The BIA this week announced the rollout of a survey designed to improve understanding of the social and economic benefits of recreational boating across Australia. This survey is part of a wider project to develop a more complete picture of the impact and value of boating.
The BIA reported industry national turnover last year of $10.12 billion with more than 35,000 people employed across the nation in mostly family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
Research shows around 1 in 5 Australians participate in some form of recreational boating activity on at least an annual basis but there are gaps in our understanding of peoples’ boating habits.
While basic information is known about the number of registered vessels and the number of people who hold a boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC) licence, there is very limited knowledge about how often people go boating, where they go, who goes with them and what they like to do while enjoying time on the water.
Even less information is known about the boating habits of the hundreds of thousands of Australians who head out on the water in the range of different forms of paddle and sail craft that don’t need to be registered and don’t need a licence to operate.
BIA believes building a more complete picture of the social and economic benefits of boating will help policy makers and investors make better informed decisions about an activity that matters to a significant number of Australians, and is proven to deliver mental and physical health benefits.
As the peak industry body in Australia with over 650 member organisations across all State and Territories, the BIA is a strong advocate for all forms of boating and the marine industry.
We have long-standing relationships across all levels of government and have recently commenced development of the first ever National Recreational Boating Statement which is designed to increase awareness of the full range of boating activities in Australia and of the social and economic benefits associated with these activities.
The Statement will also highlight the key issues to work on over the next 5-10 years years to support continued growth in the marine industry and boating participation.
How can you help?
The BIA has designed a short survey to help gain a better understanding of the boating habits of Australians and to demonstrate the types of insights that can be gained through improved data collection and research. This will inform the National Recreational Boating Statement.
The survey can be accessed at National Recreational Boating Survey and should only take less 5 minutes to complete. No identifiable information will be collected.
Safe Boating Week
BIA is supporting maritime regulators and NGO in aquatic recreation across Australia in promotion of Safe Boating Week which kicked off on 30 September and runs until 6 October. The purpose of the Week is to raise awareness of the importance of lifejackets and responsible boat ownership ahead of the summer season.
BIA encourages all of industry to get behind this important safety initiative, because we believe that a great day on the water, is a safe day.
See you on the water,
Andrrew Scott, CEO
