With less than four weeks to go, the BIA team are putting the final touches on a number of key industry events to be hosted during the 55th Sydney International Boat Show.
The Show this year sets a new national benchmark for an event delivering to the BIA’s strategic key priorities in support of our members, the industry and the boating public. We have activations, forums and meetings that respond directly to: Grow Participation in Boating; Deliver Government Advocacy; Deliver Industry-Focused Programs, Products and Services; and Promote Education, Skills and Jobs.
Our Marine Careers Open Day now has more than 650 young people registered to attend and learn more about the industry. We will be presenting the BIA Apprentice of the Year Award and NSW TAFE Awards, and will feature Marine Careers on the BIA show stand every day. We are hosting multiple government and key stakeholder meetings spanning State, National, Trans-Tasman and International arenas covering recreational boating, commercial vessels and maritime property.
I would like to acknowledge the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) and the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee (ARBSC). These are just two of the groups that will be meeting who between them have representatives of all maritime regulators in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, along with leading non-government organisations in aquatic recreation.
Of the dozen events, meetings and forums taking place during the Show, there are three standouts designed to address significant issues and promote industry growth. These are the Sustainability ‘Propelling Our Future’ Forum, the Diversity & Inclusion Forum and the Recreational Vessel Standards Workshop.
The Sustainability ‘Propelling Our Future’ Forum is designed to spotlight sustainability in the boating sector and provide a platform for industry professionals to engage, share and contribute to key issues such as decarbonisation and also end-of-life vessels.
The BIA has been leading the way on both of these topics, representing industry, stakeholders and the boating community. Key speakers include BIA Sustainability Ambassador and Record-Breaking Sailor Lisa Blair; ICOMIA CEO Joe Lynch; and Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon.
This event is aimed at addressing various aspects of diversity and inclusion within the industry and fostering and embracing a culture of acceptance in the boating sector. Led by Keynote Speaker Lisa Annese, CEO of Diversity Council Australia, industry is encouraged to be part of the conversion and champion diversity in our industry.
Discussion topics include:
- Facilitating an environment where we can all thrive
- Emphasising the importance of gender equality
- Learn why embracing inclusivity and equality is not merely aspirational but essential
- The BIA’s strong focus on collaboration, diversity and career development
- Forge meaningful connections to grow the industry
Whilst there are several government and stakeholder groups set to take place at the Show, perhaps the most significant is the information session and workshop titled ‘The standardisation of construction of recreational vessels in Australia’. The Australian Recreational Boating Committee (ARBSC) and Standards Australia will host this forum and workshop, in collaboration with the BIA. The ARBSC is the most senior body in Australia comprising the maritime regulators from every State and Territory, and also includes AMSA. The membership is CEOs and or their delegates.
The aim is to discuss the opportunity to enhance the standards that apply to recreational vessels in Australia. Introducing minimum standards for all aspects of vessel construction and identification. Aligning with industry standards already in place internationally and benefiting consumer safety and confidence. The forum will be combined with an ARBSC led workshop where the appetite of industry can be discussed.
The BIA’s engagement with the industry through these events is aimed at fostering a thriving, sustainable and inclusive boating sector. These events provide valuable platforms for industry professionals to collaborate, share insights and drive positive change, ensuring the industry’s continued growth and success. By addressing critical issues and promoting best practices, together we can shape a resilient and forward-thinking boating community.
Availability at these events is limited, if you would like to attend and have not received an invite, please contact the BIA team on info@bia.org.au.
See you on the water.
Andrew Scott
CEO, BIA
