To support our members, a number of Divisions exist within the association to provide more targeted support and resources for specific sectors
Members meet in specific industry sector Divisions including:
BOAT MANUFACTURERS DIVISION
The Boat Manufacturers Division provides a focus for all technical matters associated with boat design and manufacture, including the Australian Builders Plate standard and supporting technical documentation from Standards Australia, ISO and other international standards systems. The division provides representation to Standards Australia committees and working groups covering boat design and systems standards. Other related technical requirements and standards, such as trailer standards, are also addressed by the division
The Boat Manufacturers Division supports industry education on the use of standards and works closely with state maritime agencies to encourage compliance management, which includes consumer education, as to the requirements and safety messaging of the Australian Builders Plate standard and the Road Vehicle Safety Act. The division provides for a forum to discuss advancing manufacturing techniques and workforce development needs within the boat manufacturing sector.
Any member operating a boat manufacturing or design business, or supplying to the manufacturing sector or with an interest in servicing this industry is eligible to join the Boat Manufacturers Division.
MARINE BROKER DIVISION
The Marine Broker Division supports and promotes the interests of marine brokers, including individual brokers and brokers businesses. Division members are provided with an industry-standard set of broker documentation, backed up with legal advice to ensure brokers are delivering the best advice and assistance to their clients.
The Marine Broker Division promotes ethical and transparent business practices, ensures compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in the marine brokerage profession via an accreditation program which requires compliance with key standards including:
- BIA Code of Practice
- Use of BIA standard broker documentation
- Use of client-fund accounts
- Holding a state government issued Second hand Dealers Licence
Continuing development of the broker division members is delivered by state-based chapters and regular networking meetings to review issues with peer brokers.
Membership of the Marine Broker Division is open to any member whose business includes sale of second-hand vessels, usually focused on non-trailerable vessels.
TRAILER BOAT RETAILERS DIVISION
The Trailer Boat Retailers Division Provides support to the large number of BIA members operating in the trailer boat segment, as retailers of new and second hand boats. The division focuses particularly on development of, and promotion of the use of, standard industry documentation for new and used vessel sales. This includes the provision of guidance on the different concepts of selling second hand vessels and associated warranty and consumer legislation matters.
The topics addressed are of national origins, with many originating in the Australian Consumer Law, however, state chapters also meet to review local business issues and programmes to promote boating. This extends also too managing compliance with the Australian Builders Plates from a retailers perspective, with education on the role and obligations of the retailer being a key part of the division’s education role.
SAILING DIVISION
The Sailing Division provides for all member businesses with an interest in the sailing sector – from small dinghies through to ocean cruising yachts – to collaborate on topics of specific interest to this sector that are not fully addressed elsewhere in the wider BIA industry support programme. This includes boat manufacturers, boat sales, equipment and support services, plus, importantly, sea schools and tourism operators in the sailing sector.
The Sailing Division is responsible for helping support initiatives to grow interest in sailing, including presentation of entry level boating activity opportunities via promotional and experiential events, such as Sydney International Boat Show.
PADDLE SPORTS DIVISION
The Paddle Sports Division provides for all member businesses with an interest in the paddle sports sector – from SUP to touring to sports kayaks – to collaborate on topics of specific interest to this sector that are not fully addressed elsewhere in the wider BIA industry support programme. This includes manufacturers, sales, equipment and support services, plus, importantly, tourism operators in the paddle sports sector.
The Paddle Sports Division is responsible for helping support initiatives to grow interest in paddle sports, including presentation of entry level boating activity opportunities via promotional and experiential events, such as Sydney International Boat Show.
MARINE INDUSTRY TRADES DIVISION
The Marine Trades Division is the collective of all trades working in the boating industry, including: shipwrights, marine mechanics, electrical engineers, cabinet makers, trimmers and upholsterers, sailmakers, painters and similar trades. The primary role is to ensure the ongoing workforce development needs of the trades sector, by working closely with TAFE and other training institutions to help design and deliver formal qualifications to support these trades.
Promotion of the career opportunities within the industry is also a key part of this work, along with providing ongoing professional development and support for individual trades seeking to expand upon and enhance their skills base and knowledge. The Marine Trades Division also includes a trade membership category which connects the individual tradesman with the BIA.
Any member working in a trade, or operating a business employing trades is eligible to join the Marine Trades Division.
MARINAS DIVISION
As a vital segment of the boating industry, marinas are supported with dedicated Marina Divisions in each state, providing for discussion of, and managing, issues on a state-by-state basis, with most land/water planning and management issues relating to marinas are regulated by state authorities. The state divisions meet biannually, which usually includes also with government stakeholders to provide for a round table approach to industry marina topics.
The state divisions are further supported by national advocacy, technical and specialist support in way of representation at Standards Australia, provision of standard format industry documentation for berthing agreements, advice on insurance for marinas and Legal matters regarding management of abandoned vessels, as examples.
Any member operating a marina, boatyard or similar facility, or with an interest in servicing this industry is eligible to join their states marina division.
HOUSEBOAT HIRERS DIVISION
The Houseboat Hirers Division represents over 50 members operating more than 70 houseboats on the River Murray in South Australia.
The HHD is dedicated to advancing the business interests of its members who are owners or operators of commercial houseboats, the majority of which are in fleet management status.
It also works to promote commercial houseboating as a safe and rewarding boating holiday and an integral part of the tourism and leisure economy in Australia. The leading houseboat holiday booking platform, houseboatbookings.com, is owned and operated by BIA on behalf of members.
Through its divisional role with the BIA, the HHD is in a powerful position to advocate locally, statewide and nationally on behalf of members on issues that will support and improve the sustainability and profitability of their businesses.
The HHD provides its members with direct engagement with all tiers of government, relevant agencies and related industry bodies to improve boating facilities and access to enjoyable, safe and environmentally sound houseboating experiences.
Find out more about the Houseboat Hirers Division and the benefits of joining.
WOMEN IN BOATING
The Women in Boating group represents a community of women who are passionate about boating and the marine industry with the aim of promoting greater participation and representation of women in all aspects of the boating industry.
It serves as a platform for women to connect, share knowledge and experience, and support each other in their personal and professional development. The group offers a range of resources and initiatives, including networking events, educational programs, mentoring opportunities, and advocacy support.
