within the scope of the National Law.

Operators of low-risk vessel/low-risk operations (generally vessels under 12m, not carrying passengers and operating on sheltered waters) often find that they have missed the need for a formal qualification beyond a recreational boat licence and adherence to an operational safety plan.

In fact, they do require a commercial vessel qualification and without such, are operating in an illegal capacity.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority recognises the low-risk nature of many operations in the provisions of the Ex38 Marine Safety (Low complexity duties) Exemption, issued in 2016, providing a very suitable set of qualifications for many operators of the likes of workboats, marina tenders, hire boat chase vessels and the like.

Part of the Ex38 system is the BIA Marine Card. By combining a Marine Card with a recreational boat licence, low-risk commercial vessel operators are able to meet the requirements of the National Law to have a recognised commercial vessel qualification and to thereby operate legally, in terms of crew competency at least.

In recent weeks, BIA has been working with various sectors of the marine industry to remind them of obligations for commercial vessel operator qualifications and the suitability of obtaining a BIA Marine Card as meeting these obligations.

With the National Law for DVC now into its fifth year of operation, it is timely that any members not yet fully up to speed with the crew qualification requirements consider whether there is anything they need to do differently: AMSA liaison officers are available to advise, as is the BIA.

BIA would strongly recommend any low-risk operators who are unsure of their qualification status, talk to BIA or AMSA soon and consider signing up for a BIA Marine Card.

Further information on this is available from Nik Parker at nik@bia.org.au

Houseboat Hirers Association

As a national division of the BIA, the Houseboat Hirers Association represents the interests of inland houseboating holiday operators, principally on the River Murray in SA, but with members further upstream and elsewhere.

2017 has been a very good year for HHA membership growth, with 15 boat owners joining as BIA and HHA members. Interest from operators in Queensland and NSW is also increasing and regular discussions are held with these businesses to encourage them to join the association.

The HHA manages a detailed program of marketing and promotion for the houseboat industry, with the principal channel being the HHA website www.houseboatbookings.com

This website, supported by the invaluable knowledge of the river and the fleet of HHA GM Peter Tucker, is the most frequently used resource for holidaymakers looking for their next houseboat adventure. HHA receives a small commission from bookings originated via the website, providing additional support to the wider HHA marketing program.

For the six months to April 2018, the HHA has an extensive marketing plan for print media, website, social media and advertisements. This includes the production of a 5-minute video promoting houseboat holidays and the benefits of dealing with an Association Member; and the development of an online Agreement for Hire/Booking Form to replace the current printed version, along with other enhancements to the website.

Additional projects include:

Targeted Facebook advertising and monthly monitoring.

Google AdWords creation, set up and monitoring.

Instagram creation, set up and management.

YouTube creation, setup and management.

Reviews & Feedback system to be created and monitored.

Advertising in the Destination Riverland Visitor Guide.

Work with the South Australian Tourism Commission and Regional Tourism bodies on cooperative marketing opportunities.

Investigate options for listing all members houseboats with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)

Continue distribution of the Houseboat Holiday Guide Throughout South Australian and selected Interstate Visitor Information Centres.

Advocacy and representation

The HHA GM and committee work very closely with the wider BIA team on matters of industry advocacy, supporting members with representation on a range of topics including with the Environment Protection Authority, Murray Darling Basin Authority, local councils and other stakeholders.

The most significant representation relates to commercial vessel regulation matters, working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on the National Law for Domestic Commercial Vessels.

Several areas of this legislation impact houseboats, right across the country, including the standard for hire and drive vessels, known as NSCV F2, and the standard for survey requirements, known as NSAMS 4.

The HHA is in regular communication with AMSA regarding issues affecting the industry, with the strength of this advocacy being recognised in 2017 with the appointments of BIA Chief Executive Howard Glenn and HHA GM Peter Tucker to the National Commercial Vessel Industry Advisory Committee. This allows HHA’s voice and concerns to be heard at the highest level.

The following matters of concern currently under discussion include:

Lifejackets

We are challenging the transitional arrangement specification that the current 50N permanent buoyancy veststyle be replaced with 150N coastal lifejackets prior to the next survey as we believe it is wasteful and inappropriate for commercial houseboats.

Cost recovery

Following on from last year’s successful industry challenge to the proposed high cost levy system for AMSA’s costs recovery, we will continue to seek a fair and equitable conclusion, working as part of the BIA representation.

Communication

We believe AMSA’s current method of communication could be vastly improved by providing updates to specific industry groups i.e. Commercial houseboats rather than the current generic consultation documents.

Accreditation

Discussions are currently underway to arrive at a suitable formula for the re-introduction of a Houseboat Operator’s licence to carry out tuition. This is running in parallel with work to recognise the suitability of the BIA Marine Card as providing a base level of qualification for persons working on houseboats at times when the vessel is not on hire.

NSCV F2 Schedule 1: Required Outcomes

Discussions continue regarding our opposition to the provisions of the safety management outcomes that infer the owner/operator of the vessel is at all times liable for any incidents that occur while the vessel is on hire: our argument is that this is flawed as the owner/operator lacks the control required to deliver the outcomes.

International update

International associations

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations is the voice of the recreational marine industry worldwide.

It was formed in 1967 and now brings together over 40 members, each being a national marine industry association or related body such as standards or service organisations, covering countries in all major boating regions including Europe, North & South Americas, Middle East, Asia, Australasia and South Africa.

The BIA is part of this global family of marine industry associations and has played an important role in ICOMIA for many years, including hosting the annual Congress in 2002, providing the President in 2006-2008 in way of Graeme Avers and most recently the Vice-President in way of Simon Cook. BIA’s membership of ICOMIA is a partnership with the Marina Industries Association and the Australian Marine Export Group, AIMEX.

ICOMIA represents its members at an international level and provides a forum in which to consider issues of common concern, formulating agreed policy to tackle each as necessary.

ICOMIA’s core aim is to develop and sustain the global recreational marine industry by:

Breaking down barriers to trade; seeking removal of unnecessary or unviable legislation; promoting awareness of the industry’s requirements and objectives; providing guidance on standards and regulations (and a forum in which to shape such); promoting the concept of recreational boating as being fun, a lifestyle and available to all; providing members with data, advice and support on all issues relevant to the sector, drawing on lessons learned and sharing the knowledge of its global membership.

Alongside ICOMIA is the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers, which represents the leading boat shows around the world. These shows are a mix of industry-owned and commercial boat shows, but all are of world-class and set the benchmark for boat shows everywhere.

The Sydney International Boat Show is a senior member of IFBSO with BIA represented by Domenic Genua as a member of the IFBSO Executive Committee.

Every year, ICOMIA and IFBSO hold a combined Congress to receive reports on project work, international and local issues and to set the agenda for representation and promotion of the global industry, boat show program and promotion of the boating lifestyle.

In 2017, BIA was very proud to host the Congress for a second time, as part of International Boat Week on the Gold Coast in May this year.

Congress 2017 Gold Coast

The 2017 Congress provided a great opportunity for the global boating industry to experience some of the very best that the Australian boating industry has to offer, including yard tours of the Coomera Marine Precinct, the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, and boating on the Gold Coast Broadwater and beyond.

With over 70 international marine industry leaders attending, the showcase provided good exposure to this influential group.

In among the networking and tours was four days of

workshops, briefings and formal AGMs, discussing change and innovation within the industry. These meetings are arranged around a grouping of specialist committees within the ICOMIA and IFBSO structure, with a key focus for 2017 being the future of boating and what will the industry look like the next time BIA might host in 2035 …

Grow boating – sustaining the industry

The promotion of the boating lifestyle and increasing the prosperity of the recreational marine industry is a key objective of ICOMIA and its members and one of the most important meetings at Congress is the Grow Boating group.

The US has always been seen as the leading player in this sphere and the BIA’s equivalent in the US, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, has run a program called Discover Boating with great success for several years.

Efforts to stimulate the boating sector since the GFC have been particularly successful in the US with NMMA reporting in June a sixth straight year of industry growth.

However, the changes being felt in almost every other industry sector brought on by the sharing economy, are also now evident in the boating industry, with NMMA reporting that while unit sales may be slowing, participation is at an all time high in the US.

To better understand the impact of the sharing economy on a traditional industry such as the boating industry, BIA invited a keynote guest speaker with first-hand knowledge of the topic to address a plenary session of the Congress.

Roy Wakelin-King AM, former Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Taxi Council, presented an in-depth, ‘no skeletons’ assessment of the impact of ride sharing, such as Uber, on the taxi industry, reflecting on how the industry’s approach to try and deny change was happening was a key factor in its subsequent struggle to accommodate a new player.

Roy noted that with a focus on the rise of peer-to-peer sharing of underutilised assets and resources, enabled by fast-developing social media technology, consumer control of the market has never been greater.

The evolving demographic of consumers, whose easy adaptation to change has led to the rejection of traditional business models in favour of ‘least-cost’ ownership, or more usually access and use, models, combined with their apathy or disinterest in dealing with regulatory barriers, has led in both the taxi sector and now within the boating industry to a growing trend to set new rules by sheer force of will.

The strong take-away message was that in the current format, the boating industry was at risk of missing a great opportunity to expand and grow participation in the boating lifestyle if it didn’t find ways to embrace new ownership and experiential desires and to work with regulators to provide enabling regulatory frameworks for such.

Global statistics

Underscoring the opportunity to embrace new consumers, ICOMIA publishes an annual report on marine industry statistics, covering all member countries

with additional insights to how the global and regional economies are faring.

Data for the report is generated by the ICOMIA members and from library sources of economic data and is presented as the most authoritative commentary on the state of play of the global recreational marine industry.

Key findings of the latest report – data to end 2016 –suggest that the industry is doing well, with more than 65% of businesses internationally reporting a positive outlook for the next three years.

With over 180 million people considered as boaties around the world, there is good reason to be optimistic.

Other big picture numbers demonstrate the scale and significance of the recreational marine industry and are a valuable talking point for advocacy and representation:

• 100,000 marine businesses around the world

• One million employees

• $65bn manufacturing turnover

• 30 million recreational boats

• 25,000 marinas

BIA contributes to the report each year but is often unable to present a full set of data to match other ICOMIA members, such as the US, UK, France and Italy, all of which provide a detailed analysis of the profile of their domestic industry by unit sales, values, employment, region etc.

BIA will be working to improve its data collection during 2018 making use of the model employed by many other ICOMIA members.

This will be an enhancement to BIA’s annual State of the Industry survey to evaluate the breadth and scale of the industry in Australia, to be conducted in early April in 2018.

Technical and environmental regulation

ICOMIA has for many years taken the lead in developing regulation to support and sustain the recreational boating sector, with a particular focus on regulation enabling free trade within key markets and globally.

Many of the regulatory pressures now felt by businesses around the world, in whichever sector, originate in Europe with a very mature legislative framework and increasing focus on improving environmental and social outcomes.

ICOMIA works hard to understand and quantify the impacts of new trends of legislation and is actively involved in a variety of debates whether this be rules for engine emissions, health and safety best practice related to carcinogenic substances used in manufacturing or defining new standards for fire protection systems.

The work program is very broad and requires that ICOMIA engages specialists in relevant disciplines, in addition to drawing on members’ own technical expertise.

BIA gains great insight to the likely legislative landscape expected to find its way to Australia in the future and is well placed to draw on the strength of ICOMIA and its many experts to help shape regulation and standards here.

Boating Industry Association

Marine Card program – Best practice WHS compliance management solutions for the boating industry

Whether you are an owner/operator of a commercial marine site, work for an employer or a contractor in the industry, we all want to work in a safe environment where everyone goes home in one piece.

The Marine Card program provides an industry-wide approach to improve safety awareness and performance, streamline compliance and promote a culture of commitment to WHS in our industry.

There are three parts to the Marine Card Program

1. Our Online WHS General Induction

Our online WHS General Induction designed specifically for the boating industry, focusing on risks and hazards found in our complex working environment and helping workers to understand their legal responsibilities and contribute to a safer workplace.

2. marinecard.org.au

A dedicated website designed to aid the exchange of vital WHS information between Contractor and Marine site.

3. Access management System

An automated Access Management System designed to streamline and simplify Contractor access and compliance management at Marine Industry worksites.

Innovative, simple and right for our industry, the Marine Card Program supports employees, sole traders, contracting businesses and workplace controllers to meet their legal obligations and make our industry safer for everyone.

The Australian Builders Plate standard, for example, draws heavily on the standards for small craft developed in Europe and the US and by following industry best practice developed in consultation with ICOMIA and its members, Australian industry can be assured that it is able to compete in the international market, at least on a technical standards level. h Another service from The Boating Industry Association PO Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585 | Ph: (02) 9438 2077 | Email: info@bia.org.au

Find out more at www.marinecard.org.au or contact:. Corrina McMillan (02) 9438 2077, training@bia.org.au

MARINE CARD, DO YOU HAVE YOURS YET?

The Marine Card is now held by nearly 3,500 people in the recreational marine sector. As a business running a site or an individual visiting one, this is a start to ensuring you are on the way to meeting your WH&S obligations.

To obtain your Marine Card, you must successfully complete the online Marine Card Induction. If you have a Marine Card that has expired, you can update it by completing the online Refresher at www.bia.org.au/training

2017 Boat Shows see considerable movement

The 2017 boat show circuit saw a change in how the events were presented to market. This together with a positive change in consumer sentiment, and a major venue change, saw changes in visitor numbers and show results.

As part of the tracking process, the BIA conducts consumer exit research to help measure the outcome of changes made, as well as to gather information to help lay a foundation from our learning for future shows.

The following is a summary of the findings.

Adelaide Boat Show

30 June to 2 July Adelaide Showground – Wayville

The event was again run in cooperation with the BIA Adelaide Boat Show partner Kym Jones Exhibitions. The show ran for three days from the Adelaide Show Grounds in Wayville. Visitor data was collected to understand origin of visitors and the perceptions derived from visiting the event.

Research Findings

The average age of attendance dropped from 2016, which was reflected in the number of retirees in attendance. Despite a younger audience, household income has increased, with an increase in those earning above $150,000 (+6%), and an increase in the imputed average household income by +$9,000 when compared with 2016.

The performance metrics for the event were slightly weaker than 2016 but overall on par with 2016 in most ways.

The key reasons for attendance remained consistent, seeing New products dominating and the satisfaction around the metric being on par with 2016 at 79.8%

Notwithstanding the demographic differences of the attendees, 44.5% were still reporting a Household income of over $100,000, and 34.4% attended the event intending to purchase, so the event is still delivering a strong buying audience for exhibitors.

Demographic Summary

The average age of the visitors was significantly lower with almost 65% being under the age of 55 (compared to just 45% in 2016). This resulted in a different mix of occupations with less retirees, professionals remaining constant, and an increased household income (particularly in the $150,000+ range)

18% of respondents were female

35% of respondents were aged 55+ (-20% drop since 2016)

15% of respondents were Retired (-10% drop since 2016)

25% of respondents were Professionals / Managers

26% of respondents had annual household incomes greater than $150,000 (+6% increase since 2016)

Boating Behavior Summary

69% of visitors to the Adelaide boat show indicated that they own a boat, with just over 2/3rds of visitors reporting they own a powerboat. Most of the boats are 4 – 8 metres, which corresponds to the 88.1% of boaters indicating that fishing was their primary boating interest. Kayak/Canoeing has risen in interest which should be noted as well.

Time and no-longer having access to a boat were the key reasons that boaters reduced frequency, but overall visitors are reporting an uplift in their boating frequency.

71.8% of respondents own a boat

65% of respondents own a powerboat

6.8% of respondents own a sailboat or yacht

74% of owners have a 1-8 metre craft

57% of visitors are going boating at least monthly

33.6% of respondents indicate that they are boating about the same amount as 3 years ago

Visitor Value

From a spending power perspective, 44.5% of the market had a household income of over $100,000 per annum, and 70.8% already owned a boat.

33.3% of visitors came to the Show expecting to make purchases, with 14.4% indicating that buying a boat was a very important reason to attend. Furthermore, 43.3% of respondents indicated that making purchases of other products at the Show was an important or very important reason for them to attend.

44.5% of respondents had a household income of over $100,000

71.8% of visitors own a boat

34.4% of respondents came to the Show intending to purchase

7.1% of respondents said that buying a boat was a very important reason to visit the Show

38.4% of respondents said that buying other products was an important or very important reason to visit the Show

Sydney International Boat Show

3 to 7 August

International Convention Centre Sydney and Cockle Bay Marina Darling Harbour

The 2017 edition of the Sydney International Boat Show celebrated on a number of fronts. The event was preceded by Marine17, it was its 50th anniversary and the event returned fully to Darling Harbour.

The new venue would present a number of unknowns and efforts to minimise concern were primarily overcome. Excellent visitation saw an increase to numbers similar to those in 2012. 63,045 attended being a 38% increase on the previous year.

Research findings

The average age of attendance has continued to drop from 2016 and 2015. Specifically, a reduction of retirees and a lift in Tradespeople attending the show. Household income was not affected by this. The visitors again, were largely attending with the family. There was a lift in first time visitors to the show, and a decrease in “Every year” visitors indicating that the show might be fatiguing the repeat visitor audience.

The performance metrics for the event were stronger than they were in 2016 and continue to strengthen. This is particularly evident in the metrics that have high importance to the visitors. The 2017 satisfaction metrics exceeded 2016 satisfaction levels in most areas particularly with a 94.6% satisfaction in General Interest. The key reasons for attendance remained consistent with seeing New products dominating, and satisfaction with this was on par with 2016 at 90.3%.

Notably, Net Promoter Score rose by 8 points from 22 to 30 indicating a very strong perception of the show by the visitors. Dwell time fell slightly this year, which may relate to the move away from Glebe Island (with less ‘lost time’ navigating the show).

As seen in 2016, the internet has continued to influence the visitors in both media consumption and brand recall for the event.

The average age demographic was altered in 2017 with almost 65% being under the age of 55 (compared to 59% in 2016). This resulted in a different mix of occupations with slightly less retirees, but household income and professionals remaining constant.

23% of respondents were female

35% of respondents were aged 55+ (6% drop since 2016)

14% of respondents were Retired (1% drop since 2016)

34% of respondents were Professionals / Managers

65% of respondents had annual household incomes greater than $100,000

Sixty eight percent of visitors to the Sydney International Boat Show indicated that they own a boat, with just over 2/3rds of visitors reporting they own a powerboat. Most of the boats are 4-8 metres, which corresponds to the 23.9% of boaters indicating that fishing was their primary boating interest. Sailing has risen in interest significantly.

Time and no-longer having access to a boat were the key reasons that boaters reduced frequency, but overall visitors are reporting an uplift in their boating frequency.

68% of respondents own a boat

52% of respondents own a powerboat

17% of respondents own a sailboat or yacht

66% of owners have a 1-8 metre craft

66% of visitors are going boating at least monthly

36% of respondents indicate that they are about the same amount as 3 years ago

From a spending power perspective, 65% of the market had a household income of over $100,000 per annum, and 68% already owned a boat. 33.3% of visitors came to the Show expecting to make purchases, with 18.3% indicating that buying a boat was a very important reason to attend.

Furthermore, 35.3% of respondents indicated that making purchases of other products at the Show was an important or very important reason for them to attend.

65% of respondents had a household income of over $100,000

68% of visitors own a boat

33.3% of respondents came to the Show intending to purchase

18.3% of respondents said that buying a boat was a very important reason to visit the Show

35.3% of respondents said that buying other products was an important or very important reason to visit the Show

Brisbane Boat Show

25 to 27 August

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank

Now in its second year back in the heart of Brisbane, the show delivered an excellent increase in visitation of 15,727.

The event will prove to be one of the highlights in Australia’s boating circuit with manufacturers, mostly located at the shows doorstep, bringing a fabulous array of products to the event.

The show grew by a full hall (30% more than the previous year). Competing activities may have played a part of when visitors attended, however the volume of participants is clearly an opportunity in the future.

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Research Findings

The 2017 Brisbane Show indicated a slightly ageing audience, with an increase in visitors over 55 years of age, and a slight decrease of younger visitors.

The visitors again, were largely attending with the family, but females are still under represented and their presence has decreased from 2016. There was a slight decrease in 1st time visitors to the show, but an increase in “Every year” and “Every second year” visitors indicating show loyalty.

The performance metrics for the event were stronger of those in 2016 and continue to strengthen. The 2017 satisfaction metrics exceeded 2016 satisfaction levels in most areas particularly with 83.2% satisfaction in General Interest.

The key reasons for attendance remained consistent with “seeing new products” dominating and the satisfaction around the metric being on par with 2016. Overall, expectations were met by the visitors.

For assistance, please contact Justine Merrony justine@bia.org.au or Linda English linda@bia.org.au

Phone: (02) 9438 2077

Notably, Net Promoter Score rose significantly from -21 to 0 indicating an improving perception of the show in the minds of visitors. This is further supported by almost universally improved satisfaction metrics this year. This 21 point change in NPS is a remarkable improvement for an exhibition.

Visitors spent on average 30 more minutes at the show

this year, further emphasising their improved satisfaction and engagement with the show.

The average age demographic was altered in 2017 with 29.9% being over the age of 55 (compared to 24.8% in 2016). This resulted in a different mix of occupations with more retirees, but household income and professionals remaining constant.

20.3% of respondents were female (10% drop from 2016)

29.9% of respondents were aged 55+ (5% increase from 2016)

11.7% of respondents were Retired (3.6% increase from 2016)

32.7% of respondents were Professionals / Managers

59.3% of respondents had annual household incomes greater than $100,000

68.8% of visitors to the Brisbane Boat Show indicated that they own a boat, with just under 2/3rds of visitors reporting they own a powerboat. Most of the boats are 4-8 metres, which corresponds to the 83.9% of boaters indicating that fishing was their primary boating interest. Sailing has risen in interest significantly which should be noted.

Time and no-longer having access to a boat were the key reasons that boaters reduced frequency, but overall visitors are reporting an uplift in their boating frequency.

68.8% of respondents own a boat

64.6% of respondents own a powerboat

6.6% of respondents own a sailboat or yacht

61.5% of owners have a 1-8 metre craft

60.5% of visitors are going boating at least monthly 79% of respondents indicated that they are boating a similar amount or more often compared with 3 years ago

From a spending power perspective, 59.3% of the market had a household income of over $100,000 per annum, and 68.8% already owned a boat.

25.7% of visitors came to the Show expecting to make purchases, with 23% indicating that buying a boat was a very important reason to attend.

Furthermore, 36.6% of respondents indicated that making purchases of other products at the Show was an important or very important reason for them to attend.

59.3% of respondents had a household income of over $100,000

68.8% of visitors own a boat

25.7% of respondents came to the Show intending to purchase

23% of respondents said that buying a boat was a very important reason to visit the Show

36.6% of respondents said that buying other products was an important or very important reason to visit the Show.

Thank you to our sponsors

The Boating Industry Association is fortunate to have many organisations that have generously stepped forward to support our events. We thank those businesses who have chosen to contribute to the events and help support the promotion and advancement of the recreational boating market. This effort extended beyond the Sydney International Boat Show with substantial and very helpful support also provided to the Adelaide and Brisbane Boat Show. To all those organisations, we extend our sincerest gratitude.

Thank you

Show visitor research outcomes

The Boating Industry Association conducts research to better understand show visitors. This information helps it prepare for future events.

The research is conducted electronically after the event has concluded and asks a series of questions about show guests

boating behaviour and show experience. Research company Omnyfy state that the data was derived from a strong sample with low margins of error and confidence intervals on the visitor population.

The following is a snapshot of the 2017 research findings.

go boating these holidays

With high levels of boating activity expected over the school holidays be prepared.

• Ensure all the required safety gear is on board, accessible and in good condition.

• Wear a lifejacket; it won’t ruin a day on the water. Children under 12 must wear a lifejacket and adults must when on a vessel under 4.8m, when off shore, alone and at night.

• Check the engines, sails and rigging are all in good working order.

• Check the weather. Tell someone where you are going and expect to return.

www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077

For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training” For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine

Be part of the boating community

Boating safety focus

Over the past three or four years, the ANZSBEG group – the state boating safety agencies and associated groups including the BIA – have delivered programs to increase lifejacket wear rates among recreational boaters, with the clear objective of a reduction in fatalities associated with boating.

The initiative started in NSW to provide boaters with new, modern lifejackets in exchange for old, less-effective jackets, has now seen over 18,000 new jackets issued under the Old4New program and accompanying wear rates close to 50%.

Similar programs have been run in all states, many operated by the BIA and BIAs in other states, with considerable success.

Following on from this improvement in wear rates has been an education campaign to ensure boaters look after and maintain their lifejackets properly. With many lifejacket manufacturers now providing for self-servicing of inflatable lifejackets, there has been a growing incidence of lifejackets not operating properly when deployed, due to a variety of factors.

This is mostly down to owners not undertaking the service, or not completing it properly: admittedly this is no different to owners not returning lifejackets for service with an authorised agent, but there is evidence that people believe they have done the right thing and that their lifejacket is good to go.

The safety agencies and lifejacket standards committee have been working to address this with more guidance on self-service requirements and education to boaters and lifejacket owners.

However, another trend is now appearing with people simply choosing to discard an out-of-service lifejacket and purchase a new one: often this can be almost the same price where consumers look for such safety equipment at online stores.

This has then raised the concern that many of these new lifejackets may not be all that they purport to be: the safety agencies have evidence of misleading or false declarations on some lifejackets and action is now being taken to address this.

The outcome of all this is that there is now a move among the safety agencies to focus their boater education efforts on pushing boaters and consumers toward recognised and accredited safety equipment suppliers and retailers in Australia.

Programs to support this are underway in Tasmania, WA and soon in Queensland, with other states expected to follow.

BIA is working closely with the state safety agencies to ensure BIA members are seen as the recommended first port of call when looking for new safety equipment, knowing that boaters will benefit from industry knowledge and experience of making the correct selection of equipment.

2018 Boat Show Circuit – synopsis of events

The Boat show circuit for 2018 is presented in the wall planner included in this Logbook Dates are correct at time of publishing.

Robe Boat Show — 20 & 21 January 2018

This event is organised by Jaime Aitken and is situated on the South coast of SA. With numerous BIA members as exhibitors, it has been operating successfully for a number of years.

Whilst having a small population, Robe grows enormously during the summer. The BIA will be assisting this event with exposure to consumers through our channels.

For information on how to participate, contact Jaime on 0414 452 703.

National 4x4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo Brisbane — 16-18

March

A product of Exhibition and Trade Fairs, this event was for a long time a partner of the BIA whilst the “Tinnie & Tackle” show operated in South East Queensland.

A demand for exposure in the Brisbane area at this time of the year has led to the ETF & BIA relationship to be rekindled. With an existing boating presence, the sector can again have a show in Brisbane immediately after the summer trading period.

For information on how to participate, contact Adam Gifford on 03 9321 6756.

Rosehill Gardens Boat Show — 7 & 8 April

This is the BIA’s oldest event in NSW with history going back to the early 1960’s. Whilst rested in 2017, industry feedback from members has strongly indicated they want this event.

Previously at Sydney Showgrounds, the event failed to meet visitor expectations creating the need for a review. Rosehill Gardens was our previous home and since our departure in 2013, the venue has had considerable upgrades.

The show will proceed in 2018 back at Rosehill Gardens, using the refurbished Exhibition Hall and Grand Stand Ground floor only.

A free gate and parking will remain. A vibrant media campaign will run utilising only radio and digital mediums. The Show will only proceed if a critical mass of exhibitors is reached by 23rd February.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show — 24-27 May

A friend of the BIA, this year will see this event celebrate its 30th running. Further clarity in the region without other events operating simultaneously will see the show prosper further.

A concerted effort is being made to ensure the event is appealing to the broad boating community, with efforts around trailer boat displays and marketing to that audience.

For more information contact Dominic O’Brien on (07) 5577 6011 or 0416 154 429.

Adelaide Boat Show — 15-17 June

Colour and diversity proved popular in Adelaide.

This show was displaced from its traditional dates because of a change in date for the Melbourne Boat Show in 2018. The venue has been able to accommodate a date change for the show and provide the event with 10,000sqm of quality exhibition space.

This show will operate for the first time fully in 2018 under the direction and management of the BIA events team. Plans for this event include a reinvigorated floor plan and a refreshed portfolio of education and entertainment elements.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

Melbourne Boat Show — 28 June to 1 July

Organised by the BIA Victoria, this event has seen a date change to accommodate a conflicting international event at the Melbourne venue. It is an important industry event and remains key to the national boat show circuit with very good visitor number and strong sales regularly reported.

For further information contact BIA Victoria on (03) 8696 5600.

Sydney International Boat Show — 2-6 August

The show’s successful return to Darling Harbour laid an excellent foundation for the ongoing growth and strength of this show.

The show delivered a 38% increase in visitor numbers in the first year back and information gathered from both exhibitors and visitors through research has given the BIA a foundation of work to continue the events improvement and to ensure the challenges faced in our first year back are resolved.

The event will remain at 7 halls occupying 32,600sqm and will again utilise the external event deck of 5,000sqm to educate and entertain the visiting public. The external marina also experienced growth and further engineering will occur to improve access and the flow of people.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

Brisbane Boat Show — 24-26 August

2018 will be the third year that the show returned to the Brisbane CBD.

This event experienced substantial progress from the previous year and continues to show considerable opportunity for further growth. The footprint increased from 15,000sqm to 20,000sqm in 2017, and will remain at this size for the foreseeable future.

Further enhancements to the education and entertainment program will help drive and increase numbers of families to the show. Learnings from our 2017 efforts this year will lay a foundation for improvements next year. No plans to expand beyond the 20,000sqm footprint.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

Perth Boat Show — 21-24 September

Managed by Peter Woods and the team at Premiere Events, this event returned successfully to the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre after a long absence.

Local industry feedback indicated a desire to return to the heart of Perth and to be accommodated indoors. The Show introduced an external component at Elizabeth Quays that shows all the signs of having a great future.

For more information contact the team at Premiere on (08) 9445 9333.

Auckland on Water Boat Show — 27-30 September

This event is a sister show to the Sydney International Boat Show and the team at NZ Marine do a fabulous job to deliver a first-class event.

With an excellent mix of undercover displays and an extensive on water large boat display, this event is a key for any business looking at the NZ market place seriously.

For more information call +64 9 360 0056.

Mackay Boat Show — 20 & 21 October

This event last operated in 2015 under the management of Marine Queensland. It was rested in 2016 and in 2017 with the critical mass of exhibitors not evident to make the show viable.

There is a desire is to reinstate this show and in 2018 a concerted effort will be made to bring this event back to market if it can be substantiated.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

Adelaide On-water Boat Show — 3 & 4 November

This event operated in 2015 & 2016. It was rested in 2017 due to a number of factors. Again, the desire is to reinstate this event if a critical mass of exhibitors can be sourced.

Contact the BIA team on (02) 9438 2077 for further information.

h To discuss any of the above, contact the relevant show organiser or feel free to share your views with the BIA at info@ bia.org.au or call (02) 9438 2077

Don’t go overboard with alcohol

The blood alcohol limit on the water is the same as on the roads – 0.05%. Be careful as the wind, waves and the sun multiply the effects of alcohol.

RBT also applies on waterways

www.bia.org.au p. 02 9438 2077

For employment in the marine industry log onto the BIA website and click on “Employment & Training”

For boating weather go to www.bom.gov.au/marine

Be part of the boating community

Boat show – long term dates

The time line for the planning of boat shows is longer than many expect. Whilst elements of the shows must be dealt with just prior to show time, others are done well in advance.

One of those elements is the setting of dates with the various venues. Venues typically plan long term, and as the BIA we also must respond by forward planning to secure our slot in a venues calendar.

The setting of show dates is complex and in many instances influenced by a shifting calendar or external factors.

For example, the last day of the Sydney show is always the first Monday in August.

As the calendar moves, as do the show dates.

In Brisbane show dates are influenced by the EKKA festival (Royal Queensland Show). The Brisbane Boat show is scheduled for the weekend after the EKKA festival ends.

In Adelaide the show resides at the end of June or early July, again depending on movements in the calendar, however for 2018 the show will move to the middle of June in order that it does not clash with the Melbourne show who have moved their event dates to the traditional Adelaide dates in that year.

Show dates for the future are below:

2018 15 to 17 June 2 to 6 August 24 to 26 August

2019 28 to 30 June 1 to 5 August 23 to 25 August

2020 26 to 28 June

2021 2 to 4 July

2022 1 to 3 July

30 July to 3 August 21 to 23 August

29 July to 2 August 20 to 22 August

28 July to 1 August 19 to 21 August

2023 30 June to 2 July 3 to 7 August 25 to 27 August

2024 28 to 30 June 1 to 5 August 23 to 25 August

2025 27 to 29 June

2026 26 to 28 June

2027 2 to 4 July

How to improve your customer service

31 July to 4 August 22 to 24 August

30 July to 3 August 21 to 23 August

29 July to 2 August 20 to 22 August

Dates set to 2035

Businesses are losing $62 billion per year through poor customer service. Don’t let your business become a statistic.

If you think you’ve nailed your customer service, you’re not alone. A whopping 80% of businesses believe they provide excellent customer service, according to research cited in SuperOffice’s 2017 Customer Service Benchmark Report. However, only 8% of customers believe they are actually receiving excellent service.

In fact, businesses are losing $62 billion per year through poor customer service, according to a New Voice Media report.

Informed management and staff no longer regard customer service as the “soft fuzzy stuff”, but rather a competitive edge that can yield tangible bottom line results.

To ensure you provide the best possible customer experience, Charisse Gray from Business Propel has the following advice:

• Your staff should genuinely want to help customers and clients; no matter how busy they are they shouldn’t see customers as interruptions to their day.

• Employ best practice measures, initiatives and strategies across your business and ensure your staff are trained in using them.

• Hire people who automatically and consistently employ this attitude in any transaction they have with customers or clients.

• Implement strategies to exceed customer expectations and needs, including creating and implementing service

standards, and developing a written plan for maintaining customer excellence. Have a strategy for dealing with difficult customers.

• Ensure that all staff understand the important roles they play in looking after customers and helping the business achieve success.

Customers may not always be right in reality, but we can’t argue with their perceptions of the service provided, because those perceptions translate into bottom line results.

h Source: NSW Business Chamber

10 tips for a safer workplace

Asstate governments consider making “industrial manslaughter” an offence, with senior executives in the frame, it’s more vital than ever to make your workplace a safe one.

Following the Queensland government’s recent decision to make “industrial manslaughter” an offence, with senior executives of corporations potentially facing “20 years imprisonment for an individual, with a maximum fine of $10 million for a corporate offender”, having effective workplace health and safety (WHS) procedures in place is more important than ever, according to Alan Girle, Director of Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors.

Here are his top tips for developing a WHS strategy that protects your workers and your bottom line.

1. Lead from the top

Make sure the business has a credible safety policy and have the leaders of the business speak to it frequently. Many hazards and risks can be minimised simply by improving the culture of the business.

2. Identify hazards that are likely to result in injuries

Hazards are everywhere. Focus on a manageable list of hazards that are likely to result in injuries in the workplace. Go through the hierarchy of controls set out in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 to ensure that the best control measures are employed.

3. Identify hazard that could cause major injuries

Focus on those hazards that could seriously injure a person (for example, amputation or death). Whilst these hazards may

not be likely, the cost to the business will be substantial. Put in place an annual budget for their attention.

4. Conduct a legal audit

Identify all the legal WHS obligations that apply to the business and determine whether there is at least one policy, procedure or practice in place that is designed to satisfy that obligation. Where a WHS obligation is identified that is not addressed by the business, then give it priority for action.

5. Conduct a safety audit

Often safety audits are built around Australian Standards and they can completely miss legal obligations under a variety of statutes. For this reason, it is best to conduct safety audits after legal audits. The results of the legal audit can be given to the WHS auditor, who can then incorporate any legal gaps into their audit program. Safety audits should be conducted at least once a year.

6. Identify who your officers and senior officers are

Officers as defined under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) have specific obligations under that Act and Senior Officers as defined can be charged with industrial manslaughter under the same Act. Having clarity around which employees are officers and/or senior officers allows for more precise allocation of safety responsibilities.

7. Review employment and other contracts from a WHS perspective

Contracts are often drafted by professionals focused on commercial litigation. This can result in commercial arrangements that will not be useful in the event of a WHS incident. Have your contracts reviewed by a specialist WHS lawyer.

8. Appoint a WHSO and consult workers

Appoint a work health and safety officer (WHSO). They can be contractually bound to follow the directions of the business (so long as the contract does not conflict with the WHS Act). They are often a more workable solution for identifying where the business can achieve safety gains and prioritising those opportunities against available resources.

Consulting with workers is an obligation under the WHS Act, but more importantly, it creates an opportunity to build a culture of collaborative improvements in safety. Done well, consultation will identify abundant opportunities for improvement and will engage the workforce on a journey to a safer, more cost-effective work environment.

9. Develop incident response plans

Whilst businesses should focus on achieving safety gains, it is important to acknowledge what can happen when things go wrong. Engage experts to assist in developing incident response plans so that the business is protected against legal, public relations and financial risk. Once the plans are prepared, develop simple procedures so that all employees know what their responsibilities are and how they are expected to behave if an incident occurs.

10. Conduct drills

Make sure workers are familiar with their obligations in the event of an incident, by conducting regular drills. For example, if workers occupy roles where they are authorised to press and emergency stopping, protection or alarm device, go through the process of having them activate the device.

h Source: NSW Business Chamber

Wear the logo on your business

The Boating Industry Association strives to help member prosperity. One critical element relates to the efforts made to educate consumers to consider using a BIA member as a priority.

In 2018 the BIA will increase its efforts to raise awareness of the BIA logo and what it stands for.

During 2017, our research of boat show visitors found that in South Australia 51.9% knew who the BIA was, in NSW it was 65.1% and in Queensland it was 53.8%. Our challenge will be to increase that number and to help boating consumers understand the value of that brand.

As part of this process, a series of BIA corporate ads will run in selected magazines during the year. These magazines will be selected on their longevity in the market place and relevance to our market.

Long life booklets or magazines such as State Boating Licence Hand books and boat show programs will be a key target for this messaging.

The BIA has many identification tools that are available to members. Membership decals are distributed on renewal of membership each year with your annual membership certificate.

We have matching “Code of Practice” certificates to match the membership document. These are available on request.

For more durable items such as member plaques or 2-yard flags, please ask the Members Services Representative in your state or contact any BIA team member.

Use of the BIA logo

Current members of the BIA are encouraged to use the BIA logo on their business collateral. The BIA logo is a symbol of your membership and apart from those items that the BIA can provide, members can use the logo on their letterhead, business card or any documentation relating to your business.

A soft copy of the logo is available for all members to download from the Member Resources page of the web site. When printing in colour – use PMS280. Reverse black or white is also permitted. The logo includes the words “Boating Industry Association” under the schematic. These should never be removed. The logo should be used as a component of any businesses collateral and documentation should never imply that it is the BIA, only a member of. The use of the logo is only permitted whilst membership is current.

Look for the BIA Member symbol

Businesses throughout all segments of recreational boating can be found as members of the Boating Industry Association.

These businesses have pledged to abide by the association’s Code of Practice.

Consider dealing with a BIA member first Look for the BIA member logo or visit our website

New lifejacket laws to improve safety for all out on the water

South Australian lifejacket laws are changing to improve safety on the water and reduce the risks of drowning on South Australian waterways and coastal waters.

The changes coincide with a new voucher system to encourage boat users to replace old lifejackets with new more modern ones.

New regulations will come into effect from 1st December but will only be enforced following a 12-month education campaign before the laws are enforced.

The new laws make the wearing of lifejackets mandatory on vessels and in water activities more often than is currently required.

For

vessels less than 4.8 metres in length fitted with an engine

All persons on-board must wear a lifejacket suitable for their area of operation, at all times when underway or at anchor.

For vessels 4.8 metres to 12 metres in length

Children aged 12 or younger must wear a lifejacket at all times when on an open area of a vessel, at all times when underway or at anchor.

Anyone over the age of 12 must wear a lifejacket when on the open deck during times of heightened risk, which include:

· When operating alone

· When operating after sunset or before sunrise

· When the boat is disabled

· When crossing an ocean bar

· At times of restricted visibility

· When in an area subject to a gale, storm force, hurricane force, severe thunderstorm or severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology

The laws also require a lifejacket to be worn, if directed by the operator of a 4.8 metre to 12 metre vessel, if reasonable to do so in the circumstances.

Lifejackets must now also be worn for users of paddleboards (including stand-up paddleboards) and surf skis when operated more than 400 metres from shore.

These changes are in addition to the existing requirement to wear a lifejacket on inland waters and on dragon boats.

The new laws aim to reduce the chance of drownings, after 168 drownings in South Australia over the past decade, with approximately one fifth involving boating and watercraft activities.

“RecFish SA is supportive of all practical approaches to make boating safer for recreational fishers and their families,” RecFish SA Executive Officer Danny Simpson said.

“The approach being proposed to educate rather than prosecute in the first year of the transition is sensible. The Old4New lifejacket program is an excellent approach to facilitating transition to the new legislation.

“It means that recreational fishers and other boaters will receive financial support for upgrading old and obsolete equipment and will continue to safely enjoy their favourite pastime.”

The State Government will also conduct an Old4New lifejacket upgrade program, offering $20 vouchers in exchange for old, unsuitable, obsolete or damaged lifejackets, with a limit of two vouchers per person.

This was a popular and effective way of getting people to

upgrade their lifejackets and learn about the new laws when New South Wales implemented similar changes.

“The Boating Industry Association welcomes the government’s initiatives to make boating even safer, and to get boaters into better life jackets,” said BIA Chief Executive Howard Glenn. “We’ll monitor the effect of the new laws over the next 12 months and discuss any fine-tuning that might be needed.”

The vouchers can be redeemed when purchasing a new lifejacket at participating retailers.

More information about the voucher scheme, and boating and marine safety, will be available at the On Deck website http://www.ondeck.sa.gov.au/

Background

The changes follow extensive consultation with industry, community groups and the public, including a survey.

Whether lifejackets are worn, or carried aboard they must be in good condition, of a suitable type for the area of water and the correct size for each person aboard.

For protected waters a lifejacket must be a level 50S (formerly type 3), level 50 (type 2) or level 100 (type 1, SOLAS or Coastal) or greater.

For semi-protected waters it must be a level 100 or greater.

More information on lifejackets can be found at the State Government’s Boating and Marine website http://www.sa.gov. au/boatingmarine or by calling the Boating Safety Unit on 1300 183 046.

BIA conducts major overhaul of Work, Health & Safety as well as its Risk Management Plans

The responsibilities of running events and in all forms of business are complex. When it comes to Risk management as well as the process around work, health and safety, as an Association, nothing can be left to chance.

The BIA has always maintained processes and procedures to minimise and try to eliminate any form of risk to its staff, exhibitors, contractors, visitors or other stakeholders in or around our events or activities.

Recent events and the changing landscape relating to people in public places led to the decision to completely overhaul the BIA Risk Management plans. Whilst the BIA was confident with what was in place until recently, an overhaul was deemed to be necessary to ensure new factors were considered.

Under the leadership and guidance of the Sheridan Consulting Group, the BIA reviewed and finalised a portfolio of new plans to meet current requirements.

The process resulted in new Emergency, Incident and Security Management plans, as well as a Strategic Risk and Safety Review and a readiness Framework. Further to this the consultant completed a vulnerability assessment as well as procedures to deal with any unsavoury incidences that may occur.

BIA team members have been allocated various levels of responsibility and ongoing training will be part of the process to ensure best practice.

Advanced Skipperhelping connect industry with the skippers

Australia has been blessed with some of the most spectacular waterways on the planet and boating forms a quintessential part of the Australian lifestyle.

With 4 out of 5 Australians living in coastal areas around the country, most of us are exposed to boating on a regular basis, in some way shape or form. For many us watching, doesn’t wholly satisfy our desire. More than 2 million Australians have gone out and got their recreational boat license and are putting these spectacular waterways to good use.

A key objective of the BIA is to make boating better for these skippers. We believe good boating is safe boating and our goal is to provide support for these skippers and enhance their boating experience.

The BIA has recently launched a new program to recognise and reward good skippers, who lead by example, brush up on the latest knowledge, and want to have a say in how boating is organised.

Advanced Skipper is a new online course, which takes you through common boating scenarios, challenges you to think beyond the rules, and learn how to handle common situations that have caused incidents.

Based on the information from safety regulators, and built with industry experts, it consists of animated scenarios built by the world’s leading online recreational course developer.

If you do this course, you brush up on knowledge, and demonstrate you are a safe pair of hands on the water – to your friends and family, and to yourself.

You also get a range of benefits. Nautilus Marine will give you 5% off new or renewed boating insurance, just for doing the course. There’s a range of other goods and service discounts, with more on the way. You’ll have special access to the BIA’s boat shows, and you’ll be consulted on boating policy and initiatives.

Advanced Skipper is out in the market now, costs $55, and can be completed in around 90 minutes over one sitting or as many as you like.

BIA members can now get onboard and offer Advanced Skipper direct to your own customers. It’s your chance to support safe boating around Australia, plus:

Engage new business by offering a complimentary Advanced Skipper course with their purchase, or Re-engage with existing VIP clients and reward them with an Advanced Skipper course.

And you can join the benefits program, by offering your own discounts to Advanced Skippers.

Purchase bulk Advanced Skipper courses at a reduced rate, and build these courses into your CRM strategy today. For more information on Advanced Skipper visit: advancedskipper. org.au or purchase bulk Advanced Skipper courses for your business, by contacting Phil McDermott on 02 8197 4771 or email phil@bia.org.au

MyBoatingLife was launched in 2012 after an extensive and detailed planning process over the previous year. The objective for the site remains the same, and that is to give boaties, both new and old, the opportunity to get information to help improve their time on the water.

For those new to boating it seeks to demystify the boat buying process and help them find answers to help them get onto the water. For older more experienced boaters, the site contains information to help improve their time with resources such as boating locations, marinas and boat ramps.

The promotion of the recreational boating lifestyle remains part of the Association’s charter and an important industry issue that is high on the agenda. Throughout 2018 the Association’s efforts to further engage with consumers will take various forms. Strategic activations will build our alliance with the end boatie and allow the BIA to become a more vocal channel of information and guidance.

While Boat Shows are the stable component of our consumer connect programs, other programs are being reviewed. Furthermore, programs such as Advanced Skipper provide the BIA with the opportunity to not only help refresh boaties on water skills, but allow them to become part of a broad boat user community with a raft of benefits.

MyBoatingLife is one of those programs that will be overhauled in 2018. The site contains highly useful and desirable information. Visitation to this also remains high. Modern technology and design trends will allow us to improve the site significantly and identify improvements.

Launched in 2017 as a boat show educational tool in Sydney, MyFirstBoat also appeared at the Brisbane show as a “personalised” boaters information centre. With the strength of MyBoatingLife and the success of MyFirstBoat, the BIA will develop both these products and create a link between the two, further increasing our information base for boaters needing assistance.

This project will kick off in the new year and the BIA will be seeking support and information from members to help build and improve content.

LIFEJACKETS

You must have an approved lifejacket for each person on board.

Check that they are in good condition and everyone knows where they are stored.

It is recommended that children wear a lifejacket whenever in a boat. Make sure it is the right size and properly fitted.

Be prepared - have a drill so people know what to do if there is an accident.

It is compulsory to wear a

USA boating growth expected to continue through 2019

NMMA president Thom Dammrich presented an optimistic view of the marine industry going forward at the annual state-of-the-industry breakfast at IBEX. Dammrich first cited a 2016 recreational boating participation study that showed 142 million Americans went boating last year.

The study said that about a third were new boaters, and about half were under the age of 18.

“In 2016, recreational boating had revenues of US$36bn,” said Dammrich. “That is the highest number ever.”

Dammrich said that US$11.7m was spent on new boats, US$8.7bn on pre-owned boats and US$6.4m on accessories.

“We know that this is a cyclical industry and these cycles tend to run in five-year spurts,” said Dammrich.

“We’re now in the sixth year of recovery and I’m not worried that the run will end anytime soon.”

Dammrich said that last year 1.2 million boats were sold, including 245,000 new boats and 928,000 pre-owned vessels. There are 15.8 million boats in use in the US. That number is down by 1 million compared to 10 years ago.

“That gives us opportunities to sell more new boats,” said Dammrich. “We’re projecting a 6% increase in unit sales for the year.”

BOAT SHOW MARINA CONSTRUCTION

Call for registration of interest

As part of its probity program, the Boating Industry Association goes to market periodically for the provision of services.

The BIA will be seeking an RFP for the delivery of a marina system for the Sydney International Boat Show.

The marina system requirements and minimum specifications will be outlined in the issued documents in November 2018.

The expected time line for this process will be:

November 2018: RFP details issued

April 2019: RFP responses due to BIA

September 2019: Successful tenderer announced

July 2020: First show marine build for winning tenderer

Any marina builder / manufacturer wishing to receive the RFP details in November 2018 should register their interest by advising the Marketing & Events Manager at genua@bia.org.au

“Consumer confidence is the highest level it has been since 2000, and real GDP grew at 3%,” said Dammrich. “When that combines, it means that we are on fire as an industry.”

Dammrich said that if tax reform passes the US Congress, he expects to see growth through the end of 2019.

“We might see a slight slowing down in 2019, but there will be a resumption of growth in 2020,” he says. “If we get tax reform in the next 12 months, we will see growth for our industry for another two or three years.”

h Source:

IBI.

Steve Walker appointed Chief Executive Officer of Boating Industry Association of Victoria

BIAV President, Mark Crockford announced today the appointment of Steve Walker as the new CEO of the BIAV commencing in January 2018.

Steve’s experience encompasses significant involvement with all aspects of the Victorian boating industry, especially in the strategic, commercial and member service related aspects of associations.

Most recently Steve was General Manager of Commercial & Government for Australian Sailing. Previous to that he was CEO of Yachting Victoria and prior to that, CEO of Tennis New Zealand.

“We have been very fortunate to secure the services of Steve to lead the BIAV,” said Mark Crockford. “I know that our members, associates, suppliers and government will embrace Steve’s experience and leadership skills.

“Steve’s experience across successful interaction with all levels of the boating industry and his personable style will be well received by all who he deals with.”

“This is a great opportunity for me to continue involvement in the industry I have great affection for and connections in,” said Steve Walker. “I’m looking forward to getting started in January with the Board and team at BIAV, as well as engaging with all of the members and other stakeholders.”

Steve replaces John Temple who in March accepted a 12 month contract to review operations and processes within the Association. “Under John’s guidance the BIAV posted a substantial revenue increase from the Melbourne Boat Show and enabled the Association to record a solid financial turnaround and profit for the financial year just ended,” said Mark Crockford.

Steve will commence as CEO of the BIAV on 15 January 2018.

Boating Industry Association celebrates 20 years with Sydney Weekender

The BIA this year celebrated 20 years as a partner of Channel 7 Sydney Weekender program.

The show broadcast on Channel 7 Sydney and other locations on subsidiary stations has carried boating lifestyle stories throughout the year.

The premise of the show is simple, and that is to show the public what activities they can participate in and places they can visit with family or friends. This has allowed the BIA to support the program to carry a portfolio of stories dedicated to the boating lifestyle and things that the public can do.

Apart from promoting activities such as fishing and sailing, it has also provided an effective avenue to highlight the public’s opportunity to try boating, be it through club activities or simply vessel hire.

During the 20 years, it is estimated that almost three hundred stories have been produced and aired specifically about the recreational boating lifestyle.

Our thanks to program host Mike Whitney, all the fabulous reporters, production team and staff of Channel 7 who have so well represented our cause. h

NSW boatbuilder Sailfish Catamarans receives SafeWork Award

Sailfish Catamarans won the Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Culture – Small Business award.

The company builds custom aluminium boats and has a workforce of 19 full-time tradesmen and apprentices. New employees are taught the company’s values, what they will learn, work ethic, and workplace expectations.

The company has undergone significant cultural change in its commitment to work, health and safety and there is now an open-door policy with senior management regarding work health and safety issues.

Mr Kean said. “I commend Sailfish Catamarans on winning the 2017 Safe Work NSW Award for Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Culture – Small Business. “You are setting an example that all businesses and workers on the North Coast can follow.”

The management team at Sailfish were pleased that they were proving safety both in the factory as well as on the water.

launch into summer boating

The state’s top workplaces have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to health and safety at the 2017 SafeWork Awards.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the awards recognise businesses and workers with the best workplace health and safety and return to work outcomes in NSW.

“I will continue to work to ensure that anyone with a job in this state who heads off to work in the morning returns home safely to their family at night,” he said.

“I congratulate each and every award winner this evening for leading the way and setting the bar that all workplaces across this state can aspire to.”

Nine winners were announced across six categories after a field of 160 entrants was whittled down to 29 finalists.

Before you launch into summer boating fun and relaxation, spare a few moments to think about the following points:

• Know the rules applicable to boating

• Check your boat’s safety equipment and know how to use it

• Check the serviceability of your boat’s outboard and trailer

• Check for favourable weather forecasts before setting out

• Let someone know where you intend to go boating and the time of your return

• Go easy on the drink, stay under the .05 alcohol limit

• Practice commsense, care and courtesy on the water

Be part of the boating community

Roy Privett awarded BIA Life Membership

Departing General Manager and long-term employee of the BIA, Roy Privett retired in February this year. His contribution to industry was recognised at the official opening of the 50th Sydney International Boat Show. Joining current President Alan Blake to present the award were past Presidents, Peter Hunt, Ian McAndrew, Doug Olding and Darren Vaux.

This is what President Alan Blake said:

“After some years with the Motor Traders Association, Roy Privett joined the Boating Industry Association as NSW General Manager in February 1989.

Roy was selected by President Peter Hunt and Director Ian McAndrew as by far the best of more than 30 other candidates for the position.

Whilst his role was to manage numerous Association matters, his life early on at the BIA was focused on the planning and delivery of the first Sydney International Boat Show scheduled to operate from the recently opened Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The challenges at that time were great, but, with his typically soft and considered manner, Roy put together a small team which managed and delivered what was the real turning point for the industry. Sydney International Boat Show delivered more than 86,000 visitors and became, indisputably, Australia’s and the southern hemisphere’s premiere international boat show and exhibition.

For the next 28 years, Roy’s devotion and passion for the recreational boating industry was always evident.

Working closely with his Board of Directors, and putting together a solid and dedicated management team, Roy took what was largely an underdeveloped and unsophisticated industry into new and professional levels of maturity and growth that made governments and stakeholders take note.

During his time at the BIA, Roy oversaw and guided the delivery of a countless number of key projects and programs for the benefit of the industry.

These included major industry submissions to Government for the enhancement of recreational boating facilities, and strong advocacy for the reduction in red tape for boaties. He initiated industry training and education programs and created improved conditions in which the industry and BIA Members operated. And most importantly, Roy was always available as a spokesman for, or to defend, or support, any industry member in need.

Over his years with the BIA, Roy was the advisor and confidant to six Presidents, Peter Hunt, Hans Lamens, Ian McAndrew, Doug Olding, Darren Vaux and me, Alan Blake. With our own different personalities and styles, at all times Roy showed respect for each of us – implementing Board policies and delivering efficiencies, good financial management with absolute probity in all matters for the Association as a corporate body and for its members.

One of Roy’s great assets was his ability to build around him a strong and solid management team with which he was always very loyal and supportive. He treated all with a genuine level of admiration, guiding them on their way – and always encouraging them to take the lead and to make decisions for the benefit of the Association. Coupled with his management firmness, Roy was equally always fair and respectful to his team players.

Above all – he was hugely protective of them.

As a successful General Manager, having delegated program responsibilities amongst his management team, at times of very busy periods, Roy has been heard to lament that he didn’t have enough to do. His team would respond with “let us get on with it and, if we fall, we will let you know if we need to be caught”.

And that, on the few occasions necessary, he did very well, ensuring any anomalies were smoothed out and the team were empowered and confident to move on.

Roy warmly embraced and strengthened the divisional structure of the BIA which successfully brought together, in harmony, all the many diverse interests of the industry in NSW. This was an important achievement which saw the industry as a modern unified professional organisation held in high esteem.

In addition to his responsibilities as NSW General Manager, Roy also participated with his Presidents and interstate colleagues in the promulgation of many programs for the industry’s national and international benefit including with our world industry organisations, International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO).

Over the years he has particularly given strong and valuable support to the development and programs of our sister body, the national Marina Industries Association.

Roy retired in February this year having served the Association and its Members unselfishly and impeccably for 28 years.

Roy’s legacy to the industry cannot be measured in terms other than ‘great’. Many aspects of what the industry benefits from today contains his DNA.

Having said that Roy has given ‘unselfishly’ over the years, at this stage, it would be very remiss of me not to mention and very sincerely thank Roy’s wife – Dale – who has always, without question, been by his side and supportive of the vast amount of time that he has given to his industry duties.

Thank you so much Dale for your patience and perseverance and, no doubt, at times, your quiet understanding. We all now sincerely wish you many happy years of retirement with Roy hopefully available for YOUR programs.

In conclusion, and, in recognition of his 28 years of dedicated and professional service, together with past Presidents, Peter Hunt, Hans Lamens, Ian McAndrew, Doug Olding and Darren Vaux, it is my honour, on behalf of our Members, to bestow upon Royston Clive Privett ‘Life Membership of the Boating Industry Association’.”