Logbook - June 2013

ION

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ALOGBOOK T OW AL

June 2013

NE

NEWSLETTER

The official newsletter of the Boating Industry Association of NSW & SA

SYDNEY

INTERNATIONAL

BOATSHOW

1- 5 August 2013 Darling Harbour w w w. s y d n e y b o a t s h o w. c o m . a u

Print Post Approved PP2411613/00057&8 ACN 000 618 468

LogBook

June 2013

NewsLetter

The official newsletter of the Boating Industry Association of NSW Ltd PO Box 1204 CROWS NEST NSW 1585 Australia 53 Hume Street CROWS NEST NSW 2065 Australia ABN: 61 000 618 468

Telephone: (02) 9438 2077 Facsimile: (02) 9439 3983 Email: info@bia.org.au Boating Industry Association of SA Inc. PO Box 10262 Adelaide Business Centre SA 5000 300 Morphett Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 ABN: 62 826 936 075

Telephone: (08) 8212 6000 Facsimile: (08) 8410 0688 Email: info@boatingsa.com.au

www.bia.org.au www.boatingsa.com.au MyBoatingLife.com.au

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au www.boatforlife.com.au www.50pointcheck.com.au www.shipwrights.com.au www.boatshows.com.au NSW General Manager Roy Privett Marketing & Events Manager Domenic Genua Financial Controller Simon Hazelbrook Manager BIa divisions Alan Barrett Event operations Manager Belinda Close Secretary Linda English Member Support & development Aaron McKenna Education & Training Coordinator Corrina McMillan Marketing & Events Support Megan Robson Marketing & Events assistant Amy O’Connor Sa General Manager Glen Jones administration & Finance Manager Joy How Logbook gratefully acknowledges all that have contributed to this edition. In particular: Roy Privett Editorial Bob Wonders Media Service (07) 5562 2867 Glen Jones Editorial Trevor Gill The Lighthouse Public Relations 0418 821 948 Robin Copeland SPINS 0414 266 768

Board of Directors NSW

Please send editorial to President Alancontributions Blake Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au Vice-President Simon Cook For advertisingTreasurer rates contact theTurner BIA (02) 9438 2077 Lyndon Immediate Past President Darren Vaux Board: Bill Breakspear, Paul Burgess, Matt Hundleby, Jon Hunt, Michael Jarvin, Ken Bullen, Alan Steber, Shannon Stocks, Terry Wise

18 Positioning the industry for the future

6

I Boat & I Vote!

8

New President rides in from The West

11

That was Marine 13, that was

12

International Lifejacket Forum

17

Kangaroo Island – a spectacular wilderness

18

11

23

Australian Boater Survey

20

WHS Guidance for the Boating Industry

22

Asset Protection in the Face of Business Failure

25

Rob Potter – “river rat”

29

Changes to marine wind warnings for NSW

30

Education, Training & Development

32

Board of Directors SA President Andrew Hayes Vice-President Rob Cuming Hon.Treasurer Peter Tucker CoMMITTEE: David Binks, George Bolton, Craig Evans, Peter Heinrich, John Milham, Terry Reilly, Mark Flanagan, Neville Wilkinson

Please send editorial contributions to Domenic Genua at genua@bia.org.au For advertising rates contact the BIA (02) 9438 2077 © Copyright 2013 BIA of NSW. The opinions, advice and information contained herein have not been sought by any member or any other person but are offered as an information service and should not be relied upon as a substitute for detailed advice or as a basis for formulating business decisions. BIA intends by this statement to exclude any liability for any such opinions, advice or information within this publication.

General Manager’s Catch-Up

W

elcome to our third edition of Logbook featuring news and reports from BIA NSW and SA and the Boating Industry Alliance of Australia.

Wow! Here we go again. BIA Directors and staff have again put in the hard yards to ensure a smooth organisation and promotion of The Sydney International Boat Show our 25th presentation at Darling Harbour. Five exhibitions halls and Promenade have been sold covering 27,000sqm of space.

Requests for exhibition space are still being received and demand may require us to open up Hall 6.

The Cockle Bay Marina is on track to display approximately 160 vessels slightly down on last year but we still have scope to cater for further exhibits at our temporary Cockle Bay marina.

BIA Marketing team have again prepared a terrific program with sponsors and promotional partners again giving great support, media strategy is in place and in-house promotions for the show are being finalised.

With this Logbook NSW Members will receive two free show tickets, Show promotional poster to display at your premises and order forms for show tickets and Industry breakfast. It will again be a great event and we certainly look forward to the opportunity of meeting up with members, exhibitors and industry colleagues.

The new temporary facility planned for Glebe Island (Sydney Expo) has hit a bump in the road with contract negotiations failing with the preferred consortium. BIA working in unison with the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia continues its’ advocacy with Infrastructure NSW. We have been reassured and indeed guaranteed a fit for purpose venue will be ready for the first major show in 2014 and serve as the centre

for exhibitions during the reconstruction of Darling Harbour precinct.

In this edition we report on Alan Blake being elected as President of BIANSW at our recent AGM and members’ appreciation to retiring President Darren Vaux together with our new Board of Directors.

There is plenty of news from BIASA. The Adelaide Boat Show is shaping up to be another great event and is on track for 20th-23rd June. Nik Parker will present his BIAA Report and overview of a Policy Position and Advocacy Platform for presentation to our Politicians on the importance of the Recreational Boating Industry and requirements to strengthen and grow the industry. With less than three months until the Federal Election day, armed with this document NOW is the TIME to influence your local Representative on what is important to YOU and OUR Industry.

We also feature a birds’ eye view of MARINE 13 visitation, digital marketing, What’s Happening with Marine Survey?, Work Health and Safety Guidance on moving boats, Consolidated Lawyers Fact Sheet on Protecting Assets in case of financial failure, Lifejacket Forum and much more.

It was pleasing to attend the Sydney Institute TAFE (… cont. over page)

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BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 3

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Graduation Presentation in May. The Institute has a new state of the art Automotive Section called the auto cell which has specialised facilities for our Marine Mechanic Apprentices.

Representing BIA as a Sponsor of the annual awards it was a pleasure to present an Outstanding Achievement Award to Vitor Carneiro for the Highest Average Mark on completion of Certificate lll in Marine Mechanics.

Twenty nine apprentices graduated and Achievement Awards were presented by Evinrude, Mercury Marine, Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Assn, Moby Marine Australia and Yamaha Motor. Thank you all for this support in acknowledging the hard work and achievement of our future tradesmen.

As a part of our report card to members on BIA activities it must be submission time with crucial deadlines upon us for BIA and member comment on:• NSW Planning White Paper.

• Draft Sydney Boat Storage Strategy.

• Draft Sydney Harbour Boating Safety Plan • State Government Boat Trailer Parking Work Group Report • Draft Marina Rental Procedure, addendum to the Draft Sydney Harbour Boating Destinations Plan.

Work continues on:• Anchoring in North Harbour.

• Working Group to consider Pittwater as a Recreational Fishing Haven.

• Management Plans roll out of Marine Parks in Commonwealth Waters.

• Boat Smart Program for High Schools roll out of boats and equipment and development with RMS and key stakeholders of a Management Plan for the proposed Education Centre at Watson’s Bay Pilot Station.

We trust you enjoy reading this edition of Logbook. We welcome your comments for general publication or for direct feedback to BIA NSW and SA on any boating or business issue.

The Sydney and Adelaide Boat Shows are a great opportunity to meet and network and we look forward to seeing you there.

Roy Privett, BIANSW General Manager.

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 lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar.

ENJOY SAFE BOATING www.bia.org.au Ph: 02 9438 2077

For employment in the marine industry log onto www.bia.org.au and click on ‘Employment ... Jobs Vacant/Jobs Wanted’ For boating weather log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine

Boating Industry Association

4 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

David Binks in Queen’s Honours List

T

he BIA congratulates long-serving South Australian member David Binks who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal – for service to sailing – in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on Monday 10 June.

David, who was featured in the March edition of Logbook, is an acclaimed yacht designer and builder. He pioneered fibreglass construction of yachts in Australia and produced national and international championship winning boats.

His contribution to the industry has been enormous, including 40 continuous years as a Board Member of the Boating Industry Association of SA. He served many years as a technical advisor to the Australian Marine Industry developing industry standards for pleasure craft. David is also a dedicated Rotarian.

David’s honour is well deserved and the industry applauds him. h

NEW MEMBERS With the support of your membership BIA actively undertakes events and many strategies to effect real change together with a diverse range of member services.

BIA Board of Directors and Staff warmly welcomes the following businesses into our association and look forward to your participation in association activities:Kevin Katon – Katons Electrical Services Andrew Eleftheriou – Innercity Marine Pty. Ltd. Troy & Lee Durham – THL Durham Pty. Ltd., T/as Insinc Marine Craig Jordon – Zodiac Milpro Australia Pty. Ltd. Brent Vaughan – Saltwater Associates Pty. Ltd. T/ as Multihull Central James Macphail – Pantaenuis Australia Pty. Ltd. David Renouf & Rob Waterhouse – Just Boating Pty. Ltd, T/as David Bray Yachts.

Richard Tamba – National Marine Sales Peter Klumper/Will Manning/Toby Forwood – Sydney Perfect Storm Pty. Ltd. Brett Tattersall – Mako Marine Painting Pty. Ltd.

BIASA General Manager’s Report

BIASA AGM T

he BIASA Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 16 April. Due to receiving more than the required four nominations for Board membership, an election was held.

As a result, Andrew Craddock was replaced on the Board

by Neville Wilkinson.

Therefore, the Board’s structure for 2013 is: Andrew Hayes, President Rob Cuming, Vice President Peter Tucker, Hon Treasurer Craig Evans David Binks George Bolton John Milham Mark Flanagan Neville Wilkinson Peter Heinrich Terry Reilly

Hallett Skiboats Christies Beach Marine HouseboatHirersAssociation Cruising Yacht Club SA Binks Marine Bill’s Motorcycles Holdfast Quays Marina Unforgettable Houseboats Yamaha Pitmans Marine Sports Marine Yachting SA

BIASA Board Meeting At its May meeting at Marine House in Adelaide, the BIASA Board considered a wide range of issues currently before the industry, including concerns about negative impacts from the introduction of State-designed marine parks in SA waters.

The South Australian Government brought to an end its public consultation program for marine parks in late October 2012. However, it agreed to the formation of a Parliamentary Select Committee that will allow interested parties “one more shot” at the issue.

BIASA’s last shot was fired in it’s 10 May 2013 submission to the Select Committee.

Our essential objective is to maintain and/or improve the sustainability of the recreational and light commercial boating industry in South Australia. BIASA’s Code of Ethics centres on “ensuring a fair go for all”.

BIASA promotes holiday and recreational boating and related marine/riverine activities as safe, environmentally sound and responsible activities for all members of the community.

Specifically, the BIASA responded to the Select Committee by stating the following: 1. BIASA and its national and global affiliates have always been committed to protecting the environment.

2. BIASA is supportive of the Marine Parks concept and its principles, but has been unable to clearly understand “the science behind the scenes” driving the positioning of the marine parks and sanctuary zones.

3. BIASA is concerned that the initiative, particularly regarding the actual locations and sizes of the zones, will unnecessarily compromise the social and economic wellbeing of many of our regional communities.

Of most concern are the communities of the following locations: • Port Wakefield (where the community has effectively been stripped of all its “local waters”; • Port Augusta; • Kingscote and Kangaroo Island generally; and

• Ceduna and communities to its south and west through to and including Coffin Bay. 4.

BIASA is disappointed with the intention to ban, in some areas, beach fishing.

5. BIASA would have been pleased to see a “threat-based analysis” used throughout all parts of the exercise.

BIASA expressed its view that the introduction of SA Marine Parks should: • enhance the existing marine environment; and • add to – rather than diminish – the lifestyles and freedoms that people rightfully expect in this lucky country.

The submission was written on behalf of: • BIASA members; • the wider South Australian business community that derives it livelihood from the widest scope of boating and marine industry operations, including tourism and leisure enterprises; • nearly 200 coastal communities; and • all members of the public who enjoy our marine environment.

Ultimately, BIASA believes the introduction of the SA marine parks initiative will deliver additional, and in some instances intolerable, negative economic impacts on small businesses along our coast and en-route to coastal destinations.

BIASA is particularly concerned about: • owners, managers, and staff of businesses, many of which are family-owned, who have worked long and hard to develop their assets; • the value of property owned or mortgaged by these people; and • those who “service” recreational boaties and fishers, including providers of accommodation and catering, fuel, tackle and bait suppliers, marinas, hotels and town businesses.

The social costs of the marine parks initiative cannot be measured. It also adds another expensive layer of authority and enforcement that will be funded by taxpayers.

It is presumed that every boat that ventures into our waters, or for that matter every beach or jetty angler, will need a collection of documents, a GPS and very accurate chart/s to ensure the marine park borders are not being encroached upon.

Could it result in a criminal conviction from a traditional and enjoyable pastime?

The Select Committee is expected to begin its deliberations towards the end of this year, and the BIASA looks forward to amplifying its concerns before this body.

Marine 13 The BIASA Board thanks and congratulates MIA and BIAA staff “at the quarry face” who organised and presented the successful Marine13 conference in Sydney in April, particularly to Colin Bransgrove of the MIA and Nik Parker from the BIAA and their respective teams Glen Jones, General Manager, BIASA

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 5

Positioning the industry for the future

T

he BIAA has three core objectives: to grow participation in boating; to lead on national advocacy for the industry; and to facilitate professional development of the industry.

A key platform to support these objectives was the recent whole-of-industry conference, Marine13, held in Sydney 28-30 April 2013. Under the strapline of “Boating for the Future”, Marine13 presented a huge array of topics and speakers, across the three streams of boating business, marinas and boating safety, all designed to provide information, education and inspiration.

With over 450 people participating in the 2-day event – to take-part in more than 45 conference sessions and visit the 50-plus exhibitors in the trade exhibition – Marine13 is considered a resounding success by the Organising Committee and BIAA Board. The industry members attending and learning from the material presented and benefiting from the fantastic networking, have responded with equal praise and support for Marine13 via direct messages and the conference feedback questionnaire. So much so that plans for Marine15 are now being developed with an announcement on the date and location expected later this year.

But before we get there, we need to build on the momentum of Marine13 in connecting the industry more closely with key stakeholders – particularly government departments and agencies – and in confirming the appetite for development and promotion of the industry and boating sector as a whole. Three specific projects arise out of this: presenting the industry’s case for recognition and support to politicians ahead of the Federal Election in September; the gathering and analysis of boater and industry data; and development of an industrymanaged accreditation scheme for boat building standards and associated regulatory compliance.

BIAA policy platform With the Federal Election now (finally) only a matter of weeks away, BIAA has prepared a policy platform paper which forms the core element of a new campaign under the banner of “I boat and I vote”.

Aimed at raising the profile of the boating sector, the campaign sets out to ensure relevant, appropriate and meaningful recognition of the sector within political discussion and to ensure accommodation within future government industry support programmes, initiatives to grow and sustain

6 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

the boating industry. The paper addresses four key areas of: boating safety and education; access and infrastructure; regulator y reform; and industry support, ultimately providing the opportunity for political parties and candidates to demonstrate their support for the sector via a policy rating scorecard.

Discussions are under way to expand this to be “I fish, I boat and I vote” by partnering with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation representing over five million recreational fishers and the associated recreational fishing industry. By also drawing in support from the marina, export and sailing associations, the strength of the message we present will be significantly increased.

In this edition of Logbook is an extract from the paper setting out the case for why the recreational boating industry is important and the policy pillars of the “I boat and I vote” campaign. A formal launch is planned for the Sydney International Boat Show, but in the lead up to the election, our challenge and opportunity is to mobilise the political power and influence of the one million boat licence holders and the five million people who annually enjoy the boating lifestyle.

Your support as a member of the BIANSW, BIASA or other keen industry supporter is to take the message of “I boat and I vote” to your local federal (and state) representatives and seek their opinion on the value of the boating lifestyle and commitment to preserve.

Australian Boater Survey To support any campaign to promote and sustain an industry, data is vital to demonstrate and explain the value, both economic and social, and benefits of the sector. Historically the Australian boating industry has not been well served with data on the value of the industry itself and the related boater activity, particularly “tourism” or participation spend.

At Marine13, the Australian Boater Survey was launched with the support of the Government of WA, complementing previous support provided by BIANSW to develop the project.

Based on similar studies used in the US to evaluate the boating and recreational fishing market in the US, the Australian Boater Survey will provide the first national picture of boater activity and give credibility to the data often quoted that suggests the broader boating sector is worth in excess of $25bn and 50,000 jobs to the economy, with a significant proportion of this being in regional Australia.

The survey will also examine boater attitude toward safety, education and the environment and future infrastructure requirements, providing – par ticularly government stakeholders – with invaluable information, gathered over the course of a full year rather than simply a snap shot survey.

The Australian Boater Survey team continues to work with state and federal agencies to grow support (specifically funding) for the project and it is anticipated that more states will quickly join when the first data starts to flow from the initial monthly feedback reports.

Survey panel recruitment is now underway and regular, monthly surveys are tabled to commence in August.

The Australian Boater Survey can be accessed at www. australiaboatingsurvey.com and members are encouraged to register, participate and to promote the survey to customers and fellow boaters.

Boat building standards With an increasing focus on management of compliance with regulation – specifically the Australian Builders Plate standard – work is underway to develop an industry-owned accreditation scheme to provide boat builders with support to better understand, apply and comply with the requirements of the ABP. With the ABP requirements having been in place for over six years, it is clear that further information and education on the standard would be beneficial, not only to new entrants to the boat building sector, but also existing builders who may be looking for a refresher.

There is also a need to educate agencies charged with enforcing compliance with the regulations underpinning the ABP standard – or, as envisaged within the scheme, the possibility to take control of compliance (for all boats, whether domestic manufacture or import) into industry’s hands.

Similar initiatives operate in the US and more locally in New Zealand where the industry bodies provide accreditation and auditing schemes for compliance with government regulation.

In the case of the US, the National Marine Manufacturers Association provides a scheme for members to show compliance with the US Code of Federal Regulations by use of the ABYC standards and in New Zealand, NZMarine provides members with an audit scheme to cover an array of design and construction detail, including the specifications of the ABP. The success of each scheme demonstrates to government agencies and lawmakers that the industry can successfully and safely manage compliance with regulation and standards.

With the current very low level of management control of the ABP by empowered government agencies here – with the gateway to managing compliance of imported boats consequently left wide-open – it is now appropriate that BIAA, working with members, develops a suitable accreditation scheme for the benefit of members and to ensure both the regulatory compliance and safety of boats entering the Australian market.

Further discussions will be held with boat builders and regulatory agencies ahead of the next national marine manufacturers forum, scheduled to be held in October 2013.

Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Associated with boat building standards is the new National Law for Domestic Commercial Vessel, owned and administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority: from Canberra.

The relevance of Canberra will become obvious shortly … to be implemented, finally, on 1 July 2013, the National Law has been several years in the making and has had to cope with greatly varying existing regulatory systems in states and territories, political-will to drive through change but not impost industry, aging and conflicting standards and a limited supply of personnel to manage and undertake commercial vessel management activities.

The key objective of the National Law – to improve vessel and crew ability to engage in commercial activity around the country and safety of all concerned – has arguably been met, but the detail of implementation will ultimately determine the success.

With Canberra some way from the seaboard, and with AMSA needing to have service delivery agents on the ground in each port, the existing state marine safety agencies will be undertaking day-to-day management of the National Law, overseeing survey and inspections as required under the new system. For the vast majority of commercial vessel operators it will be business as usual.

Existing vessels and operations will continue as now – with contacts with government surveyors being to the same people now manning the state offices – under grandfathering arrangements designed to minimise the impact of the new system. Over the course of the next three to five years, they will be required to move to the new safety management systems and, in a very limited number of cases, move to compliance with current standards, but this should not overly concern professional and well managed operations.

However, the remoteness of Canberra from the seaboard is also reflected in its historic role – with regard to vessel and mariner regulatory management – being at the ‘big end of town’ with foreign-going vessels, usually considerably different to the typical domestic commercial vessel and operation.

BIAA has worked closely with AMSA to develop the regulator’s understanding of the sector they are now taking on, but from recent communications from both AMSA and state marine safety offices, it is clear that there is some way to go in being able to fully explain the new system and ensure all vessels and operators AMSA would consider to be ‘caught’ are in fact properly aware of this and have been engaged ahead of the implementation date to ensure a smooth transition at the end of the month.

This indeed extends, as evidenced in at least Queensland, to the service delivery personnel – accredited surveyors in this instance – being unclear of the new system and understanding of new requirements and standards still ‘work in progress’.

To be fair to all, it is a major exercise to move to a new national system, but members who operate a commercial vessel, or make use of a vessel in conjunction with carrying on their business, would be well advised to contact their (… cont. over page)

CHECK THE WEATHER Always check the weather before and during boating.

Weather reports are readily available. Log onto www.bom.gov.au or call NSW Maritime on 13 12 56 for up-to-date reports.

IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT

A marine band radio helps you keep in touch with weather updates. Out on the water monitor the weather reports regularly, especially if changes are predicted.

ENJOY SAFE BOATING www.bia.org.au Ph: 02 9438 2077

For employment in the marine industry visit www.bia.org.au and click on 'Employment ... Jobs Vacant/Jobs Wanted'.

For boating weather, log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine.

Boating Industry Association

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 7

I Boat & I Vote!

Why is recreational Boating Important?

Culturally

Australians have a natural affinity with the water and boating. Our population is clustered around our coastline and inland waterways and boating in some form touches almost all Australians Boating creates immersion in the natural environment and engenders responsibility and respect for our country and our environment Sailing is one of Australia’s most successful (and cost effective per medal achieved) Olympic sports and is highly recognised as a source of national pride and interest

Economically

The recreational Boating Industry Contributes $8 Billion annually to the Australian Economy, with in excess of $1 Billion each year in export business The recreational Boating Industry consists of over 2500 businesses, employing 27,000 Australians around the nation in a range of many roles in all capital cities and across regional Australia Recreational Boating contributes significantly to domestic tourism, leisure and recreational spending, creating significant new employment opportunities and enhancing local communities

Socially

There are 800,000 registered boats in Australia. Over 1 Million people have boat licences and an estimated 5 Million people go boating in Australia each year making it one of the most popular forms of recreation in the country Boating is socially engaging and brings together friends and family in a healthy outdoor lifestyle Boating is diverse and egalitarian. There is a boat to suit everyone’s needs regardless of age, wealth or ability.

From kayaks, sailing dinghies and tinnies to racing yachts, (… from page 7)

Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law relevant state marine safety office to seek guidance and discuss the specifics of their operation and any new or changed requirements. It is particularly important to note that in many instances, vessels and operations caught by the new national system may currently not be considered or regulated as commercial vessels.

Further coverage of the National Law is made elsewhere in this edition of Logbook with regard to surveyor competencies.

Any member needing advice, guidance or support on any aspect of the National Law should contact Alan Barrett at BIANSW or the BIAA office.

BIAA Board Finally, to update on the BIAA Board that represents the boating industry nationally. The Board is drawn from the board of directors of BIAA members – ie the state BIA and Marine Queensland associations – with usually the president or vice-president of each being a member of the

8 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

luxur y cr uisers and everything in between, boating is accessible to all Australians The Boating Industry including marinas and export programmes provides career opportunities across Australia and is accessible via boating education programmes within schools and in centres of higher learning

Politically

Boating is a recreational pastime enjoyed by millions of Australians from diverse geographic and socio-economic backgrounds. They are passionate about their lifestyle but have not had access to advocacy pathways to address their concerns and erosion of their rights, access and facilities that support their recreation.

Boating regulation, access and infrastructure is covered by Federal, State and Local government regulators and budget decisions. Within each constituency there are a significant number of voters with boating interests that will be affected by candidate policies that affect their lifestyle.

Inland waterways, estuaries and coastal cruising grounds have been a political battleground as environment groups seek to leverage governments to shut down areas from human access. These have been demonstrated to be politically motivated without science or evidence basis and often leading to poorer outcomes for the environment with lack of stewardship. Mobilisation of recreational boating interests needs to tip the balance of political influence.

The Policy Pillars of I Boat and I Vote 1. Boating Safety and Education 2. Access and Infrastructure 3. Regulatory Reform 4. Industry Support BIAA Board. Following the recent BIAA AGM 2013, the Board is confirmed as follows: Darren Vaux – Chairman, representing BIANSW Andy Warner – Vice-Chairman, representing BIAVic George Bolton – Treasure, representing BIASA Greg Nickerson – representing Marine Queensland Nathan Nichols – representing Marine Queensland Simon Cook – representing BIANSW Paul Benjamin – representing BIAVic Andrew Hayes – representing BIASA Jim Rann – representing BIAWA Byron Hazell – representing BIANT The Board meets each quarter with the next meeting at end June, to receive feedback on the above projects, confirm commitment to Marine15 and meet with other marine industry associations with a view to expanding the coordination of industry representation. A full report on activities up to end 2012 is contained in the BIAA Annual Report, available on the Members-only section of the BIAA website at www.biaa.com.au

1. Boating Safety and education 1.1 Education in preference to Regulation. Boating safety education should start in schools and continue throughout all stages of life via community programmes 1.2 Use positive messages to promote safety, encourage all boaters to be prepared for, understand and safely manage risks 1.3 Develop programs to make wearing of lifejackets a voluntary but natural part of going boating, with reinforcement of messages via education initiatives and recreational boating ambassadors, with cognisance of demographics 1.4 Implement regulation only where statistical evidence clearly identifies a problem and where educational strategies have been exhausted.

1.5 Establish a national fund for the maintenance dredging of coastal bars and channels to provide safe access to coastal boating havens

2. Access and Infrastructure 2.1 Recognise recreational boaters as custodians of the waters and promote access to all coastal and inland waterways 2.2 Marine Reserve and Marine Park Determinations to be objectively science based and not to arbitrarily restrict access for recreational boaters and fishers.

2.3 Provide Federal, State and Local Government funding (as applicable) for investment in the provision and maintenance of boat ramps with parking, jetties and floating pontoons in concert with on-shore facilities to create boating destinations, including visitor moorings.

3. Regulatory Reform 3.1 Deliver consistency of recreational boating and boating industry regulation via national harmonisation of boating regulation and administration including: • National boater licensing, recognising tourism impacts

• National vessel register, to include HIN and ABP registers • National recreational vessel standards, recognising international industry best practice and global standards • National enforcement of vessel standards via education and inspections to include all imported vessels 3.2 Engage with industry and developers to rationalise marine planning processes to encourage and facilitate private investment in boating infrastructure

4. Industry and boater community support 4.1 Provide funding and secretariat for the establishment and operation of a Recreational Safe Boating Ministerial Advisory Council charged with the responsibility of tracking progress against these policy outcomes 4.2 Provide funding for the annual collection and analysis of statistics relating to boating safety and incidents, boat registrations, boat storage and movements, marinas, boat imports and exports, local manufacturing and boater behaviour, including economic activity with regard to tourism spend 4.3 Provide regulatory and enforcement support to ensure consistency with regulations as they apply to imported vessels and their associated equipment (both commercially and privately) to ensure compliance with recognised standards and environmental regulations 4.4 Provide funding, via boat registration mechanism, for industry and boater education and support with regard to vessel compliance and ongoing safety inspection 4.5 Provide R&D grants and supporting financial measures to promote innovation and development of the manufacturing of boats and components in Australia 4.6 Provide funding for national boating and watersports education and safety awareness within schools and via community programs

When you’re out on the water an accident can happen suddenly, turning a good day into a mayday.

With a wide range of lifejackets available, from comfortable foam to modern inflatable styles, there’s one to suit every need.

So be safe and wear yours.

For more information go to www.lifejacketwearit.com.au

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 9

Boating Industry Association of NSW elects new President Alan Blake

T

he Annual General Meeting of the Boating Industry Association of NSW was held on 14th May 2013 with 47 members, guests and BIA staff attending. The AGM was followed by a general meeting and members’ forum with a presentation from Consolidated Lawyers on National Consumer Laws and promotional plans for 2013 Sydney International Boat Show and the continuing development of MyBoatingLife web site.

Alan Blake started Blakes Marine 22 years ago and is now a family run business. With his wife and business partner Anne, the business has grown to have both children actively working in it. An interview by Bob Wonders with Alan appears in this edition – “Alan Blake A New President Rides in from the West” (see page 11).

Roy Privett said “Alan understands the ongoing challenges faced by small business within the recreational boating industry.

He has grabbed the opportunity to give back to the industry that he loves and that has served his family well. Alan was elected to the BIA Board of Directors in 2004. Over the last five years, he has proudly served as Treasurer, a position that has allowed him to ensure the association’s processes and procedures delivered the necessary probity.

“Alan served for a period of four years as a member of the Waterways Maritime Advisory Council, inaugural committee member on BIA’s Trailer Boat Retailers Assn., and Blakes Marine has enthusiastically participated at BIA Boat Shows, events and promotions.

“Alan has over many years been on Sydney Radio Fishing and Boating Programmes talking about his passion and offering advice and commentary on all things boating. Alan posses a wealth of industry knowledge and as President he has an opportunity to make a continuing commitment to guide and support the association in representing and protecting the recreational Boating Industry.”

Alan said in his position as President “there is a need for our association to maintain a strong Board of Directors and staff base in what will no doubt be challenging economic times and as well as the uncertainty during the Darling Harbour redevelopment years 2014-2017. It is vitally important for

the association to remain strong and vibrant to build industry strength and growth.”

D a r r e n Va u x a s previously announced stood down as President to concentrate on other Industr y advocacy platforms. Darren stays on the Board for 12 months as Immediate Past President.

He currently holds the positions of Chairman of the Boating Industries Alliance of Australia, Vice Chairman Marina Industries Association and Chairman of Ministerial Advisory Council for Roads and Maritime Services. Darren thanked members for participating in BIA activities and exhibitors for their continuing strong support of BIA produced boat shows and events.

He highlighted the State Government grant of $192K to develop the Boat Smart education program for High school students which was providing boats and equipment for training hubs at Ballina, Port Macquarie, Central Coast, Menai High School and Illawarra area; progress on the development of the Watsons Bay Pilot Station as a Boating Education Centre with BIA undertaking a coordinating role; success of the recent Marine 13 Industry Conference and our last and 25th Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour with the show relocating to temporary facilities during the redevelopment of the Convention Centre 2014-2017.

Darren’s full President’s Report can be viewed on BIA’s website. A new policy and advocacy platform to be launched by the Boating Industries Alliance of Australia was also presented at the AGM. An election was held at the AGM for two general director positions, with Bill Breakspear and Jon Hunt being elected.

Two new directors joined the Board namely Shannon Stocks of Shannon’s Outboard Service as the nominee representative from the MIMRA Division and Lyndon Turner of Nautilus Marine Insurance as Treasurer.

The following Directors were elected for the 2013/14 year:

Alan Blake Simon Cook Lyndon Turner Darren Vaux Bill Breakspear Jon Hunt Matt Hundleby Ken Bullen Paul Burgess Michael Jarvin Alan Steber Shannon Stocks Terry Wise

President Vice President Treasurer Immediate Past President Director (general member representative) Director (general member representative) Director (Marina Association) Director (Trailer Boat Retailers Association) Director (Shipwright & Boatbuilders Association) Director (Marine Brokers Association) Director (Boat Manufacturers Association) Director (Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association) Director (Sailing Industry Association)

10 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Alan Blake – a new President rides in from The West

by Bob Wonders

E

xperience is an extremely valuable ‘commodity’, a commodity that cannot be bought, but must be earned.

I would suggest the Boating Industry Association of NSW is very fortunate in having secured a ‘truck load’ of boating industry experience in the form of newly elected President, Alan Blake.

A highly experienced marine dealer and driving force behind Blakes Marine, not far from the historic town of Windsor and the famous Hawkesbury River, Alan Blake and his deputy, none other than wife Anne, boast 22-years of hard-core marine dealership experience.

The dealership boasts a range of franchises, enabling it to meet a wide range of consumer demands; Evinrude and Suzuki outboards, Bar Crusher, Evolution, Bay Sport, Stacer, Campion and Chaparral boats, backed up by a range of accessories, spare parts, general boating and fishing equipment.

Blakes Marine has 20 full time staff to service its clientele and trades seven days a week, 0800 to 1730 Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1500 Saturday and 0900 to 1600 on Sunday.

There’s already another generation ready to take the Blakes Marine helm, with son Lee, 30, and daughter Yanna, 29, already involved with the dealership on a full time basis.

Alan Blake has never been backwards in coming forward to give back to the industry that has served him well.

He has been a Director of the BIA of NSW for nine-years, nearly five in the vital role of Treasurer.

While deeply honoured to be named President of the association, Alan says it was never something he aspired to.

“Frankly, being President never occurred to me,” he said.

“I have no immediate plans to impose my ‘presidential stamp’, if you will, on the association.

“After all, I am following some outstanding Presidential talent in the forms of the association’s three most recent leaders in Ian McAndrew, Doug Olding and Darren Vaux.

“If I can do anywhere near the job those gentlemen have done, I’ll be very well pleased with myself.

“I would also add that all of us now serving on the Board of Directors have every confidence in the association’s staff, people who really have their finger on the pulse.

“Fortunately, as Immediate Past President, Darren Vaux remains on the board and I know I’ll be able to count on him for any advice I may need”.

On the boat show scene, Blakes Marine has been a long term regular at the Sydney International Boat Show and the top regional exhibition, the Rosehill Trailerboat Show.

Not surprisingly, Alan rates Sydney as “the best.”

He is not overly concerned at the imminent closure of the Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Who knows, it may prove to be to our advantage,” he said.

“We may be led into a situation demanding we do something different.

“I’m going to look for the positive, not the negative, I will never look for the negative,” he declared.

On the business scene, Alan Blake believes a business

BIA NSW President Alan Blake.

proprietor needs to “re-invent” his operation every 10-years or so.

“We must constantly adapt to changing market forces and to changing consumer trends,” he says.

Alan sees a range of exciting changes ahead for the recreational boating industry, including such innovations as hybrid outboards, variable ratio gearboxes, and even electronic pitch propellers.

A long term member of the Australian Power Boat Association (APBA) Alan spent many seasons competing in National and State Stock Mono classes, winning a national crown in 1983 with a 93.69mph (150.77km/hr) running a 235hp Evinrude.

The Blake family still enjoy spending time afloat, but their current craft may not be ready to challenge that Evinrude; it’s a former pilot vessel, 65 feet (19.8-metres), powered by a single diesel and very comfortable if not at record-breaking pace.

Alan Blake certainly boasts the necessary background to stand tall as President of the Boating Industry Association of NSW – not only that he’s a real good bloke.

Use the BIA logo Boating Industry Association

Let your customers know that

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 11

you are a member of the BIA and

comply with the BIA’s Code of Practice

That was Marine 13, that was Bob Wonders ‘sailed’ into Marine 13 not knowing what to expect, but came away impressed.

T

he setting was Darling Harbour, the Exhibition and Convention Centre there to be precise, a venue known almost intimately by members of the Australian boating industry due to it being the chosen venue for the Sydney International Boat Show.

Just exactly what I would find on this particular visit to Darling Harbour, well, your guess was as good as mine, at the time, that is.

I knew a lot of hard work had gone into bringing this industry event together, but I had heard that reservations were somewhat ‘thin on the ground’ in the days leading up to April 29 and the opening of Marine 13.

Well, any fears that Marine 13 would not attract the desired interest quickly went by the board in the last few days and eventually more than 450 were on hand, the majority for all three days of the conference.

Its success could also be measured in the fact that delegates hailed from all corners of the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, France, South Korea, China, New Zealand and every Australian state.

It was not a stand alone conference – organisers had also incorporated a trade exhibition within and it certainly proved popular with visitors, particularly as morning and afternoon tea and luncheon breaks were held within the exhibition area.

This provided all in attendance with excellent networking opportunities.

Needless to say, bringing such a major event together could not have been done without outside support and organisers were able to bring a number of major sponsors on board to assist with costs.

Transport for NSW was a Principal Partner; Platinum Sponsors included Bellingham Marine, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and I.C.Frith and Associates.

Additional support came from Gold and Silver Sponsors Club Marine Insurance, Micropower, Nautilus Marine Insurance, Superior Jetties, Marine Business World, Gineico and Korea’s CKIPM Marine Group.

I guess in many ways the sheer strength of Marine 13 came in the form of its absolutely outstanding array of guest speakers, a line up as distinguished as one would expect anywhere.

They ranged from industry leaders such as America’s Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association to NSW Government Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon. Duncan Gay, MLC. Presentations chosen were aimed at almost every facet of the marine industry and one of the very few criticisms of the conference that came my way was that people had difficulty in choosing which presentation to attend.

Subjects covered ranged from ‘Risk Management in Boating’, ‘Changing Face of Marine Retail’, ‘Online Boating Education’, ‘Ocean Weather Forecasting’, ‘Consumer Law and Trade Practices’, ‘Trends in Club Marinas’ and ‘Women in Boating.’

Many presentations concluded with question and answer

12 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Jeff d’Albora (left), Marine 13 organising committee chairman and colleague Colin Bransgrove, of the Marina Industries Association.

sessions, some of which were every bit as interesting as the actual presentations.

Organisers said there was a ‘mood of optimism’ as Marine 13 concluded, with delegate and visitor feedback positive in every sense.

Andrew Chapman, President of the Marina Industries Association, said the event ‘fulfilled expectations and provided excellent networking opportunities.’

Chairman of the Boating Industries Alliance Australia, Darren Vaux, said the event had highlighted the opportunities for the recreational boating industry to address challenges, including economic and demographic change.

“I’m delighted that this event has delivered on its promise to provide the ideas, information and inspiration that a united industry needs to move forward with confidence,” he added.

Comments from two industry identities involved were certainly worth reporting; John Hogan, CEO of Superior Jetties, labelled the conference “his best marketing investment in the past two years”, while Trevor Fong, of Singapore’s Keppel Land Hospitality Management rated it as a “truly international event and very important for regional development.”

Perhaps that sums up Marine 13 very well indeed.

The Trade Exhibition staged during Marine 13 proved equally successful with more than 40 displays showcasing marine goods and services. Here well-known industry identity Alan Steber, a director of the BIA of NSW, was on hand to promote the renowned family boat building operation.

Marine 13’s hardworking Committee I

t goes without saying that an event such as Marine 13 does not simply “happen”.

It only reaches fruition after a group of people, in this case a hard-working nine-person committee, devoted countless hours to its future success.

Marine 13 was indeed fortunate in having such a dedicated group involved, headed by no less than industry stalwart (and marina icon!) Jeff d’Albora.

He was ably assisted by Darren Vaux (Chairman of the Boating Industries Alliance Australia), Andrew Chapman (President, Marina Industries Association), Mike Harvey (Director, Marina Industries Association), Andrew Warner (President, BIA Victoria and Vice Chairman Boating Industries Alliance Australia), Karen Baldwin (Director, Marina Industries Association and General Manger Royal Motor Yacht Club), Neil Patchett (Manager, Boating Safety, Safety and Maritime Affairs NSW), Colin Bransgrove (Executive Officer, Marina Industries Association) and Nik Parker (General Manager, Boating Industries Alliance Australia).

The committee was formed 15 months ago (February 2012) and met regularly on a monthly basis planning Marine 13.

It has been decided the event will be held every two years and initial discussion is already taking place centred on Marine 15.

Of course, the Darling Harbour Exhibition and Convention Centre, venue for Marine 13, will not be available – as has been well documented, demolition teams move into begin demolition of the site in December.

“Marine 15 may now even be held in Sydney, or in NSW for that matter,” Colin Bransgrove, Executive Officer of the Marina Industries Association explained.

“It has virtually been decided that the conference will be moved around Australia and for Marine 15 we have already had strong interest in hosting it from Western Australia and Queensland,” he added.

Feedback I have encountered from many of those who attended Marine 13 certainly indicated it had been an outstanding success.

Personally, I think a decision to move the event around the nation is absolutely the right one.

Marine 15, Marine 17 and so forth deserves nothing less. h Bob Wonders

A very ‘Presidential Portrait’, Darren Vaux, Immediate past President of the BIA of NSW and Chairman of Boating Industries Alliance Australia (left) with Thom Dammrich, President of the allpowerful National Marine Manufacturers Association of the United States.

BIA of NSW Vice-President Simon Cook (left) with association General Manager Roy Privett.

WHEN TOWING A BOAT, TAKE IT EASY.

DON’T RUSH!

When towing a boat this long weekend to your favourite waterway, make sure that your trailer is in roadworthy condition.

• Don't overload the trailer with excessive luggage.

• Don't drive if you are tired. Take a break during the journey.

• Don't speed or drink drive. Be patient with other travellers.

PRACTICE COMMONSENSE, CARE & COURTESY ON THE ROAD & THE WATER A meeting of the states – Jon Hunt (Hunts Marine, NSW, left)) with Greg Nickerson (Northside Marine, Queensland) swapping yarns at Marine 13.

www.bia.org.au Ph: (02) 9438 2077 For boating weather, log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine Boating Industry Association

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 13

Marina winners announced at Marine13

T

he Marina Industries Association (MIA) awards have been announced at Marine13 in Sydney. The awards are for the 2013/14 period and based on performance over the previous financial year period. MIA President Andrew Chapman said the awards have been very well supported by industry with 43 submissions received.

“Congratulations to not only the winners but to all entrants in these awards that have attracted strong support nationally and internationally,” Andrew Chapman said. “The awards celebrate industry best practice and provide a benchmark for other businesses to aspire to.”

The Award winners and categories are: Soldiers Point Marina, NSW – Commercial Marina Up To 140 Boats Mackay Marina Village, QLD – Commercial Marina – 140 Plus Boats Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore – International Marina Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW – Highly Commended, Club Marina Sandringham Yacht Club, Vic – Club Marina John Spragg, Bellingham Marine Australia – Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Marina Industry Hillarys Boat Harbour, WA – Public Boat Harbour Soldiers Point Marina, NSW – Most Innovative Marketing Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore – Best Environmental Initiative Soldiers Point Marina, NSW – Best Community Engagement Initiative Sandringham Yacht Club, Vic – Highly Commended, Marina Restaurant Southport Yacht Club, Qld – Best Marina Restaurant Bellingham Marine Australia – Best Marina Innovation

by Supplier Fenwicks Marina, NSW – Highly Commended, Best Marina Boat Yard Gold Coast City Marina, Qld – Best Marina Boat Yard Darren Wilkinson, M-Tech – Outstanding New Employee – Supplier Doug Taylor, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay – Best Marina Employee People’s Choice.

The People’s Choice Award attracted hundreds of online voters in support of staff from 26 marinas.

Andrew Fenwick of Fenwicks Marina, NSW – Highly Commended, Best Marina Boat Yard

14 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Doug Taylor (right), Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay – Best Marina Employee People’s Choice.

Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW – Highly Commended, Club Marina.

Soldiers Point Marina, NSW – Best Community Engagement Initiative.

Marine15 gets the Green Light

F

ollowing the success of Marine13 the industry organising committee has announced that Western Australia and Queensland are leading contenders to host the next multi-stream international boating industry conference and trade exhibition in 2015.

Marine13 Organising Committee Chair Jeff d’Albora said the date and location for Marine15 would be announced by the end of August 2013.

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“The event in 2015 is likely to be held in a similar time window and that is the end of April or early May,” Mr d’Albora said. “We will also explore opportunities to build on partnerships with other industry associations.”

Mr d’Albora said more than 450 attended the event this year and many had commented positively on the breadth of the conference content and its quality.

“The highlight for many was the excellent networking opportunity and the extensive information gained through more than 45 sessions at the conference,” Mr d’Albora said.

The Organising Committee met in Sydney this week to conduct a preliminary review of Marine13. Analysis of the feedback from delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers has indicated a high level of satisfaction.

Ken Evans, representing the Outboard Engine Distributors Association, commented “there were so many useful sessions that it was impossible to attend them all.

“The networking opportunities were excellent and while we would have liked to see more marine dealerships attending, Marine13 was good for the industry as a whole,” Evans said.

The 51 exhibitors were in general agreement that Marine13 provided ample opportunity to meet with a very appropriate and well-qualified target audience.

Simon Cook, CEO at IC Frith Insurance Brokers and a Marine13 platinum sponsor and exhibitor said “we found Marine13 an excellent environment in which to conduct business and we will be increasing our investment in Marine15”.

According to Andrew Chapman, President of Marina Industries Association, Marine13 has realised its potential to provide leadership for the marine industries in the Asia Pacific region.

Boating Industries Alliance Australia Chairman Darren Vaux said “the very positive feedback from participants in Marine13 has confirmed the importance and value of this event being an integral part of the industry calendar”.

Howard Glenn, Chair of the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee, said Marine13 provided an excellent opportunity to share knowledge across a wide range of safety subject areas, from boating weather through to volunteer marine rescue.

“The conference also presented an ideal opportunity to stage several supporting events during the remainder of that week including a series of safety workshops for Pacific Nations and the successful International Lifejacket Forum.”

Logbook: Published four times per year with a print run of over 1,000 copies, Logbook is distributed to BIA members, associates, industry stakeholders and selected friends of the BIA.

Cost:

Members Non-members

Full Page

$650.00

$1,300.00

Half Page

$450.00

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Quarter Page

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$600.00

Inserts also available Members $300.00 Non-members $600.00

Information: All prices are for finished artwork supplied by the advertiser and exclude GST. Advertising is subject to space availability and the BIA reserves the right to reject advertising.

For publication dates and specifications, please email info@bia.org.au

To book advertising, contact the BIA on 02 9438 2077

w w w. b i a .o r g .a u

BIA Logbook HPV.indd 1

3/11/10 2:53:20 PM

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 15

The indusTry super fund for The auTomoTive indusTry.

www.mtaasuper.com.au motor Trades association of australia superannuation fund pty Ltd (aBn 14 008 650 628, afsL 238 718) is the Trustee of mTaa superannuation fund (aBn 74 559 365 913). you should consider whether or not mTaa super is appropriate for you. The mTaa super product disclosure statement (pds) can be obtained by calling us on 1300 362 415. you should consider the pds in making a decision.

International Lifejacket Forum

N

SW Office of Boating Safety and Maritime Affairs General Manager Howard Glenn has announced that some of the world’s most prominent boating safety authorities and organisations have vowed to promote lifejacket use and prevent death by drowning.

Representatives of national boating authorities and organisations from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom agreed on the International Lifejacket Wear Principles, as part of the Marine13 conference in Sydney.

Industry, BIA and other interested persons were in attendance.

Across these nations, drowning is the most common factor in all fatal boating incidents and four out of five victims were reportedly not wearing a lifejacket at the time.

The single greatest challenge facing the international recreational boating community is getting more people to wear lifejackets, Mr Glenn said.

“The main aim of the principles is to promote lifejacket use and to normalise it by encouraging boating media around the world to show people wearing lifejackets in small boats,” he said.

“Endorsing the principles does not create any obligations, but provides a powerful tool for future work and sets a benchmark for boating safety promotion around the world.”

The different jurisdictions – largely depending on marine conditions – define small boats variously as under 4.8m, under 16ft, under 6m or under 7m.

The draft principles were first discussed at the Canadian Safe Boating Council Symposium in 2012 and it was agreed that work would continue to finalise it at this week’s Marine13 conference in Sydney.

It will be hosted on a webpage to allow like-minded organisations to show their support, and to provide links to lifejacket use initiatives.

Mr Glenn said various organisation involved had committed to higher levels of cross-border coordination.

“Signatories to the principles believe international unity behind the promotion of wearing lifejackets will help strengthen and clarify the importance of lifejackets across all jurisdictions,” he said.

“This even translates to the language of how we want to use, with everyone agreeing to use the word “lifejacket” as a generic, non-ambiguous term covering all nationally approved personal lifesaving appliances and devices.”

The Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee, Canadian Safe Boating Council, Maritime New Zealand, National Society for Sea Rescue (France) and the UK’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution were the International Lifejacket Wear Principles’ founding signatories. Although unable to attend the conference the Boating Division of the US Coast Guard also indicated its strong interest in the Principles.

Signatories to the International Lifejacket Wear Principles agree to: • Recognise the fundamental role that wearing a lifejacket plays in protecting people on the water.

• Recognise the importance of promoting the use of lifejackets when boating.

• Endeavour to ensure that any publication including brochures, DVD, video and websites will feature all people

Pictured at the signing of the agreement (from left) are: Pierre Brugnon Head of Mission, Prevention, Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer, France; Peter Chennell Sea Safety Manager, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, UK; Howard Glenn (seated) Chair, Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee; Jean Murray Chair, Canadian Safe Boating Council and Alistair Thomson, Maritime Officer, Maritime New Zealand.

wearing contemporary lifejackets when in an outside area of a small craft that is underway.

• Recommend to the recreational boating industry that its publications similarly feature all people wearing lifejackets when in an outside area of a small craft that is underway.

• Require on-water education and compliance staff to wear lifejackets whenever they are on the water.

• Use the term “lifejacket” in public information and education.

• Encourage boating safety networks to become “safety partners” by supporting the above principles.

Roy Privett, General Manager of the BIA said “although the issue of wearing lifejackets involves heated argument for and against, and under what circumstances the international lifejacket wear principles represent a fair position and focus on awareness and education, and not upon regulation of a compulsory nature.”

The forum represented a group of people representing boating across the world who are looking to a positive collective approach to the promotion of personal responsibility when boating.

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 lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar.

ENJOY SAFE BOATING www.bia.org.au Ph: 02 9438 2077

For employment in the marine industry log onto www.bia.org.au and click on ‘Employment ... Jobs Vacant/Jobs Wanted’ For boating weather log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine

Boating Industry Association

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 17

Kangaroo Island, a spectacular wilderness and more ...

K

nown locally as “KI”, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, covering an area of about 4,400 square kilometres, or 1,698 square miles.

While it is home to over 4,400 human residents, the wildlife population is too numerous to count. Located only 110 km (70 miles) south-west of Adelaide, the island is easily accessible by plane or ferry, much to the delight of about 150,000 tourists who visit each year.

With its mix of attractive small townships and fascinating wilderness, Kangaroo Island is hard to beat.

For boating enthusiasts, there are five boat launching ramps around the island at Christmas Cove in Penneshaw, American River, Emu Bay, Baudin Beach and the Bay of Shoals near Kingscote.

A small fee for launching and retrieval of vessels is payable, with self-registration booths available at each boat ramp.

Regular visitors to Kangaroo Island can take advantage of an annual boat launching permit that can be obtained from Kangaroo Island Council on (08) 8553 4500.

For people who wish to moor overnight, pontoons are available at Christmas Cove with access to water, power and a sullage point. Reservations are not available for the mooring facilities, but like the boat ramps, a small fee is payable through the self-registration booth at Christmas Cove. Fees vary depending on how long people intend to stay.

Hanson Bay, Kangaroo Island.

The North Coast provides safe swimming areas for all ages and the beaches are never crowded.

Kangaroo Island is also a surfing mecca with numerous spots accessible by car. Beginners can still try their hand at surfing at the more family friendly Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay. Kangaroo Island’s producers proudly present some of the finest gourmet foods including seafood and freshwater marron. The local menu also includes lamb, cheese, honey, eggs, olive oil, native jams, marinades and yoghurt. There are also fine local wines to enjoy.

The island features a thriving visual art culture with many local artists enjoying national and international acclaim. There are galleries, studios and art spaces to view works of art.

While the thought of winter can scare many people off, it is a time when the wildlife comes out to play to the delight of tourists who brave the colder weather.

Koalas, kangaroos and wallabies emerge from their mothers’ pouches, baby penguins leave their burrows at night and whales pass by the shores.

Christmas Cove, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is sure not to disappoint anglers. For the fishing fanatics, whether you fish from a jetty, cast a line from a beach, charter a deep-sea vessel, or take your own boat out for a spin, your choices are endless.

KI’s King George whiting is famous while trevally, snapper and samson fish are found in deeper water.

For the sailors, Nepean Bay provides year-round sheltered day cruising while the north coast provides numerous spectacular anchorages. With over 540 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island has much to offer.

&

Regular wildlife includes echidnas.

The regular wildlife includes Australian sea lion, New Zealand fur seals, heath goannas and echidnas. The stretch of water separating the island from the mainland has spared local wildlife from the threat from foxes and rabbits. More than a third of the island has been declared a conservation or national park.

For further information about visiting Kangaroo Island, call (08) 8553 1185.

Life’s better easier

with BIA Marine Insurance For further details concerning BIA Marine Insurance please call 02 8853 9100 www.icfrith.com.au

7_BIA MARINE INSURANCE ADVERT 1

18 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

20/4/10 3:08:35 PM

Vessel wastewater management in South Australia

B

IASA holds the view that South Australia’s aquatic environment contains valuable flora and fauna supported by a diversity of habitats such as rocky and sandy beaches, rivers, estuaries and the open ocean.

However, the health and sustainability of these environments is increasingly being threatened.

SA’s marine and inland waters have substantial environmental, social and economic value. The State Government, industry and the community has a responsibility to protect these habitats and their biodiversity, and to provide community leadership and direction in their sustainable use, improved management and conservation.

Aquatic users are dependent on these resources, whether it is for commercial harvesting of fish and crustaceans, or for enjoying recreational pursuits such as fishing and water sports.

In 2008, the SA Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management (Marine and Inland Waters), generally referred to as the code, was finalised by an industry-Government partnership.

It is designed to assist in compliance with general environmental duty and fulfil obligations under the Environment Protection Act 1993 (SA) and associated environment protection policies. Outlined in the code are requirements for vessel owners and operators to comply with new grey water management practices for marine and inland waters.

What is grey water and why the concern

Grey water is wastewater that has been used for washing, laundering, bathing or showering. This includes water containing dissolved or undissolved by-products such as fat and oil, food scraps, household chemicals, soaps and detergents rich in phosphate and nitrate, and microbiological pathogens (e.g. bacteria and viruses).

If grey water is discharged into aquatic environments, it can damage ecosystems and lead to nutrient enrichment (algal blooms). Furthermore, increasing numbers of houseboats with ensuites, spas, dishwashers and washing machines moored alongside one another on the River Murray can pose significant human health risks through the discharge of grey water.

For example, water extracted from the River Murray is often only filtered for use in the kitchen sink. In many cases, the water used for washing, showers and spas is taken directly from the river and may contain pollutants released by an adjacent vessel, or even one’s own boat.

Requirements for vessels travelling on inland waters

Under clause 5.18 of the code, vessel owners are required to contain all grey water produced on board, or only discharge grey water if the following criteria are met (dilution is not acceptable): • suspended solids less than 50 mg/L; • a total grease content of less than 25 mg/L; • nitrogen content less than 10 mg/L; • phosphorous content less than 1 mg/L; • Enterococci of less than 40 cells per 100 mL, and • biochemical oxygen demand is reduced by digestion, oxidation or other recognised treatment method Usually, these criteria are only met via treatment.

Containment options can include containing grey water in existing black water tanks, or installing grey water tanks of a suitable size.

Where vessel owners can prove to the satisfaction of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) that it is structurally

impossible to install a containment or treatment system, vessel owners are required to: • contain galley waste (can be in existing black water tank); and • install a grease trap and in-line strainers for all other grey water production facilities.

Owners of permanently occupied and commercial vessels, or vessels with multiple bathrooms, ensuites or showers, and/ or dishwashers, washing machines and spas, are required to contain or treat all grey water produced on board the vessel.

All vessel owners should also adopt environmentally friendly practices (e.g. using low flow devices, biodegradable detergents and scraping food waste into a bin).

Requirements for vessels travelling on marine waters In summary, the code requires vessel operators to make an assessment of their vessel and its operations and to undertake the most reasonable and practical measures outlined to manage grey water. For many operators, this means making use of structural devices on board, such as fixed, fitted holding tanks and/or the introduction of treatment systems or simpler filtration components.

For others, it could mean choosing to discontinue the use of on board washing machines or dishwashers when in sensitive areas, not using phosphate detergents, minimising the use of cooking oils, and being vigilant in separating food scraps from washing-up water.

Vessel operators can only release grey water into the ocean if: • the boat is at least one nautical mile from land or any people in the water; • the boat is at least three nautical miles from an aquaculture lease (e.g. tuna, oyster and mussel farms); and • it does not have anything visibly floating in it such as food scraps.

If an operator has treated grey water to the standards listed in the code, it can be released closer to land providing the vessel is not in a marina, canal or harbour, near people in the water or within three nautical miles of an aquaculture lease.

If a treatment system that achieves the above criteria cannot structurally be supported on the vessel, an in-line filter or strainer (where the drain and plumbing system permits) must be installed to prevent the discharge of any visible solids.

Wastewater compliance monitoring

The EPA conducts wastewater compliance audits on vessels operating in South Australian inland waters. Audits take place at various locations along the River Murray.

At each of these audits, the EPA and the community have the opportunity to interact with each other to ensure wastewater compliance on the river.

These audits also present the EPA with the opportunity to seek further information about new vessels and their owners that have not previously been registered on the Authority’s vessel management system.

Compliance rates of vessels, both commercial and private, have markedly increased.

The EPA introduced a world first management option of treating grey water on vessels operating on inland waters.

This has been recognised by other States and overseas by the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).

BIASA with the EPA thank all vessel owners for their commitment to wastewater management in South Australia.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 19

Launch of Australian Boater Survey T

he most ambitious survey ever undertaken with a focus on Australian recreational boat users was launched at Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition in Sydney.

The survey has been developed as a joint venture by the Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

The primary survey objectives of the monthly online diary survey are to quantify the economic scale of recreational boating and to better understand the characteristics, habits and behaviours of recreational boaters.

Types of information which will be obtained from the survey will include: number of boats, boat characteristics, boating days, trips and locations; spending, special issues and boat owner characteristics.

In launching the national research project MIA President Andrew Chapman indicated the Australian recreational boating industry was most fortunate in having the survey underpinned with the world class technical expertise of the Michigan State University based Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC).

“RMRC has already delivered high quality marina industry research for the marina industry in Australia. This wider industry project builds on the relationship with RMRC who are globally recognised for their recreational marine research.”

Steve Jenkins, the GM of Coastal Infrastructure, Department of Transport (WA) also spoke at the launch. The Department is a funding partner in the project. He highlighted the importance of high quality data to inform government decision making with respect to investment in recreational marine infrastructure.

Nathan Nichols, Director Cruise Craft spoke from an industry

view point on the importance of good data and the gap in boating data that currently exists in Australia.

MIA EO Colin Bransgrove said there is an immediate opportunity for all industry businesses plus groups, clubs and associations; to promote participation in the survey to recreational boat owners that they are in communication with.

It is a two-step process he said.

“Boat owners log onto the survey registration site www. australiaboatingsurvey.com and register to participate in the monthly online survey. Once registered, they will be emailed and surveyed monthly over the 12 month period. RMRC has been using this methodology with great success and it is a straight forward and confidential process.”

The survey website is in test mode until 10 May when live registrations will commence. The monthly survey will commence by end June 2013. BIAA GM Nik Parker said there was an immediate opportunity for industry to get familiar with the survey and the registration process through the web site before it goes live. He also highlighted the opportunity for more investment in the survey particularly by state agencies that need better data to inform planning, policy and investment decisions. h

Getting onboard MarineCard.org.au

A

s many will know, the marinecard.org.au website is now online. Designed as a tool to streamline the exchange of information between contractors and the sites at which they work, this site is also providing a new means for contractors to be found by those that need their skills and expertise.

Your personal profile at Marinecard.org.au can be easily updated to host your contact details, as well as PDF copies of documentation commonly requested by marinas and yards, or those documents which make you stand out in your field such as trade qualifications, high-risk work license, or even letters of endorsement.

Marine Card holders who are sole-traders, or operating under a partnership or company structure, are required to comply with WHS law and at times, requirements set by site operators as a condition of entry.

Contractor registration is first and foremost amongst these, and many sites will require that visiting contractors also provide evidence of insurances as well as Safe Work Method Statements and/or licenses to carry out certain work.

An up-to-date profile on Marinecard.org.au gives you the option to create a complete (ie: nothing more to write!)

Contractors Package document at the push of a button. The

20 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

PDF version of the Contractors Package can be emailed to the site ahead of your arrival, meaning that when you and/or your people land on site, the paperwork is done.

On the other side of the fence, Marinecard.org.au host profiles for sites too. Marinas & yards update their profile to show location and contact info, as well as terms and conditions of entry, and other useful information for visiting contractors such as parking arrangements, and hours of operation.

For Marine Card holders, your profile is already online – simply search for your profile by name or Marinecard number on the dashboard page (… and while you’re there check out some of the updated profiles for ideas). For Sites, there are already many profiles loaded but if you’re not there yet please contact us at BIA and we’ll get you set up in no time.

Updating your profile at marinecard.org.au is a five minute job, and we’ve now provided easy to follow “how to” guides on the homepage at www.marincard.org.au .

Additionally, we’ll be running online tutorials for Marine Card holders and Sites in July and August aimed at getting your profile in order, and using the website to best effect. Watch your e-news for details, or contact Alan Barrett to register your interest on 9438 2077 or barrett@bia.org.au

What’s happening with Marine Survey?

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ver the past few years the BIA has been advocating toward the improvement of training and career pathways for marine surveyors, and engaging with the development of the National System for Commercial Vessels.

In a bizarre twist, it appears that these two initiatives have converged. For those who haven’t been following every intricate step, here’s a quick summary: In 2009 the BIA approached TAFE NSW with the objective of having a dormant qualification in Marine Surveying reinstated. Due to major changes in the way the Vocational Education & Training (VET) is structured and administrated in Australia, this wasn’t a simple job and BIA and TAFE set about developing a new Diploma course which could meet the needs of industry.

The Diploma course received National Accreditation in 2011 and a working group was formed to bring the course online. However, the following happenings brought this body of work to a thoroughly unsatisfactory conclusion: • Government funding of TAFE was substantially reduced in mid-2012. This has resulted very quickly in the TAFE system being streamlined, and many TAFE Institutes restructured & refocused their range of courses.

• The MOU between TAFE & the BIA was effectively dissolved when the section of TAFE with which our MOU was established, was disbanded.

• Hunter Institute – which we understood to be taking a lead role in the development of the Diploma in Marine Surveying – withdrew Ship & Boatbuilding from its range of available courses in August of 2012, and closed down the section at the end of 2012. Development of the Marine Surveyor Diploma qualification effectively ceased with that decision.

Lifesaving, yacht clubs etc) which are operated in a worklike capacity.

• The Maritime Safety agency in each state will use its staff or engage contractors to service this regulatory survey task as it sees fit. It is expected that the task of conducting regulatory surveys (initial & periodic surveys under the National System) on domestic commercial vessels will increasingly be carried out by contractors.

• The new National System for Commercial Vessels includes a framework governing the “qualification” of Marine Surveyors who can perform work under the System.

An Accreditation Scheme for surveyors working within the National System will also be established.

• While “attesting” of some Marine Surveyors already working within the regulatory space has been undertaken, the BIA is represented on a working group consulting on the development of the Accreditation Scheme. It is proposed that the Scheme will be operational in 2014.

• For a time AMSA will receive and assess applications for Accreditation based on prior experience, qualifications, and learning, at some point the specified training (refer to the aforementioned development of qualifications) is likely to be a requirement of Accreditation and working as a Surveyor within the National System .

BIA will monitor the evolution of the training and career options and look to ensure that the best interests of our industry and our members are considered. We will endeavour to keep members up to date with developments, but please interested parties should visit the AMSA website for up to the minute info: http://www.nationalsystem.amsa.gov.au/

Since roughly 2009 also, BIA has been engaged with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on the development of the National System for Commercial Vessels – a significant suite of reforms that has brought forth the regulatory changes that will take effect on 1 July 2013.

Access to workplace advice for Boating Industry Association members

The National System has major implications for marine survey, not least of which involves the development of a range of qualifications through the Transport & Logistics Skills Council, and the ongoing enterprise to develop an accreditation scheme for marine surveyors working under the National System.

This presents an opportunity for marine surveyors and those considering career options in that vein. Whilst the surveyorrelated aspects of the National System remain somewhat vague, we understand the following to be accurate: • The National System does not apply to recreational vessels, though the System has expanded the criteria for commercial vessels, such that many vessels previously not considered to be commercial vessels are captured as commercial. These include some boats working in a training capacity, some boats offered under a “leisure club” scheme, and boats belonging to volunteer organizations (eg VRA’s,

Call 13 29 59 to connect to a team of dedicated and experienced workplace professionals who can answer your questions on workplace matters such as pay and conditions, superannuation and leave.

Invigorating business

MEM 1153

Boating Industry Association

Let your customers know that you are a member of the BIA and comply with the BIA’s Code of Practice

MEM1153

Use the BIA logo

Call 13

26 96

nswbusinesschamber.com.au

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 21

WHS Guidance for the Boating Industry

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n 2012 the BIA published the findings of a comprehensive research project titled “Developing Workplace Health & Safety Guidance for the Recreational & Light Commercial Boating Industry”.

Funded under the WorkCover (NSW) Assist Program, the project focused on four key areas of hazard & risk. The objective was to identify the most effective & practicable methods of managing these in the workplace, and to provide guidance for the wider industry to improve safety awareness, performance, and compliance with the law.

The guidance material is designed to be user-friendly, using boating industry examples, common practices, and specific operational and compliance-management challenges.

To freely access this material, visit the WHS Legislation & Guidance section on the homepage of our website: www. bia.org.au.

Throughout 2013, your quarterly Logbook will feature a synopsis of each of the four key areas of the projects focus.

Following on from a good hard look at Heights Safety in the March edition, this time we focus on Moving Boats.

As we all know, moving awkward, heavy, and uncooperative boats around is a fact of boating industry life. From tiny inflatables to superyachts, this is no mean feat, and it’s important that every level of the industry applies brains as well as brawn to the job.

Not only does this ensure that we minimize the risks facing our workforce and customers, but a structured and well documented approach to hazard management and risk mitigation is an asset to our businesses, enabling us to better manage all administrative and compliance requirements of the law – a significant area of risk in itself.

Obviously, there’s a great deal of variety in “moving boats”.

This variability relates not only to the boat, but the nature of the site and terrain on which these are typically moved, as well as the plant and equipment which might be employed.

In this dynamic, there is the immediate and physical risk to the well being of people to be considered, as well as the aforementioned business and compliance risk.

With reference to the Hierarchy of Controls, this chapter of our Guidance Material noted that the most effective means of mitigating risk – being elimination or substitution – are not “reasonably practicable” when it comes to moving boats.

The building, repair, sale, and storage of boats requires that boats are moved.

Therefore, the reasonably practicable means of managing risks and hazard related to moving boats generally involves the application of engineering and administrative controls.

In simple terms, this means that safe equipment & or machinery will be used in a safe manner (as documented in standard operating procedures or in accordance with manufacturers guidance), by those who have been properly trained and are properly supervised.

On the job, it’s likely that workers will be dealing either trailer-boats, and/ or larger vessels that are lifted using mobile lifters or a slipway. Workers involved with either will be exposed to risks ranging from muscle strains, to body impacts, to crush.

Safely managing heavy loads and the plant or equipment employed to do so is the order of the day, and the Guidance Material sets out the best ways we’ve observed this being done in the real world.

22 - June 2013 BIA of NSW& SA LOGBOOK

Moving trailer boats Trailer boats need to be moved for a number of reasons – into and around the workshop, or into and out of their allotted space on the showroom or boatshow floor. Question one must always be “do we really need to move this boat?”

If the considered answer is yes, keep in mind the following.

Where a tow-vehicle like a car is not appropriate, most yards or workshops use some form of “tug” or appliance to move boats. These might include a forklift, a wheeled “dollie”, or other innovations – a range of examples of powered and unpowered tugs are set out in the guidance material. Key considerations around their selection, production, and use include ensuring that: • the tug or appliance is rated for the load to be moved and that a compliance plate is fitted where required; • any attachment or component used in the engineering system (eg: the means by which a tow-ball coupling is fitted to the tines of a forklift) is rated for the load and that a compliance plate is fitted where required.

• any custom attachment or component is designed and manufactured by a duly competent person, specifically for the purpose/ use, and with regard to other parts of the engineering solution (eg: tow-ball coupling is specified or approved by the designer/ manufacturer for use with the particular forklift).

• all operators hold the required High Risk Work License, have been trained in the safe operation of the appliance, and made aware of risks/ hazards specific to the site or appliance.

In the boating industry, the use of forklifts for moving boats is not uncommon and was found to be an area of significant concern for operators, and therefore close study in our Research Project. The guidance material details key findings of the project, but general guidance relating to forklifts and their use can be found here: http://www. workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/ Pages/forkliftsafetyreducingtherisks.aspx

Moving large boats Moving larger boats tends to involve heavier and more specific plant such as travel-lifts, slipways, and boat lifts.

Whilst modern plant increasingly features hydraulic systems, the guidance material focusses on more common winch and cable systems. The Guidance Material notes that whilst such plant is not specifically covered in WHS Regulations or Codes of Practice (at time of writing), the machinery and its operation is covered under “Plant Requirements” under WHS Legislation.

As with appliances used round smaller boats, these Requirements specify that plant and equipment/ components are designed and manufactured by duly competent people for their specific use. Maintenance of this plant should be done in accordance with manufacturers specifications where provided, and the importance of documented maintenance schedules and records is stressed in the Guidance Material.

Again as with small boat plant, these Requirements note the need to ensure that plant operators are properly trained and supervised, and that parties are conversant with documented standard operating procedures relating to the plant. Operators should also be acquainted with any particular risks and mitigation strategies relating to specific jobs (eg: the use of an air-spotter in addition to a ground-spotter where a sailing vessel is being lifted/ transferred in proximity to cables or other hazards.)

Case study 1 – Training of straddle carrier operators There is no High Risk Licence for operating a straddle lift in NSW, however many of the principles involved in using a straddle lift are similar to using a gantry crane. Marina operators need to ensure that people using straddle lifts are competent to do so with the necessary training and knowledge to ensure the safe operation of the straddle lift. Incorrect operation of a straddle lift can cause serious injury to personnel and significant damage to boats being lifted.

The Marina Industries Association has devised a competency based course for operators of straddle lifts. The course is based on nationally endorsed competencies and on completion of a log book and practical assessment a Statement of Attainment is obtained. The course also allows for recognition of prior knowledge.

By having straddle lifts operators undertake competency based training you can demonstrate that the operators are competent to carry out the tasks of lifting and shifting boats using the marinas straddle lifter.

The peculiar nature of some plant is often a complicating factor for plant and yard owners when it comes to documentation and compliance management. As such, the Guidance Material sets out a range of Australian Standards that may be applied to lifts, hoists and cranes – the industrial family that most boat lifting plant belongs to.

While these may not be perfectly applicable to marine plant, reference to the legislated Plant Requirements and Australian Standards will support PCBUs in the development of their SOPs, training and maintenance schedules, record keeping, and safe operation of this plant.

Regardless of the size of vessel that you are shifting around at your facility, and whatever operating and compliance challenges this presents you with, the BIA’s Workplace Health & Safety Guidance for the Moving of Boats provides useful tips and case-studies that will help you to do the job safely, and manage your obligations under WHS law.

Valuable references to other resources are enclosed therein, as well as references to unfortunate incidents – both at home and abroad – that bring home the importance of focusing on safety in the movement of boats at your place of work.

While engineering and administration controls (particularly documentation) are central to this area of our Guidance Material, don’t forget the importance of consultation in your risk management strategy.

Ensure that all workers are aware of safe work methods relating to the movement of boats at your site, and that those who play an active role are trained in their use.

On the flip-side, many in the marine workforce will have worked at various sites over the course of their career, and consultation with employees and contractors opens the way for the spread of clever ideas and innovative solutions. If you are facing a thorny problem, discuss it with your team.

We hope that the boating industry benefits from this aspect of our research and guidance material, in order to make the daily game of “boat shuffle” safer and less risky for all involved.

Our Research and Guidance Material sets out a few very poignant reasons why Our Research & Guidance Material steps through common challenges that industry has encountered in moving boats, and the most effective and efficient ways in which the industry is managing these.

A thorough risk assessment is a valuable first step to managing the physical risks in your specific situation, and documentation of same is a valuable asset in management of compliance risk. If you could use some guidance in the development of a risk assessment & some generic info on risk management, WorkCover produce a useful plain English (… cont. over page)

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 23

guide that can be found here: http://www.workcover.nsw. gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/risk_ management_at_work_guide_0425.pdf h Footnote: All guidance material prepared under our research project incorporates a simple, single-page, selfassessment tool which you can use to establish your current

situation, and as a starting point in your ongoing management of WHS. Job Number One in making use of this research & guidance material is to review the Moving Boats Self Assessment Tool.

Refer to page 9 here: http://www.bia.org.au/whs/reports/ SECTION5-MOVING-BOATS.pdf

Case study 2 – Utilising rate sheave/snatch blocks Whilst pulling boats up on slipways some marinas utilise blocks as part of their winching systems or to double up the cable to achieve a greater winching capacity.

Any blocks used in the winching system should be rated with the capacity of the block clearly stated on a compliance plate (Note – Compliance plates were present on blocks pictured below but are difficult to view). The blocks should also be compliant to Australian Standards. Australian Standard 2089 – Sheave Blocks for lifting purpose provides guidance on the requirements for the blocks.

Having rated blocks as part of your winching system allows an organisation to show compliance with WHS legislation.

Case study 3 – certified attachments At various trailer boat retailers and repairers they have sourced towing forklift attachments that have a compliance plate attached. These are secured to the forklift securely via chain.

Compliance plate affixed to attachment indicating rated capacity

In utilising these certified attachments they have also worked to meet the requirements of OHS legislation.

24 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Asset Protection – Mitigating Your Losses and Exposure in the Face of a Business Failure Business Failure – It’s a Common Issue A business was recently placed in receivership after the owner had failed to maintain his mortgage repayments on the premises. The consequence for the owner was that his company was frozen and the assets seized. Without income he subsequently was unable to maintain repayments on his personal debt and was forced into bankruptcy.

1. A client could go under (No-one foresaw Ansett going under, but what do you think happened to the suppliers of Ansett, big and small, when these contracts disappeared);

Unfortunately this is an all too common occurrence as many small business owners do not prepare themselves for failure. Even if the actual failure does not occur within your company, it could easily happen to your customers, your suppliers or your partners and this in turn can be the cause of your problems.

3. A government could make a $12Billion mistake and have to adjust its budget to fix the problem.

Each year, thousands of Australian businesses go broke.

Last year alone, there were approximately 24,000 bankruptcies and 8,000 corporate administrations Australia-wide. (Source: Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia).

You work hard to make your money, and we believe that you should devote at least some of the money making effort towards protecting the assets you have created, before trouble arises.

While properly protecting your personal assets will not ensure that your business will succeed, it will ensure that should your business fail, your losses and exposure to threatening situations are mitigated.

Have you thought about the risks?

If you have purchased insurance for your business, why haven’t you engaged personal asset protection techniques as well?

The truth of the matter is that many business owners do not take the most fundamental precautions required to protect their assets. In most cases, people are simply unaware of the options open to them, and professionals assisting in the setting up of a business are either not aware or not focused on this issue. Finally, it may be that it is simply cost prohibitive to both have access to and implement these safeguards.

Many people believe “this won’t happen to me, it can’t happen to my business, my family is safe, because we haven’t done anything wrong”. Ordinary people can experience extraordinary problems. In many cases these problems were simply matters of circumstance.

Current economic conditions and the continued strength of the Australian dollar has put pressure on may local industries.

Many political and economic commentators are predicting that tougher times may lay ahead as future governments seek to reduce the budget deficit.

You may have been required to sign personal guarantees or to provide personal assets as security for your business borrowings. Therefore it is important that you have structured yourself well to best protect these assets in the event of financial impairment. This event may well have nothing to do with how well your business is currently trading:

2. The Australian Taxation Office could change the rules (Are you aware that Directors are personally liable as of 1 July last year for all unpaid superannuation and PAYG tax?);

There are things you can do Consolidated Lawyers is a broad based legal advisory firm that provides multiple restructuring solutions to companies and individuals that are experiencing financial difficulty. The basis of our strategy is to attempt to avoid formal insolvency options by negotiating with creditors informally to achieve a settlement outcome.

We can help protect you from possible future financial crisis by: • Arranging the restructure, refinance (debt and equity available), negotiations and mediations necessary to achieve a positive commercial outcome.

• Removing “Black marks” from your name.

• Removing receivers by offering short and longer term financing options which are not readily available through normal banking channels.

• Advise you on effective asset protection from a practical perspective. Many asset protection structures simply don’t work as bank borrowings have been underpinned with personal guarantees and mortgages over personal property.

In the event of financial failure, we can provide a full range of services including, liquidation and administration options for corporates. For individuals, we can assist with credit card debts, asset protection and formal insolvency options.

A Happy, Secure Ending There is a happy ending to the story.

Our small business proprietor had fortunately had some good structures set up. We were able to position the client where the equity from the sale of the premises was sufficient to repay the bank and raise sufficient excess funds to be able to offer a dividend to other creditors, in return for the annulment of his bankruptcy.

For further information, please contact one of our specialist advisors on 02 9283 2566. h This Fact Sheet is produced by Consolidated Lawyers Pty Ltd. It is intended to provide general information in summary form on legal topics, current at the time of first publication. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Formal legal advice should be sought in particular matters.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 25

Underground Petroleum Storage Systems Longtime member of the BIA, Paul Davico wrote to the BIA in response to an article in September’s Logbook titled ‘Another Bump in the Road’. His comments assisted to further broaden the conversation.

With his permission we have published his letter and Tony Griffin’s response.

Dear Tony, I have read your article “Another bump in the Road” (Logbook September 2012), and generally you deal with the facts about the situation with fuel supply to the boating public. Over the years the quality and size of boats has improved and coupled with that the quality and services of successful marinas has also improved.

Unfortunately a good deal of the small family owned marina facilities have not kept pace with today’s standards and that is reflected in the quality of boats on those facilities. Many of these marinas have fuel facilities but only have small volume turnover, with heavy mark ups on the price of fuel per litre and furthermore

the fuel sits in their storage tanks for long periods of time.

I believe that as the UPSS regulations were introduced, operators should ALL be on a level playing field. If there is a percentage of operators that cannot comply, they should think about not supplying fuel.

With fewer supply outlets and offering fuel at competitive rates, then these operators generate much larger volumes e.g. A large percentage of marinas mark up the cost of fuel by approximately 50 cents per litre but they may only sell 20,000 litre per annum, this generates $10,000-00 gross profit. However, if you only mark up your price by 20 cents per

26 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

litre and turn over in excess of 300,000 litres, the gross profit is $60,000-00.

This increased sales volumes has quite a few benefits, cheap fuel to the boating public (close at times to Service Station prices), good quality fuel as it’s turned over on a regular basis. The monitoring is done daily, which makes you comply with UPSS regulations.

I am totally against the supply of fuel from tankers direct to the boating public.

As these tankers are selling fuel direct to our customers as well as supplying us with fuel. However as you stated they have practically nil costs hence it is not a level playing field.

If the tanker supplying direct to the public were to be made to supply similar facilities as us marinas (e.g. jetties, wharves, double skinned fuel supply pipes, late model bowsers, catchment sump for bowsers, emergency procedures cabinet, booms for any spills, automatic cut outs on fuel triggers, signage as required by EPA and Workcover not to mention having a water front facility with all of its associated costs.

By allowing these small tankers to supply fuel from the shore line and forgetting all the obvious risks involved and not complying with all the regulations, only a small percentage of vessels get the advantage of dealing direct with the tanker supplier, because they arrange three or four boats at a time and supply each boat with 1,000 or 2,000 litres of fuel at a time?

What about the rest of the boating public they still have to go to a marina that sells fuel on the water. If this small percentage of boats could not get fuel from tankers on the shoreline, then they would have to buy from marinas that comply to all of the UPSS regulations.

Which means the marina gets more volume and can offer more competitive rates.

If these tankers are not stopped then you will find that the quality marinas that have spent the money on infrastructure to comply with the regulations will start thinking twice about the service of selling fuel at all, because if you are not making a profit, then why continue the service.

Your comments would be most appreciated.

Paul Davico, Long Island Marina, Brooklyn.

Re: Another Bump in the Road Dear Paul, I must say that in most issues we appear to be in agreement. As stated in my article, I consider the introduction of the Underground Petroleum Storage System regulations a good thing for the long term viability of our industry.

I most certainly understand your point about smaller margins and higher volume leading to higher profit margins, but that is reliant on access to a boating market that would support larger volume sales.

The UPSS and the subject of the article are statewide. Many regional areas of our state once had active ports servicing a viable fishing industry. Fuel sales were strong and infrastructure was put in place to support this activity.

Today things have changed, with licence buy back, increasing areas of marine parks and cheaper imported fish products, our regional fishing industries are a mere shadow of their former self.

The handful of commercial fishing boats left, are under increasing pressure and their future is not looking bright.

For many small coastal towns , the local fishing co-op was a financial driver.

Today the boats are gone, the co-ops that once sent truckloads of product to city markets and sold hundreds of thousand of litres of fuel to commercial boats now sell fish and chips to tourists.

They have converted their fishing boat berths into a marina of sorts for pleasure boats. The fishing fleets used to fill their diesel tanks weekly and go out almost every day conducting their business, the pleasure boats fill their smaller diesel tanks much less frequently and by comparison rarely leave the dock.

With aging fuel infrastructure and a very limited market these are the fuel suppliers that will become a casualty of the UPSS leaving many regional ports without a fixed fuel service. The boating public in these ports is still there, and so is their need for a fuel supply, and this is where we must consider the option for mobile tanker supply.

What I did not mention in my Logbook article is that I am not an advocate for tanker supply direct into boats. On the contrary, two years ago Alan Barrett and I spent a lot of time on this issue in an effort to ‘level the playing field’ for our industry marina owners and I must say that it pleases me to see the subject finally getting some light shone on it.

Paul, what I did learn from our efforts two years ago is that we cannot control the tanker issue from within the marine

industry, this is a task for governments.

What the industry can do is highlight the issue so governments become aware of the problem and use our industry knowledge and expertise to help find a solution.

We had a critical look at the problem, and at one port in particular, there were three marinas selling fuel but also a strong presence of road tankers supplying direct to vessels.

Road tankers rely on access across public or council controlled land to fuel a boat and that was identified as the easiest point of control if the tanker issue was to be controlled. In short, make landowners aware of their liability if they allow questionable practices on their land which may result in a pollution incident, not to mention the cost of clean up.

After a series of meetings with Maritime, Marine Parks, National Parks, Water Police and Councils, we wrote a “Code of Practice for the Delivery of Fuel from Road Tankers Direct into Vessels”. This code of practice was presented along with the suggestion that the councils licence a limited number of these tanker operators, who can comply with the code, and charge them an access fee to use their land.

The aim of course is to ensure our environmental assets are protected as well as narrowing the gap on price point.

This code of practice has been presented to the Department of Lands who are responsible to taking it to Local Councils. Alan Barrett and I have recently met with Barry Buffer, the new Chief Executive of the EPA, and have highlighted the issue and the need for action with him.

Personally, I am of the opinion that if a port has a fixed water front fuel supply, be it a marina or fishing co-op, road tankers should be banned from delivering direct to a vessel.

Where a port has a marina or fishing co-op, but no fixed fuel supply, I propose the tanker assess point should be the marina or co-op. The marina could not only provide safe and secure berthing for the vessel but also provide a bonded sealed surface for the tanker to stand on as well as control the transfer of fuel. An access fee or per litre charge would be levied providing income for the marina or co-op.

This system could improve the environmental control of the fuelling activity, level the playing field and maintain an essential service to our industry.

Tony Griffin, Environmental Dynamics.

Hobie 16 World Championships

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SW has secured the 2014 Hobie 16 World Championships, to be held in Jervis Bay, in partnership with Hobie Cat Australasia. “ T h e H o b i e 1 6 Wo r l d Championships is the pinnacle competition for the largest and most popular catamaran class in the world and this is yet another major event victory for this State,” NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said.

“I am delighted that this world class event will be held on magnificent Jervis Bay in the Shoalhaven region.

“Destination NSW, estimates that the total economic impact over the 15 day regatta will be more than $3 million to the region.

“All competitors will sail identical Hobie 16 catamarans, 60 of which will be built locally at the Hobie Cat Australasia factory in the Shoalhaven.

It will provide significant economic benefit to the region and promote sailing in NSW and Australia,” Mr Souris said.

Competitors from more than 20 countries (South East Asia, Europe, North America and South Africa) will attend the event in Jervis Bay. “This means that more than 300 competitors, their families and supporters, will come to the Shoalhaven and surrounding regions,” Hobie Cat Australasia Managing Director, Steve Fields, said.

Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock believes the event will be a great stimulus for regional businesses.

“It’s a great oppor tunity to showcase the terrific attractions of the Shoalhaven region to the international sailing community, to support regional businesses and strengthen the NSW Visitor Economy,” Ms Hancock said.

“This will certainly put one of the most scenic areas of the State on the international map and attract more visitors to the Shoalhaven.”

More infor mation at http:// hobie16worlds2014.hobieworlds. com/

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 27

A New Platform of Collaboration between BIANSW and BIASA

A

s previously announced in Logbook a process is currently underway that may lead to a bilateral merger of the Boating Industry Association of New South Wales Ltd and Boating Industry Association of South Australia Inc. A consultant has been engaged to facilitate and assist with the management of this complicated and legal process.

Member briefings are an essential part of the process with the ultimate decision resting with the members of both associations.

Both Associations are currently examining options for an appropriate model for a two States Boards and the election/ appointment processes to the Boards. This structure needs to facilitate the opportunity for the possibility of other State BIAs and Marine Qld merging at a future time and certainly

at their total discretion with the ultimate goal for a single national entity to represent our Industry right across Australia.

Both states are adamant that this restructure must provide for the continued operation of State Boards or Councils to deal with local issues, advocacy and related member support activities and this may be readily accomplished whilst we continue to explore the benefits of centralising other administrative functions and services.

BIANSW and BIASA are presently engaged in the finalisation of a comprehensive “Due Diligence Review” to be followed by the drafting of a new modern Constitution for a merged entity. Upon completion of these detailed examinations we can start the process of briefing our members and the other BIAs and Marine Qld. In the meantime we will continue to publish a joint newsletter outlining our progress in Logbook.

Digital excellence doesn’t stop with a website I

t is that time of year again, when we move into the colder season and one that the boating industry typically dreads as consumer engagement slows but the bills don’t …

I have spoken to many small to medium businesses over the years that look at the winter season as a burden on cash flow and declining engagement from consumers. We have all seen the problems that retailers in general face and the success that online businesses are achieving.

As a business that typically performs better in the warmer months, what have you done to counteract these trends and capitalise on the digital space to increase consumer engagement and sales, which has been proven to work for many in your industry?

Whether you are a retailer that sells new vessels or a service company in the boating industry, regardless of what role your business plays within this wonderful industry, there is a strategy that many are not pursuing. That strategy is Digital or in other words the Internet!

Having a website is great, but digital excellence doesn’t stop with a website. There is so much more to be done to ensure that your “digital showroom” works for your business and wins the hearts and minds of your customers. In the same way as your physical shop front where you need to think about how to draw more customers to your front door, you need to treat your website in the same fashion, and consider what you need to do to draw more traffic to your “digital showroom”.

As a self-proclaimed sailor, I miss the warmer months where I get to take the family on our boat and enjoy the water.

I enjoy nothing more than the thrill of a great day that boating brings. Now it is a little colder, I tend to not take the boat out as much and dream of the warmer days where I can get back on the water with the kids. While I am waiting, I spend that extra time on the Internet looking at what I can purchase to improve my boat and what I need to purchase to get ready for those warmer times ahead. Yes, I am a consumer in your market and as a typical consumer I am ‘surfing the net’ to purchase both products and services.

28 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

When do most of your potential consumers have time in this busy world we live in to search?

Google released recently that Smart Phone and Tablet Search traffic has overtaken desktop searches at a staggering rate.

What this means is that most are in the same boat as me (pardon the pun), they are searching outside normal business hours with traffic in the evenings much higher than during the day. Once the kids are in bed, I can settle on the lounge and use my Tablet to search for products and services that I wish to purchase.

A very important strategy is how your website is engaging visitors to your ‘Digital Showroom’ outside your normal operating hours. Just like a physical showroom that employs staff to ask “How may I help you today?” your website should replicate this strategy with a warm “Hi, How can I help you today?” when they visit digitally.

I’m not suggesting that you hire a customer service operator to tend to your website 24 hours a day. But there are cost-effective solutions that will achieve the same thing, such as TotalLiveChat – an assisted live chat technology which is designed to gather leads and will service the visitors on your site. Plus, it’s completely compatible with mobile devices.

I could go on and on with ways you should be better utilising your digital presence, but I am sure you all have great ideas on what to do next. If not, your business may need a full Digital Health check by Google’s Global Premier Partner, ReachLocal?

Please contact me, Anthony Hamilton for a free of charge Digital Health Check on your business at anthony.hamilton@ reachlocal.com.au or 0423 607 326.

Rob Potter: proud to be known as a “river rat”

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hese days Rob Potter and his wife, Gerry, live at Banora Point in New South Wales where the tidal waters of the Tweed River ebb and flow at the edge of their garden.

Last year, Rob and Gerry were on a retirement caravan holiday when they discovered the picturesque development between Coolangatta and Kingscliff and a dream home that proved irresistible.

But for all the beauty of The Tweed, including regular visitors of dolphins playing around his pontoon, Rob still yearns for the familiar and far off waters of the River Murray.

For most of his 62 years, Rob has been meandering up and down the Murray enjoying its natural gifts and giving back time and effort to help sustain the river that he calls “the main artery of the Australian heartland.”

He recently stepped down as President of the River Murray Boat Owners Association (RMBOA) having served in that role since 2006.

Rob joined the Association after a River Ramble in the 1980s primarily to meet others who shared his love and care for the Murray and its surrounds. As concerns mounted about a range of issues, including restricted environmental flows, he recognised the need for the RMBOA to assert the views of people who spent much of their time actually floating on the river.

“We are a cross section of people who want to ensure the things we love about the Murray are preserved for future generations, and that involves political, environmental and recreational objectives.

Tackers show the way to discover sailing

I

n 2012, Yachting Australia released the Gemba Report that highlighted the need for the sailing sector in particular to look at new ways to attract people into the sport.

The research was the basis of the Discover Sailing program that was launched after the London Olympic Games.

The program has been embraced through the Tackers initiative at the Adelaide Sailing Club, which has been at the forefront of recruitment of young sailors.

The Tackers program is aimed at children aged from seven to 12. It is presented at three levels starting with beginners and progressing towards greater competence and self-confidence on the water.

Ian Leeson, Development Manager for Yachting South Australia, said: “The great thing about Tackers is that the club provides everything, including the boats, equipment and expert tuition in a perfectly safe and supervised environment.

“The only thing kids have to be ready for is a great day out on the water, learning how to sail, having fun and making new friends.

“Most of Australia’s greatest sailors started their careers in off-the-beach boats that are still the mainstay of sailing clubs along our coastline.

“We are hoping to expand Tackers, as part of the Discover Sailing program, to more clubs throughout South Australia to build participation and attract a new generation of sailors.”

BIASA is also at the helm of the promotional campaign with General Manager, Glen Jones, stating: “We want to encourage young people to enjoy life journeys on the water.”

“Our membership is made up of around 170 boats and 300 people, most of whom are happy to be known as river rats. There are many characters among our ranks and we are all equal under the RMBOA banner.

“Our motto is to enjoy and care for the river and have respect for other users.

“But through our membership of the Boating Industry Association of SA, we have been able to engage with all tiers of Government and related industry bodies to establish constructive and positive relationships.

“The RMBOA represents its members to government organisations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Water, the Department of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) and SA Planning.

“BIASA has helped the RMBOA to make its voice heard on issues of environmental responsibility, and we have resisted unreasonable or impractical controls and regulations that potentially divide river users.

“In our own quiet way, I know we have made a difference.

We love the Murray for its beauty, wildlife, recreational qualities and priceless value to our country.

“The Association’s code of practice and its revitalised constitution are designed so that we do not degrade these qualities or negatively impact on other river users.”

Prior to moving to Banora Point, Rob and Gerry lived in Adelaide and raised their sons – Craig, Christopher and David – at Dulwich.

Rob’s parents, Royston and Shirley, regularly took him and his brothers, Greg and Mark, to the family shack near Murray Bridge where they skied behind a clinker speedboat, fished and simply lapped up the river lifestyle.

Having followed his father and grandfather into the real estate industry, Rob replayed the experiences of river holidays for his own children from the time of toddling into adulthood.

He has progressed from the old speedboat to a Hartley cruiser and then several houseboats, the latest a 60-footer moored at Greening’s Landing near Mannum.

Among those regularly aboard is Rob and Gerry’s first grandchild, Eleanor Grace – the fourth generation of the family to become entranced by the River Murray.

One of the highlights for RMBOA members is the biennial River Ramble, a leisurely cruise along various sections of the Murray with many enjoyable activities along the way.

It was through one of the River Rambles that Rob discovered the RMBOA, and the Association has become a treasured part of his life.

“Yes, we moved to New South Wales, but we are still regulars on the Murray,” he said. “It flows through my veins and I couldn’t live without it.” h Footnote: Mark Little has succeeded Rob as President of RMBOA.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 29

Marine wind warnings now included with Marine forecasts Samples of wind warnings New format for Wind Warnings I incorporated within a Coastal Waters mportant changes to marine wind warnings for New South Wales waters took effect from Wednesday 10 April.

Marine wind warnings will be incorporated within the Coastal Waters Forecasts and not listed separately.

The warnings: • cover the first two days of the forecast period (that is, ‘today’ and ‘tomorrow’); and • specify which day is affected - ‘today’ and/or ‘tomorrow’.

The wind warning will be added as a label above the wind and wave forecasts for the affected days within the Coastal Waters Forecast.

During wind warning periods, the Coastal Waters Forecast will be issued every 6 hours.

A Marine Wind Warning Summary will be published on the Bureau’s warning pages during warning periods.

• The summary will provide a succinct overview of all zones affected by wind warnings for either today or tomorrow.

• The summary is not itself a warning product and is not intended to replace the marine wind warnings incorporated within the Coastal Waters Forecasts.

Accessing the marine forecasts and wind warning summary Additional ways to access marine weather warnings and forecasts include: • the Bureau of Meteorology website, http://www.bom. gov.au/marine/ • RSS feed service (free of charge)

List a Job Vacant List a Job Wanted for free

www.bia.org.au The BIA website has an active Jobs Vacant or Jobs Wanted notice board.

Listing a Job Vacant or Job Wanted is simple and can be done online.

Go to the BIA home page www.bia.org.au or www.bia.org.au/employment Listings are usually loaded onto the website within 24 hours.

For assistance, please contact Justine Merrony justine@bia.org.au or Linda English linda@bia.org.au Phone: (02) 9438 2077

30 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Forecast: Hunter Coastal Waters

Forecast issued at 10:38 am EDT on Thursday 28 March 2013.

Weather Situation A cold front is just east of Bass Strait while another cold front over western Bass Strait will move rapidly across Bass Strait by late evening. A high pressure ridge will extend across southern New South Wales on Friday.

Forecast for Thursday until midnight Strong wind warning for Thursday for Hunter Winds Westerly 15 to 25 knots increasing to 20 to 30 knots then tending southwesterly 20 to 25 knots in the late evening.

Seas Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 2 metres around midday.

Swell Southerly about 2 metres.

Friday 29 March Winds West to southwesterly 15 to 20 knots decreasing to 10 to 15 knots in the morning.

Seas 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing below 1 metre during the morning.

Swell Southerly about 1.5 metres.

Saturday 30 March Winds West to northwesterly about 10 knots increasing to 10 to 15 knots during the morning then tending west to southwesterly during the afternoon.

Seas Up to 1 metre.

Swell Southerly about 1.5 metres.

Example of a Wind Warning Summary: Marine Wind Warning Summary for New South Wales Issued at 10:38 am EDT on Thursday 28 March 2013 for the period until midnight EDT Friday 29 March 2013.

Wind Warnings for Thursday Strong wind war ning for the following area: Eden Coast, Batemans Coast, Illawarra Coast, Sydney Coast and Hunter Coast.

Wind Warnings for Friday Strong wind war ning for the following area: Eden Coast and Batemans Coast.

The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 4:50 pm EDT Thursday.

Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.

A new approach to marine estate management

M

inister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker has announced decisions around the management of the NSW marine estate will now be based on science and in the long term interest of community, marine ecosystems and industry.

“The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment for a common sense marine parks policy and is supporting the principal recommendations of the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

The NSW Government is taking a new approach to protect the NSW marine estate, which includes coastal waters, estuaries and beaches: • Establishing two new advisory bodies, the Marine Estate Management Authority, to replace the existing Marine Parks Authority, and the Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel; • Effective immediately there will be an amnesty allowing line fishing from ocean beaches and headlands in sanctuary zones with the exception of identified sites for the protection of threatened species. All other recreational fishing restrictions including bag and size limits will apply. The Expert Knowledge Panel will undertake a six month assessment of recreational fishing access to these areas; • Undertaking threat and risk assessments for the NSW marine estate; and • Remaining committed to the moratorium on new marine parks, pending advice from the new Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel.

“After years of political interference and decisions based on poor or incomplete science by the previous Labor Government, the credibility of Marine Parks and our fishing industries has been undermined,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The NSW Government’s vision is for a balance between economic growth, particularly in our regional communities, and conserving our marine ecosystems leading to a greater appreciation of its unique value,” Ms Parker said.

Associate Professor Bob Beeton, Chair of the Audit Panel, said the key recommendations for effective and sustainable management are captured in the Government’s response and will benefit recreational and commercial interests, marine biodiversity and the community.

“These changes will not adversely impact the commercial fishing industry, which is currently undergoing significant reform, and industry can take confidence that future decisions around access to resources will be undertaken in an independent and transparent manner,’ Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The average commercial catch from NSW wild fisheries over five years to 2010/11 was approximately 15,000 tonnes, the NSW Government expects this to continue in the foreseeable future notwithstanding unexpected circumstances.”

The Marine Estate Management Authority will replace the Marine Parks Authority and will be informed by the work of the Expert Knowledge Panel, providing independent advice across ecology, economics, and social sciences.

“I am pleased to announce two eminent individuals to lead the respective organisations who have extensive experience in public administration, natural resource management and economics. The independent chair of the Authority is Dr Wendy Craik and the independent chair of the Expert Knowledge Panel is Dr Andrew Stoeckel,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

The Authority will convene its first meeting in the coming weeks. Expressions of interest for the remaining Expert Knowledge Panel positions are now open.

For further information visit www.marine.nsw.gov.au

Soldiers Point Sailing School – Learn to Sail Program

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un in conjunction with the Real Futures Program, Soldiers Point Sailing School is an initiative of and sponsored by Soldiers Point Marina.

Soldiers Point Marina’s most significant community project to date is our ongoing three year $50,000 cash sponsorship of the Real Futures Program, in place at our two local secondary schools, Tomaree High School and St Philips Christian College both located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Port Stephens.

The Real Futures Foundation (RFF) was first formed on the Tomaree Peninsula in 2003 and is a stand alone non-profit organization which has an established track record of helping to inspire and motivate students to either stay in school or increase their educational engagement and attainment, or choose a positive pathway that enables successful transition to employment, further education or training.

Through innovative and multi-faceted programs provided by the RFF, Year 10 students from the two secondary schools, are provided with assistance to help them pursue a productive pathway and set realistic goals to further their education, take advantage of training opportunities and undertake work experience or work placement.

By sponsoring our local students Soldiers Point Marina is ensuring that they are gaining an employment advantage Soldiers Point Marina established the sailing school in 2011 and purchased eight Optimists and two Lasers for the purpose of giving our local youth the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful waterways by learning to sail. Students from the two schools are given weekly sailing lessons by qualified instructors under the supervision of the sailing school volunteer Co-ordinator, Graham Oborn, during their sports periods at no cost to them or their school and work towards achieving their Yachting Australia accredited Basic Skills 1 Certificate.

Currently several students are working towards achieving their Basic Skills 2 Certificate.

The sailing program is for students who have never stepped on a boat before, or know very little about sailing.

The program, run by instructors qualified under the Yachting Australia Instructor Program, is a hands-on boat handling program, dedicated to building students’ confidence on the water and in themselves.

In September 2012 Soldiers Point Sailing School was gifted an Etchells Class Yacht and that has now been added to the fleet of Optis and Lasers.

The experienced sailing instructors from Soldiers Point Sailing School foster and encourage confidence and a love of sailing and the water for our young people. Sailing builds a sense of adventure, a strong mental ability, and confidence, all the skills needed for life … a perfect fit for the Real Futures ethos.

BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 31

Education, Training & Development Boat Smart Keeps on Growing!

New Boat Smart Dinghies.

T

hree more Boat Smart School Hubs have now come on-line in NSW, bringing the total number of hubs delivering on-water boating safety activities to school students to five.

In the last edition of Logbook, we reported on the official opening of the Ballina Hub – enabling Ballina High School to provide even more access and support to schools in the area teaching Marine Studies. The equipment provided by the project has been a welcome boost to the school community in Ballina, and a welcome addition to the difficult but vital task of teaching boating safety to young people who love to get out on the water.

BIA are excited to announce that we can now add Port Macquarie, Illawarra and Central Coast to the list with their delivery of new equipment and boats, much to the delight of teachers and students alike.

The delivery of brand new boats to the three hubs brings a close to the yearlong project of expanding the ‘Boat Smart – Boating Safety in Schools Program’ further into NSW – a feat enthusiastically supported by local dealers, government, schools and Roads & Maritime Services.

WHEN TOWING A BOAT, TAKE IT EASY.

DON’T RUSH!

When towing a boat this long weekend to your favourite waterway, make sure that your trailer is in roadworthy condition.

• Don't overload the trailer with excessive luggage.

• Don't drive if you are tired. Take a break during the journey.

• Don't speed or drink drive. Be patient with other travellers.

PRACTICE COMMONSENSE, CARE & COURTESY ON THE ROAD & THE WATER www.bia.org.au Ph: (02) 9438 2077 For boating weather, log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine Boating Industry Association

32 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

New boat ready to hit the water in Port Macquarie.

The expansion of the program has been possible with the help of funding from the NSW Government through the Water Safety Black Spot Fund – funding which has provided much needed safety gear, dinghies, motors, boats and resource assistance to schools to enable them to deliver the Boating Safety element of the Marine Studies curriculum.

Greg McNeil (President of the MTA), who started the very first hub at Menai High School in 2009, said “…we are extremely excited about the expansion of this program … our expectation is to reach many more school students who would otherwise not have access to hands-on boating activity that is school based, affordable and backed by both Government and Industry.”

Through the raised awareness of such an excellent program more and more schools are eager to ‘get onboard’ and get hands-on in teaching their marine students to be safe out on the water. The BIA will continue to look for ways to support the Marine Teachers Association and, together, seek further funding and assistance to help continue the success of the program.

The Boat Smart program features water based activities designed to encourage the students to get stuck in and learn by doing. In addition, through partnership with RMS, teachers involved in the program are trained as Boating Assessors, with the ability to train and examine each student for their NSW General Boat Licence – with no additional cost to students or their parents.

This is essential safety education for all school children that want to be out on the water, and a lesson that will become a lifelong habit in their adult boating life.

Our thanks to Hastings Marine, Hunts Marine, Insinc Marine, Mid Coast Marine, Ballina Marineland Boat Sales and RW Basham for their assistance in equipping the Boat Smart Hubs.

Look out for reports of our official opening for the three hubs in our next edition of Logbook.

Training 2013

Just a Reminder ...

Now is the time to start planning your training. Book early to reserve your space – call 9438 2077 today or visit www.bia.org.au/training If you have more than 12 people on your site that need their Marine Card, we can come to you. Call 9438 2077 or email Corrina@bia.org.au to find out how.

Other training available – on demand

Please ask about ‘on-demand’ training – we can come to you (minimum numbers required). Call 9438 2077 to find out more.

• Fire Extinguisher Training • Fire Warden Training • Apply First Aid

Calendar 2013

With some of the training you do, you are required to ‘refresh’ your skills to keep them sharp – this is true for Fire Extinguisher, Fire Warden and First Aid training.

Australian Standards recommend you refresh these skills every 12 months, and with your First Aid certificate you are required to recertify every 3 years as it expires.

If you have previously done your Fire Extinguisher Training with BIA, it will only cost you $99 per person inc GST. For details about either of these courses, please call Corrina on 9438 2077 or email Corrina@bia.org.au.

If you need your First Aid certificate as yours is due to expire, call Corrina to arrange a session. Refresher training is only $125 (inc GST), but you must make sure you undertake the training before your certificate expires.

Date & time

Course

Location

20 June – 1pm to 5pm

Marine Card

Lake Macquarie

9 July – 1pm to 5pm

Marine Card

Lake Illawarra

28 & 29 August – 8:30am to 5pm

Managing Environment Health & Safety

Newport

29 August – 9am to 1pm

Marine Card

Newport

17 September – 9am to 1pm

Marine Card

Coffs Harbour

17 October – 12noon to 4pm

Marine Card

Gladesville

12 November – 8am to 12noon

Marine Card

Crows Nest

t a o B for ife L

: Our Safety Ambassadors n & Pete Goss …

Andrew ET Ettingshause

Safety Partners

Visit www.boatforlife.com.au BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK June 2013 - 33

Riviera invests in Australia’s manufacturing future

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iviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst has announced that his family will purchase Riviera’s 14-hectare state-of-the-art Coomera facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

It is the largest luxury boat building facility of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and the purchase of the property and all of its capital improvements will be completed before June 30.

When Mr Longhurst purchased Riviera on 8 March, 2012, he agreed to a long term lease with the option to buy the property.

Over the past 14 months, Mr Longhurst has been very focused on Riviera’s future and has placed a great deal of time into restructuring the business, reviewing all internal processes and procedures, investing in new model development, recruiting the right people for the right job, and growing Riviera’s team and talent.

Mr Longhurst said the purchase of the property truly cemented Riviera’s future in building boats in Australia, employing Australians and continuing to drive the company’s long established export markets.

Riviera’s 14-hectare state-of-the-art Coomera headquarters is the largest boat building facility in the southern hemisphere.

“Last financial year Riviera exported 56 per cent of its total production, which is a staggering result given the dollar was above parity during this period with the US and the overall impact of the GFC on the market globally,” Mr Longhurst said.

“Luxury brands that have true integrity and are driven by excellence, such as Riviera, have stood the test of time through the GFC. Riviera is proud of its 33 year heritage and commitment towards design, our built to last philosophy, and our relentless focus on delivering the ultimate boating experience.

“Riviera continually sources expertise and components from around the world. Many high quality master crafts people are drawn to live in Australia. I believe in South East Queensland’s and Australia’s manufacturing future, which is why we have undertaken this considerable investment.

“Riviera’s Australian headquarters is unique to this part of the world and adds real strength to our brand as Australia is very much a part of the Riviera DNA, and by that I mean that Riviera boats are built for Australia’s harsh boating conditions, and they are built with great strength for whatever the elements try to throw at them.

34 - June 2013 BIA of NSW & SA LOGBOOK

Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst has announced that his family will purchase Riviera’s Coomera facility.

“Our designs also incorporate the great Australian outdoors lifestyle, which means our boats tend to be bigger in internal volume, brighter and more airy and open.”

After visiting some of the world’s highly regarded boat building facilities, Mr Longhurst is confident the Riviera site compares favourably in terms of location, size and technology.

“What we have here gives us enormous potential to further grow and diversify the Riviera brand. We have the capability to future-proof the company in terms of being able to create and build different types and sizes of boats and that really excites me,” Mr Longhurst said.

“It is a very positive time for Riviera and we are fortunate to have a great number of people who have been here for a long period of time and whose passion, drive and belief in Riviera has allowed our brand to withstand challenging times.

“I am also pleased to announce that Riviera has won the large exporter of the year award at the esteemed 2013 Australian Marine Industry Export Awards held on 21st May at the InterContinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove.

“This is a fantastic achievement and I commend our 300 strong team who share my desire to create and build awardwinning luxury boats.

“Our team is inspired by the future of Riviera as they see our new models coming down the line and this award is testament to the hard work and loyalty of our staff as we work together to create the ultimate boating experience for our owners.

“The purchase of this highly developed facility means we can focus on our international efforts as the global market recovers and continue doing what we do best – creating the ultimate boating experience.

“Riviera has built and delivered more than 5,000 luxury boats over its rich 33 year heritage and I look forward to being a part of building the next 5,000 boats.”

Riviera offers 15 different models from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht and the new SUV collection.

In 2012 Riviera celebrated the launch of its 5,000th boat, the 445 SUV, a significant achievement in the company’s rich 32-year history.

Riviera also offers the bespoke Motor Yacht line, Belize Motoryachts. Inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has recently released the new 52 foot Sedan and Daybridge models.

Walcon Marine Australia

• Marinas • Pontoons • Yacht Harbours • Jetties • Walkways WALCON MARINE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD enquiries@walconmarineaustralia.com.au www.walconmarineaustralia.com.au BIA of NSW LOGBOOK September 2011 National: 1300 MARINA (1300 627 462)

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